Tamiya 35242 - 1:35 Leopard 2 A5

Plastic model kit of the Leopard 2 A5 tank in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35242 depicts the Leopard 2 A5 – one of the most modern Western main battle tanks. The A5 version is distinguished by the characteristic wedge-shaped add-on armour fitted to the front of the turret, significantly increasing the protection of the frontal area. The machine is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun, and advanced fire-control systems ensure high effectiveness. The model faithfully captures the tank's modern shape.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret and running-gear parts
• Wedge-shaped add-on armour at the front of the turret
• 120 mm smoothbore gun
• Reproduced road wheels and tracks
• Decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35242
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 285 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit. It is worth assembling the wedge turret armour carefully, keeping the edges sharp. The modern finish is best enriched with a subtle wash and light operational weathering.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail, plus dry-brushing
• Pigments and paints for weathering effects (mud, dust, rust)

About the vehicle – Leopard 2 A5:

The Leopard 2 is a family of West German main battle tanks used by the armed forces of many nations. The A5 version introduced wedge-shaped add-on armour at the front of the turret and a number of improvements to the fire-control system and crew protection, cementing the Leopard 2's place among the leading modern designs.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length (with gun): approx. 9.97 m
• Width: approx. 3.7 m
• Height: approx. 3.0 m
• Combat weight: approx. 62 t
• Powerplant: MTU diesel engine (V12), approx. 1,500 hp
• Max speed: approx. 68 km/h
• Armament: 120 mm smoothbore gun; two machine guns
• Crew: 4
• Feature: wedge-shaped add-on armour at the front of the turret

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. The 1:35 Military Miniature series is one of the most highly regarded military model lines in the world. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.