Leopard 2 1:35 kit, conversion and accessory list
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This list was originally compiled by Frank Lobitz and has been based on his own opinions and observations. Frank provides information on new kits and bits when he is not busy writing Leopard 2 books, or recovering from said writing. Harald Hartwig is a frequent contributor to this list, often informing me of new products that should be added. I (Dan Hay) have maintained the list and contributed a few comments where appropriate.

If you wish to contribute to this list or if you notice any errors or omissions, please contact Frank Lobitz at frank@leotalk.net or myself at dan@onepointed.com.

Please note that all kits and conversions listed here are in 1:35 scale.

This page was last updated on Monday, 05-Jul-2010 14:03:36 MDT.

Plastic Model Kits

The differences between the Leopard 2 MBTs up to 2A4 are small, changed over the years and are difficult to explain, and therefore - so it seems - mostly unknown by the kit producer (the one exception would be Revell #3053). Nevertheless they should be considered by serious scale modellers.

The list below has been based on the box top designations.

Leopard 2

  • Italeri 243
    • the very first Leopard 2 kit in 1:35 scale
    • not bad at all, but hardly meets today's standards
    • at least an A2, but could also represent an A3 and early A4 (all former 1st batch vehicles)

  • Testors 820
    • re-boxed (licensed) version of Italeri 243 (see above)

  • Esci 5022
    • similar but not identical to the aforementioned Italeri kit (see above)
    • missing some details and tools
    • includes a separated drivers hatch, sectioned track and Dutch parts (and decals)

  • Esci 5030
    • identical to 5022 (identical parts, decals and instructions) but includes 14 so-called NATO figures that are cast in soft plastic and are rather toy-like

  • Heller 81139
    • a very poor copy of Italeri 243 (although it is not a faithful copy as a lot is missed)
    • scrap

  • Lee 306
    • 100% identical to Heller 81139 (ie. scrap)

Leopard 2A2

  • Matchbox 3502
    • licensed copy of Italeri 243 but with new decals

Leopard 2A3

  • Esci 5023
    • a re-boxed version of #5022 officially using the already included Dutch parts
    • doesn't represent a production 2A3 at all

Leopard 2A4

  • Revell 3053
    • re-boxed and somewhat improved version of Italeri 243
    • additional parts included for a 2A4 non 1st batch and a few improved details
    • new decals

  • Hobby Boss 82401
    • a great improvement over their initial Leopards (2A5 DK and Strv 122)
    • the non-skid patches are significantly toned down (ie. they are not quite so thick)
    • some details are rather simplified (eg. smoke discharger arrays are not angled), while others have been improved over earlier Leopards (eg. hinge details on engine deck stowage compartments)
    • not quite on par with the Revell offering, but still good value for the money

Leopard 2 improved / KWS

This represents a prototype/demonstrator for the Leopard 2 upgrade. There were two such examples produced which were referred to as TVM max and TVM min. A third prototype called TVM II was built which featured most of the features of the series production 2A5.

  • Italeri 280
    • based on Italeri 243
    • first tapered turret kit
    • just a prototype-look-alike with some (but not all) of the features of the TVM II
    • already includes the long (L55) main gun barrel

  • Lee ?
    • a bad copy of Italeri 280

  • Trumpeter
    • a bad copy of Italeri 280
    • closer to a production 2A5 than the KWS
    • has an extended hull rear to enable a toy-like motorisation

Leopard 2A5

  • Hobby Boss 82402
    • labelled as a 2A5 / 2A6 (includes parts for both)
    • includes both the L44 and L55 main gun barrels

  • Italeri 365
    • based on Italeri 280
    • well updated to the production 2A5
    • includes Dutch parts (smoke dischargers and GPMG), although the GPMG mount is not correct
    • for more information, please refer to the in box review courtesy of Armorama

  • Revell 3045
    • identical to Italeri 365 (cooperation with Italeri) but having better decals

  • Tamiya 35242
    • a standard Tamiya kit (ie. very nicely done)
    • the gold standard for 1:35 Leopard 2A5 kits
    • made with the support of KMW
    • very nice detail throughout (the cooling air intake grills are extremely well done) and hassle free construction

  • Trumpeter
    • refer to the notes for the Trumpeter Leopard 2 improved / KWS above

