The Leopard 2 is much more than just a tracked vehicle; it is the symbol of German engineering and the backbone of numerous NATO forces. While the original already 2019 marks his 40th anniversary of service celebrated, we bring in honor of this milestone this year an exclusive special edition. The Leopard 2A4 - Special Decoration 40th Anniversary The 1:35 scale makes every model building expert's heart beat faster and perfectly captures the aesthetics of the anniversary paint job.
The Leopard 2A4: The perfection of the series
The Leopard 2A4 marks the zenith of original tank development before the major visual redesigns of the A5 generation. Between 1985 and 1992, this type was manufactured in several batches, each of which represented quantum leaps in technology. Our model is based on this historically significant variant, which was shaped by the following evolutionary stages:
- Digital precision: From the 5th construction phase, a digital ballistic computer was introduced, which enabled the use of international ammunition.
- Armor & Protection: With the 6th construction lot (from 1988) the armor protection on the turret and hull front was massively strengthened. In addition, heavy chain skirts and new chains from Diehl were introduced.
- The final construction lot: The 8th construction lot completed production in 1992. The most striking feature here was this Field adjustment mirror at the muzzle of the 120 mm smoothbore gun - a detail that was later retrofitted to almost all vehicles.
Interesting for experts: Many of the A4 variants that still exist today are so-called “Mixed lots”, in which tubs from earlier construction lots were combined with modern towers from the late series (construction lots 6 to 8).
The kit: depth of detail for professionals
With 212 individual parts This level 4 kit offers a demanding challenge. With a total length of 276mm Revell replicates the characteristic features of the A4 with the highest precision.
Highlights of the set:
- Authentic surfaces: Detailed representation of the tower and hull, including the specific features of the late construction lots.
- Special decals: The highlight is the large decal sheet Anniversary edition from 2019.
- Internationality: Thanks to the included markings, different country versions (DE, NL, AT, ES, GR) can be displayed.
Recommended accessories
To get the most out of your Leopard 2A4, we recommend the following equipment:
- Glue: Revell Contacta Professional for precise work.
- Colors (basics): Revell Aqua Color in bronze green (65), leather brown (84) and tar black (6).
- Decal help: Revell Decal Soft, so that the anniversary graphics fit perfectly onto the armor.
Background: A tank for eternity?
Although the Bundeswehr is already working on the successor, the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), the Leopard 2 will remain in active service until at least 2030. With a 1,500 hp V12 engine and a fording capability of up to 4 meters deep, it is still a technological heavyweight today.
This special model is not just a project for the workbench, but a collector's item that builds a bridge from the first delivery in 1979 to the anniversary in 2019 to the present day.
Model building tip: During construction, pay particular attention to the installation of the smoke dispenser system and the field adjustment mirror at the muzzle. These small parts give the tank its distinctive, ready-to-use appearance. For the large anniversary decals, we recommend using plasticizer to perfectly replicate the contours of the armor.
