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 )................
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

 

[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.
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.
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.

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.
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
Tricky bit will be the turret basket - especially removing it from the sprue!
Dave

 

[Durk]

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

 

[Deleted member 4539]

Coming along nicely Dave.

 

[Dave Ward]

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

 

[Si Benson]

Coming along nice Dave

 

[Dave Ward]

Tracks painted, and ready for adding to the hull - I haven't painted the top track runs, or return rollers - they'll be hidden by the skirts

The hull & turret camo painted - Mig NATO Brown & Black. Oddly the brown seems to be satin, and the black, gloss - It's all going to be flattened with overall matt varnish, so no problems
There are a few decals to add, but that's nearly it! The next picture will appear in the 'completed' section.
Dave

 

[stillp]

Any problems with the MIG green Dave? Mine wouldn't dry. The brown and black were OK though.

Pete

 

[Jim R]

Hi Dave
Looks good. Nice camo. As you mentioned those tools will be fun
Jim

 

[JR]

Dave .
I agree with Jim. Nice clean looking build.
John.