Leopard 2A5 DK

Leopard 2A5 NL

  • Hobby Boss 82423
    • labelled as a 2A5 / 2A6 NL (includes both the L44 and L55 main gun barrels)
    • the overly thick non-skid patches (a.k.a. bricks) are still there
    • the Dutch parts are generally quite well done, though the FN-MAG is simplified
    • a more thorough build review is available courtesy of Armorama

         
    Photos © 2008 Paul Truhe

Leopard 2A6

  • Italeri 6435
    • reworked 2A5 in cooperation with Revell
    • improved long (L55) main gun barrel

  • Revell 3060
    • reworked 2A5 in cooperation with Italeri
    • improved long (L55) main gun barrel

  • Tamiya 35271
    • 2A5 kit with the L55 main gun barrel, a sprue of clear parts and other accessories
    • the L44 main gun gun is still included
    • refer to the review on PMMS for a more detailed description of this kit

Leopard 2A6 EX

It is worth noting that the 2A6 EX has not formally entered service with any nation, and only one vehicle was ever modified to this configuration. The modifications were performed by KMW (as a private venture) to demonstrate the range of upgrades available for the Leopard 2. It can be said that the Leopard 2E (manufactured under license in Spain) and the Leopard 2A6 HEL (manufactured under license in Greece) are both based on modifications first applied to the 2A6 EX demonstrator.

I just love Frank's Leopard 2 book, because after having read it I am able to include comments (such as above) that gives the reader the impression that I know what I'm talking about! :-)

  • Hobby Boss 82403
    • this kit is really just the Strv-122 with the L55 gun and the under armour APU housing ... the detail differences between the Strv-122 and the 2A6EX are not represented in this kit

Leopard 2E (Spain)

  • Hobby Boss 82432
    • this kit is the previously released 2A6EX with Spanish decals included ... it isn't really an accurate depiction of the Leopard 2E
    • the only vehicle that this kit may come close to depicting is the 2A6EX demo vehicle that was repainted in Spanish colours to participate in a 2002 parade in Madrid

Strv 122 (Sweden)

  • Hobby Boss 82404
    • please refer to this review and comparison by Frank Lobitz for more information
    • the instructions incorrectly call for the addition of the under-armour APU (this was not ever installed in the Strv 122)
    • the kit appears to be based on the HKCW resin conversion as the same mistakes have been repeated



Conversions and Upgrades

Mine Protection

  • Perfect Scale Modelbau 35014
    • a resin and photo-etched brass set to upgrade the Tamiya 2A6 kit to a 2A6M
    • consists of belly armour, extended front mud flaps and brackets and the later 6/2 KMW smoke discharger array



    Photo © 2007 Frank Lobitz

Leopard 2A4

  • Perfect Scale Modelbau 35040
    • a resin a PE conversion set intended to upgrade the Hobby Boss Leopard 2A4
    • this set may be used to depict a batch 2-5 vehicle, or a converted 1st batch vehicle
    • included in the set would be; a new rear exhaust grill and end plate (the whole back bit), openable non-ballistic side skirts, new smoke dischargers arrays, tools and many other detail parts
    • the gun barrel is not included, but is available separately as item 35041
    • for more information, please refer to Jason Bobrowich's in box review (courtesy of Armorama), or view this review with photos posted on Panzer-Modell.de

  • Perfect Scale Modelbau 35043
    • a set of resin non-ballistic side skirts (the same as are included in the 2A4 upgrade set 35040)
    • the side skirts may be posed open/folded up

  • Real Model RMA 35205
    • a resin and photo-etch upgrade set for the Hobby Boss Leopard 2A4
    • this set may be used to depict a batch 2-5 vehicle, or a converted 1st batch vehicle

  • Real Model RMA 35145
    • a resin and photo-etch upgrade set for the Hobby Boss Leopard 2A4
    • this set represents an 8th batch vehicle (it contains the heavy side skirts amongst other things)

All Leopard 2's

  • Perfect Scale Modelbau 35045
    • 'T-shape' towing hooks
    • a resin set consisting of 4 towing hooks

  • Perfect Scale Modelbau 35032
    • MG-3 and vehicle mount (2 sets)
    • a resin set consisting of 2 complete MG-3's with mount (for the skate-ring on the loader's hatch)



