German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2A7V

Tamiya 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Summary

Introduction

The Leopard 2A7V aka Leopard 2 A7V (v for “verbessert”, German for “improved”) is the latest version of the Leopard 2A7, developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and unveiled at Eurosatory 2016.

The Leopard 2A7V is KMW’s response to the upgrade programmes planned by the German Armed Forces for the Leopard 2A6 Tank.

The main improvements to the Leopard 2A7 Tank already in service with the German Army since December 2014, is a new armored modular system for the upper front glacis plate of the hull and a more powerful Auxiliary Power Unit of the current APU used on the A7 model. *

F i r s t L o o k

Tamiya launched their new-tool Leopard 2A5 back in 2000, 24 years ago. This model was subsequently revamped and re-released as a Leopard 2A6, including a recent Ukrainian Army version.

Tamiya has now released the ultimate Leopard in 1/35 scale - the Leopard 2A7V.

Make no mistake, this is an all new kit with nothing at all in common with Tamiya's earlier Leopards.

The real tank is a beast and this new Tamiya kit is too - in the best possible way.

The parts count is quite hefty for a Tamiya kit - 507 parts in dark green coloured plastic, 19 clear plastic parts, 12 steel photo-etched parts on one fret, two small polythene caps, four large polythene caps, a self-adhesive painting masking sheet and markings for two vehicles.

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Surface textures are beautifully done - non-slip surfaces, raised and recessed bolts and fasteners and much more.

Detail is superb too. From the moulded-on hull and turret detail to the gorgeously rendered turret machine gun and stowage, Tamiya has really pulled out all the stops with this one.

A thin steel photo-ecthed fret supplies mesh and perforated parts including the engine deck grilles.

All the unique characteristics of the Leopard 2A7V are offered here including the square headlights, additional front armour plate, turret mud flaps and the updated shape of the rear turret.

The tow cables and stowage packs are moulded in plastic. They look quite convincing.

The tracks are link and length type with separate outer and inner sectons.

These track sections snap together - no glue required.

The kit's clear sprue provides not only windows, scopes and lights but also two sets of visors for the crew figures.

The turret hatches may be posed open or closed.

Two very nice crew figure torsoes are included. Each offers a choice of heads with either helmets or berets. Decals are supplied for insignia on their shoulders and German flags on their sleeves. 

Self-adhesive Kabuki paper masks are supplied to block off windows, lights and scopes for painting. This is a nice touch.

Markings are supplied for three vehicles from the 393rd Panzer Battalion and the 104th Panzer Battalion. All are finished in standard NATO camouflage of Brown, Green and Black.

Tamiya offers these colours in their XF acrylic and LP lacquer bottle and TS spray can ranges. The camouflage patterns, including sections hidden by the turret overhang, are illustrated in the marking guide.

C o n c l u s i o n

Tamiya has done it again. Their all-new 1/35 scale Leopard 2A7V boasts excellent detail, world class surface textures and I have no doubt that fit will be perfect.

Despite the relatively high parts count I expect this to be a straightforward build.

This is another dazzling offering from Tamiya. Keep ‘em coming!

* Historical text adapted from Wikipedia

Thanks to The Hobby Company for the sample.
Tamiya products are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited