lDave Ward's 1/72 Revell Leopard 1A5

[Dave Ward]

I'll be starting on this, in between finishing my C-45 Expeditor ( getting to the painting stage )................[ATTACH]324662[/ATTACH][ATTACH]324664[/ATTACH][ATTACH]324665[/ATTACH][ATTACH]324666[/ATTACH][ATTACH]324668[/ATTACH][ATTACH]324669[/ATTACH][ATTACH]324667[/ATTACH][ATTACH]324671[/ATTACH][ATTACH]324663[/ATTACH]
Not fond of Revell's green plastic, parts look OK, detail a bit soft in places ( moulded on tools not good ), but I hope the fit will be good. 2 finish versions, std NATO colours - the only difference being the reg. no. and unit badge
Dave

[Jim R]

Hi Dave
I have one of these so I'll follow closely and pick up tips for when I build mine. I don't like the dark plastic either. I find it hard to see flaws.
Jim

[Si Benson]

A’noon Dave,
I quite enjoy the Revell 72nd armour kits but not seen this one before. Hope it’s not too fiddly for you!
I tend to use my razor saw to get the parts off the sprue at this scale.
Look forward to seeing how it goes together :thumb2:

[Dave Ward]

Si,
according to Scalemates, it dates from 1999, It seems to have aged well, there's little, or no flash.
Hopefully. I'll get a start on this tomorrow.................
Dave

[stillp]

Watching, so I can see if there are any snags before I start mine!

Pete

[Lee Drennen]

Dave if you don’t mine I’ll be watching this one

[Dave Ward]

Off we go.
The wheels are added to the side plates, 42 parts in total.[ATTACH]324809[/ATTACH]
The separate side plates mean that I can add & finish the suspension and track before anything else - I'll see how that goes.
Dave

[Dave Ward]

Tracks assembled. BE WARNED, the sprockets are a real pig to cut from the sprue, and assembly is not positive. I would use a track link to ensure the teeth line up. [ATTACH]324916[/ATTACH][ATTACH]324914[/ATTACH]
Now, it's possible I've lost one track link to the carpet monster ( I didn't see it go ), but I am one link short. No problem, though, as the side skirts will cover up the gap.
[ATTACH]324915[/ATTACH]
Basic hull assembled. You can see the vague moulded-on tools on the side - I doubt careful painting will lift them....
Dave

[papa 695]

Nice start Dave

[stillp]

Warning noted Dave, thanks.

Pete

[Dave Ward]

Been a few days since I touched this..........................
Completed the hull, apart from the tow cables - I''ll add them at the end.[ATTACH]325540[/ATTACH]
The small bits ( especially the towing hooks ) are very fiddly, and the Revell olive plastic is prone to fraying & doesn't cut cleanly.
Turret under assembly[ATTACH]325541[/ATTACH]
Tricky bit will be the turret basket - especially removing it from the sprue!
Dave

[Guest]

Nice progress on this Leopard Dave, tempted to try one myself these 1/72 armor models get better and better detailed nowadays. Are you going to brush paint it?

DIRK

[Dave Ward]

Dirk,
I'll prime, and basecoat by airbrush, but the camo will be brush painted
Dave

[Guest]

Coming along nicely Dave:smiling2:.

[Dave Ward]

Turret assembly completed, and all parts primed & basecoated - I used Mig NATO Green[ATTACH]325629[/ATTACH][ATTACH]325628[/ATTACH][ATTACH]325627[/ATTACH]
The airbrush will be put away, and on to brush painting the brown, and black
Dave