Smoke Dischargers (Wegmann 76 mm)
  • Lion Roar LAM038
    • modern German smoke dischargers
    • contains parts for 8 smoke dischargers (2 sets would be required for a Leopard 2)
    • set consists of turned brass, resin and photo-etched parts
    • appropriate for use with any 1:35 Leopard
    • refer to the review on PMMS for a more detailed description of this set

  • MR Models 35329
    • a cast resin set of the new style 6/2 76mm Wegmann smoke discharger arrays as used on the Leopard 2A6
    • the set includes parts to upgrade one vehicle, consisting of a left and right smoke discharger array
    • appropriate for use with any 1:35 Leopard 2A6, 2A5-DK, 2E, 2A6M-CAN, 2A6-HEL, or any other Leopard 2 having the new 6/2 style smoke discharger arrays

  • Perfect Scale Modelbau 35013
    • a resin upgrade set consisting of the new 6/2 smoke discharger array (as used on the Leopard 2A6)
    • the set includes parts to upgrade one vehicle, consisting of a left and right smoke discharger bank
    • mounting rails for both the Bundeswehr and foreign usage are included (ie. with and without the sunken KMW logo)
    • the same parts as included with the Leopard 2A6M conversion (35014 described above in the Conversions and Upgrades subsection)

  • Perfect Scale Modelbau 35044
    • a resin set of the 'old' style Wegmann smoke dischargers as used on the Leopard 2A0 - 2A4
    • intended to be used with the Hobby Boss 2A4, but suitable for use on any 2A0 - 2A4 Leopard
    • the set includes parts to upgrade one vehicle, consisting of a left and right smoke discharger bank
    • PE cap retaining chains are not included

  • Voyager ME-A016
    • modern German smoke dischargers
    • contains parts for 8 smoke dischargers (2 sets would be required for a Leopard 2)
    • set consists of turned brass, resin and photo-etched parts
    • cap retaining chains are not included with this set
    • appropriate for use with any 1:35 Leopard



Tow Cables
  • Karaya - TCR05
    • suitable for Leopard 1 vehicles
    • includes cast resin cable ends and finely woven 0.9 mm copper cable

  • Minimeca - 3520
    • suitable for Leopard 1 or 2 vehicles
    • stainless steel cable

  • MR Modellbau - MR-50022
    • NATO tow cable set, but suitable for Leopard 1 and 2 vehicles
    • soft copper cable and cast white-metal ends/eyes



Tracks
  • AFV Club 35S09
    • injection molded plastic workable track links
    • a re-box of Elite 35H03

  • Bronco AB3528
    • injection molded plastic workable track links
    • a new tool item and not a re-box of an existing product
    • very nicely done, with two piece track shoes and an innovative design for the pins and end connectors
    • an online review is not available at this time, but the review of the Bronco Ariete tracks on PMMS will provide some insight as to the quality of the tracks and their construction (the Leopard 2 track set builds the same way as the procedure noted in the review)
    • when I take a break from my 1:1 scale basement, I'll try and post some pictures of the set

  • Elite 35H03
    • this set has been re-boxed by HKCW and AFV Club
    • injection molded plastic workable tracks
    • out of production

  • Armour Track Models TK-09
    • injection molded plastic workable tracks
    • includes resin sprocket and idler wheels
    • out of production

  • Trumpeter 02039
    • injection molded plastic workable tracks
    • appear to be a re-cast of Armour Track Models TK-09


Guns

L44 Main Gun

  • Modelpoint MP3559
    • for the Italeri Leopard 2
    • turned aluminium barrel with a resin bore evacuator

  • Modelpoint MP3559-4
    • for the Tamiya 2A5/6
    • turned aluminium barrel with a resin bore evacuator

  • Modelpoint MP3559-5
    • for the Italeri 2A5
    • turned aluminium barrel with a resin bore evacuator

  • Barrel Depot BD35012
    • one piece turned aluminium barrel (barrel, bore evacuator ring/collar)
    • includes a separate (and not particularly accurate) brass muzzle and MRI

  • Perfect Scale Modelbau 35041
    • a one piece resin barrel that may be used on a Leopard 2A0 - 2A4

