Leopard 2A4 - Operation Euphrates Shield

Ingo F
Here we go guys. My new project. This time it will be the Turkish Leopard 2A4 during Operation Euphrates Shield. Originally i was planning to build this Leo in a three tone camo but after finishing the Leo 2A5 i didnt want to have another one in a same colors. The Dutch version was an option but i found the turkish version and instantly liked the color and the minimal camo on the sides.
Right now its not much to see as i am currently weathering the Tiger but the real start should be on this weekend. 🙂
There are only a few changes that i have to do to build the turkish version. Right now the only modification that i did so far was to remove the rear mud guards as they were missing on many of the tanks during this operation.

Peter Hardy
Woo Hoo! I'm in first!!!!

Ingo F
😄 How long were you waiting for this moment? Welcome on board.

Peter Hardy
Only a couple of minutes, but it's always nice to be first!

Ingo F
Hehe. Somehow i am stuck with Leos right now. Mexas is almost done. Only the figure is missing.

Ingo F
I have completed the build and searching for suitable stowage pieces for the rear bin right now. I am thinking of adding two or three resin stowage pieces that can be seen on the right side of the bin half covered with tarp as the rest of the bin. Going to use green stuff for the tarp.

I really enjoyed the build of this kit and you sure can call it a state of art kit. Highly recommended for everyone who wants to build an detailed Leopard 2A4 and enjoy the build without any flaws.
My only issue (or my bad luck 😄) with the kit was the slightly warped upper hull. Had some issues to join the lower and the upper hull together. But as you can see it worked out. 😄

Here some changes and modifications that were done to represent the turkish Leopard 2:
1. Rear mud guards were removed as they are missing on most of the photos from the tanks in Syria.
2. Solid molded on grab handles on the upper hull were replaced with wire.
3. Tow cables were replaced by Eureka XXL pieces as you get an rope in the kit instead of brass wire.
4. Tow cable holders on the upper hull were molded on pieces of plastic. Replaced by 0.2 mm cut out cooper sheet that was bend into the right shape.
5. Kit main gun looks alright but was replaced with much better looking RB Model gun.
6. The MG3 on the roof was omitted as it is missing on almost all pictures from the Leos in Syria.
7. Turkish Leos use American style antennas. Therefore i had to scratchbuild the holder. The mounts and antenna were used from the leftovers of the Stryker build.
8. The camera sensor on the right side was scratchbuild from an resin block that was sanded down to the right size. Unfortunately i cound not find and good images of the sensor. Therfore i am not sure if the size is right. The cover above the sensor was made from the same 0.2 mm copper sheet. The cabling from 1 mm round evergreen profile.
I think thats all. 😄

Ingo F
Thank you mate. 🙂

Patrick Hagelstein
Wow! Almost missed this one...

Ingo F
But only almost ... 😄

Murad ÖZER
finally 🙂

Dan M
Nice one, didn't see it

Ingo F
Hehe, you have waited long enough. 😄

Ingo F
Painted and ready to weather. The color is brighter then the original but the varnish and filter/wash will make it darker.

Murad ÖZER
yellow looks perfect to start off with the wx Ingo.

Ingo F
Thanks Murad. The photos change the color a little bit. The model is much darker in original then on the pictures.

Patrick Hagelstein
Then I'm curious how it looks in real life. The Leo in the cover picture has a somewhat orange tinge to its paint.

Ingo F
I put an coat of gloss varnish over the whole model today and the color is much darker now. I took the pictures in the evening maybe thats why the color is off on the photos. I am going to add an heavy delute brown/raw umbra wash over the whole model so it will be darker.
@James: While searching for some good pictures of the camo, i stumbled over pictures that shows the tank with other camo paterns: Missing the green strip on the front, green on the turret rear, black patches on the side skirts under the green patern, only base color without camo sheme .... and so on.

Rene Scheiblich
Whoa very nice progress on this one! Some change from the 'beaten path'🙂
I'm curious to see the result after the wash. It does look quite bright indeed. But I know you'll fix it up well!

Ingo F
Thank you Rene. 🙂 Its more darker now, still yellowish but not that bright like on the picture. I finished the weathering today and will give the kit a finish coat of vernish tomorrow. Final pictures should follow tomorrow. 😄

Ingo F
Finished. Enjoy the pictures. 😄
The filter and wash did their job and the color is much darker now.

Dan M
Looks very good Ingo 👍

Rene Scheiblich
That looks way more like it 🙂 almost done now except for some weathering I guess?

I only saw now... Are the mantlet plugs included in the Meng kit? They look superb 🤔

Murad ÖZER
Now that's gonna be a unique leo in the display cabinet, looking lovely Ingo cheers. 🙂

Ingo F
Thank you Dan, Rene and Murad. 😄
@Rene: The mantlet plugs are from the kit.
The model is already weathered. I decided not to go all out as the real tanks on the pictures also looks "clean" and not beat up. Is the weathering hard to see on the pictures?

Dan M
I think the weathering is exactly like it should be

Rene Scheiblich
That came out wrong then 😄 sorry.
No the weathering is fine as it is mate. It just looks very clean next to the german one 🙂

I think I have to go shopping one of these days. This kit looks to be awesome 🤔

Ingo F
Thank you James. 🙂
@Rene: Hehe, i got it wrong. 😄

Peter Hardy
Foot in mouth Rene strikes again!
Nice job Ingo! Jimbo's comment is spot on!

Ingo F
Thank you Peter. 🙂
Already planning the next Leo but not sure which one it will be. 😄

Thomas K.
nice

Ingo F
Thanks Thomas.

Rene Scheiblich
We can't all be eloquent like you Mr. Hardy 😛
I just hope Ingo isn't too offended🙂

Ingo F
Nah mate, dont worry. Everything is alright. 🙂

Peter Hardy
My dear Rene, the only time I don't have a foot in my mouth is when I am changing feet!