  • RB Model 35B47
    • a multi-piece L44 barrel consisting of aluminum, brass, resin and photo-etched parts
    • may be used for a Leopard 2A0-2A4 or a 2A5 (with the omission of the rear dust jacket part)
    • it appears as though the barrel may be used for any Leopard 2 kit (with a little ingenuity)
    • photos of the barrel may be found here courtesy of RB Model

L55 Main Gun

  • Modelpoint MP3559-2
    • for the Tamiya 2A6
    • turned aluminium barrel, resin bore evacuator with separate aluminium collar
    • separate muzzle
    • refer to the review on PMMS for a more detailed description of this item

  • Modelpoint MP3559-3
    • for the Italeri 2A6
    • turned aluminium barrel, resin bore evacuator with separate aluminium collar
    • separate muzzle

  • Barrel Depot BD35033
    • three piece turned aluminium barrel (front section, bore evacuator and rear section)

  • Armo (Jadar-Model) 35793
    • for the Tamiya 2A6
    • turned aluminium barrel with a cast resin bore evacuator



Photo Etch and Masks

Aber

  • German clasps and clamps - 35A93
    • the notorious workable clamps, but they can be assembled in a non-workable state (for those of us who wish to keep our sanity)
    • this set was likely designed for use with late WWII German vehicles, but the tool clamps are identical to those used on the Leopard 1 and Leopard 2
    • this set provides a lot of clamps, and represents excellent value for the money

On the Mark

  • TMP-3506
    • designed for the Italeri or Revell 2A4
    • out of production

Eduard

  • 22016
    • designed for the Revell 2A4 (Revell 3053 noted above)
    • out of production

  • 35101
    • designed for the Italeri Leopard improved/KWS (Italeri 280 described above)

  • 35302
    • designed for the Italeri 2A5

  • 35340
    • designed for the Tamiya 2A5 (will work for the Tamiya 2A6 as they are basically the same kit)

  • 35707
    • designed for the Tamiya 2A6
    • out of production

  • 35974
    • designed for the Italeri 2A5 (Italeri 365), the Revell 2A5 (Revell 3045), the Italeri 2A6 (Italeri 6435) or the Revell 2A6 (Revell 3060)

  • 36019
    • slat armour for the Leopard 2A6M-CAN
    • designed to be used with the Tamiya 2A6
    • for more information, please refer to Jason Bobrowich's in box review courtesy of Armorama

  • 36028
    • designed for the Tamiya 2A6

  • 36034
    • designed for the Hobby Boss 2A5/6

  • TP008 ZOOM
    • designed for the Tamiya 2A5 (but will work with the Tamiya 2A6 as well)
    • contains engine cooling intake screens, exhaust grills and screens for the main engine air intakes

  • TP080 ZOOM
    • designed for the Tamiya 2A6 (but will work with the Tamiya 2A5 as well)
    • contains engine cooling intake screens, exhaust grills, screens for the main engine air intakes and a few parts for the commander's PERI sight

  • XT036
    • periscope masks for the Tamiya 2A5/6

  • XT079
    • wheel masks for the Tamiya 2A5/6

Lion Roar

  • LE35010
    • designed to fit the Tamiya 2A5

  • LE35034
    • designed to fit the Tamiya 2A6
    • set consists of PE parts, replacement braided copper tow cable and soft vinyl slave cable
    • refer to picture 1 and picture 2 courtesy of Lion Roar

  • LAM018
    • turret basket set for the Tamiya Leopard 2A5 or 2A6
    • also contains exhaust grills, smoke discharger retaining chains and a few other parts (it looks as though this consists of one fret that would normally be included with LE35034)
    • refer to this picture courtesy of Lion Roar

Tamiya

  • 35272
    • photo-etched screen for the turret bustle stowage bins on the Leopard 2A5 or 2A6
    • given that the inclusion of PE parts [with injection molded kits] has become the de-facto standard, this set should have been included with the 2A5/6 kit

Voyager

  • PE35011
    • designed for use with the Tamiya 2A5 kit
    • includes replacement copper braided tow cable, soft vinyl slave cable a a few bits of styrene rod
    • refer to the review on PMMS for a more detailed description of this set

  • PRO 35001
    • luxury pack accessory/detailing set consisting of PE, resin parts and a turned Al barrel
    • contains non-ballistic side skirts (as PE parts)
    • designed for the Tamiya 2A6 but quite usable on the 2A5 kit as well (minus the L55 barrel of course)
    • refer to the review on PMMS for a more detailed description of this set

  • AP006
    • turret basket mesh
    • designed for the Tamiya 2A5 and 2A6

  • AP007
    • 2A5/A6 radiator air intake grills
    • designed for the Tamiya 2A5 and 2A6

  • AP036
    • modern German tool clamps and clasps
    • appropriate for use with any 1:35 Leopard



Accessories

Engine / Power-pack

  • Perfect Scale Modelbau 35001
    • a multi-media (resin, brass wire, copper wire) conversion/accessory set
    • includes parts to depict a complete power-pack, engine compartment and a replacement engine deck
    • designed to fit the Tamiya 2A5 or 2A6
    • refer to the review on PMMS for a more detailed description of this item

  • Perfect Scale Modelbau 35005
    • contains only the power-pack
    • identical to the parts included with 35001 (see above)

  • Perfect Scale Modelbau 35006
    • contains only parts for a Leopard 2 engine bay (without power-pack)
    • identical to the parts included with 35001 (see above)

  • Real Models RMA35017
    • an open engine and transmission/cooling compartment
    • designed to be used with the Italeri 2A5 or 2A6

  • Real Models RMA35037
    • an open engine compartment (does not include the transmission/cooling compartment)
    • designed to be used with the Trumpeter kit

Ammunition box

  • Real Models RMA3514


Multinational users

Canada

Leopard 2A6M-CAN
  • Eduard 36019
    • slat armour for the Leopard 2A6M-CAN
    • designed to be used with the Tamiya 2A6
    • for more information, please refer to Jason Bobrowich's in box review courtesy of Armorama

  • Storm Miniatures 35001
    • a resin conversion set containing parts necessary to depict a Leopard 2A6M-CAN as currently in use in Kandahar Province Afghanistan
    • the conversion set contains the following parts or assemblies:
      • hull bottom mine protection armour (including the separate escape hatch plate)
      • hull rear skid bars/plates
      • upper glacius applique armour panel
      • late 6/2 smoke discharger arrays
      • C8 carbine storage box (mounted on the turret in front of the commander's position)
      • electronics boxes with armoured conduit (mounted on the turret behind the commander's and loader's positions)
      • turret electronics bay ventilator duct
      • 'T' style antenna assemblies
      • slat armour support assemblies for the turret smoke discharger area (replace the incorrect brackets included with the Eduard PE slat armour set
    • Storm Miniatures do not have a website but a review of the conversion set is available courtesy of Armorama
    • the conversion set may be ordered by contacting Andy Bass at andriybass@gmail.com

  • Modellmarine.de 01035CA2A6M
    • a set of 3 turned brass antennas for use on a Leopard 2A6M-CAN
    • the set includes two conical antennas and one with a step in the middle
    • each antenna is approximately 93 mm in length

Denmark

Leopard 2A5 DK
  • Hobby Boss 82405 (please refer to the notes above)

Netherlands, The

Leopard 2A5 or 2A6 NL
  • Hobby Boss 82423 (please refer to the notes above)
  • Parts are included in the Italeri/Revell 2A5 and 2A6 kits for Dutch Leopards. These parts would include the Netherlands style smoke discharger arrays and an FN-MAG (although the incorrect MG-3 mount must be used).

  • Legend Productions LF1121
    • a cast resin and photo-etch conversion set
    • designed for the Tamiya Leopard 2A5/6, put usable on the Italeri/Revell Leopards as well
    • contains the following parts and/or assemblies:
      • Netherlands style smoke discharger arrays
      • non-ballistic side skirts
      • FN-MAG and mount
      • turret top dry stowage box
      • radio antennae mounts (with the US style ATUs)
      • barrel cleaning rods
      • track blocks and storage brackets (for the turret rear)
    • for more information, please refer to this review courtesy of Armorama

  • Pro Art Models PAU-35018
    • this set is labelled as a Leopard 2 A5/6 German Army / Dutch Batt Conversion but the parts included seem to be intended for a vehicle in Dutch service
    • designed for the Tamiya 2A5/6
    • the set contains the following parts or assemblies:
      • non-ballistic side skirts (with the proper dimpled texture)
      • German late style 6/2 smoke grenade launcher clusters
      • a Motorola tuning box
      • track chocks and carrier (typically mounted on the rear of the turret)
      • new Dutch turret top stowage box (typically located between the main gun site and the commander's hatch)



    Image © Frank Lobitz     		Instruction sheet - Adobe PDF (301 KB)

Spain

Leopard 2E

Sweden

Strv 122
  • Hobby Boss 82404 (please refer to the notes above)

  • Hong Kong Creation Workshop CK-3502
    • a cast resin conversion which is intended to be used with the Tamiya 2A5 kit
    • the Hobby Boss Strv 122 seems to have been based on this conversion set (it includes the same mistakes and/or omissions)
    • out of production



Leopard 2 based vehicles

Bergepanzer 3 Büffel / Leopard 2 ARV

  • Perfect Scale Modelbau 35050
    • a complete multi-media kit, with interior
    • the kit contains resin parts, Tamiya plastic parts (presumably the lower hull, suspension and tracks), PE parts, decals, braided copper wire and plastic tubing
    • a slightly less expensive version of this kit is available without the interior parts as item 35051

  • Elite 3517
    • complete cast resin kit with movable individual link tracks

  • RN Modelle 35026
    • cast resin conversion using an Italeri Leopard kit as a base



Decals

Austria

  • IPMS-Austria 03042
    • contains markings for a total of 34 Austrian Leopard 2A4's from the tank battalions 10, 14, 33, the armoured corps school and the army supply school
    • includes a 16 page full colour booklet explaining the placement of the decals as well as discussing the various model kits available that may be used to represent an Austrian Leopard 2A4

Canada

  • Echelon Fine Details D356044
    • markings for Canadian Leopard 2A6M-CAN tanks in Afghanistan
    • includes English engine deck stencils and plenty of ladder dudes

Europe (various nations)

  • Echelon Fine Details T35008
    • Fearsome cats of the European Nations
    • a comprehensive set of markings for Leopard 2 vehicles as operated by several European nations
    • each grouping of national markings includes decals for specific vehicles, generic call sign and generic vehicle registration numbers making this set extremely flexible
    • set includes engine deck stencils in three languages
    • includes markings for 15 specific vehicles from the following nations:
      • Denmark : Leopard 2A4-DK and 2A5-DK
      • Finland : Leopard 2A4
      • Sweden : Stridsvagn 121
      • Norway : Leopard 2A4
      • Greece : Leopard 2A4-HEL
      • Poland : Leopard 2A4
    • this set has been reprinted with a few updates and is once again available

Germany

  • Truckline
    • several generic sheets

Netherlands, The

  • Echelon Fine Details T35005
    • markings for several vehicles (including YPRs, M113s, etc...) and a sheet of generic Dutch armour markings
    • the main set T35005 is unfortunately out of print but the supplementary set T35005sup, which contains generic Dutch markings, is still available

Poland

  • Toro Model Poland 35D01
    • contains markings for the Leopard 2A4 in Polish service with the 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade
    • contains markings for eight specific vehicles as well as extras and for generic vehicles (including several build-your-own registration number plate decals)
    • included is what appears to be a very thorough cam-pattern and marking placement guide in the form of easy to read full colour illustrations

Spain

  • Echelon Fine Details T35001
    • includes markings for 6 specific vehicles of the Spanish Mechanised Division Brunette

Sweden

  • Echelon Fine Details T35003
    • Strv 122s of the Skaraborgs Regemente

  • Echelon Fine Details T35007
    • Strv122s of the Norrbottens Regemente

  • Echelon Fine Details D356083
    • red reflectors for modern Swedish AFVs
    • a set of self adhesive red foil reflectors intended to replicate the red reflectors found on Strv 121's, Strv 122's, CV-90's and other modern Swedish armoured vehicles

  • Echelon Fine Details D356084
    • silver reflectors for modern Swedish AFVs
    • a set of self adhesive red foil reflectors intended to replicate the silver reflectors found on Strv 121's, Strv 122's, CV-90's and other modern Swedish armoured vehicles



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Last update: Monday, 05-Jul-2010 14:03:36 MDT