Tamiya 35362 - 1:35 Leclerc Series 2 French Main Battle Tank

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the French Leclerc Series 2 main battle tank

The Leclerc was developed to meet the French Army's need for a modern main battle tank with heavy firepower and high mobility. An autoloader made it possible to reduce the crew to three, while a powerful diesel engine gives excellent performance for a vehicle of around 56 tonnes.

Tamiya 35362 depicts the Series 2 version and is based on the 2005 Leclerc tooling. The model captures the distinctive angular turret with its modular armour, the long 120 mm smoothbore gun and the modern running gear. The road wheels are moulded in plastic and the tracks are supplied as vinyl bands.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, turret and running gear
• Plastic road wheels
• Vinyl band tracks
• Waterslide decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35362
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model length: approx. 282 mm
• Skill level: beginner

Please note: the kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

The model builds efficiently: the large turret and hull surfaces fit well, and the vinyl band tracks allow the running gear to be closed up quickly. It is worth spending time on the finish of the flat armour surfaces, which are clearly visible once painted, and on the careful placement of the external turret equipment.

A three-tone NATO camouflage of green, brown and black is a good choice (e.g. Tamiya XF-67 NATO Green, XF-68 NATO Brown and XF-69 NATO Black), following the scheme selected from the instructions, which include the manufacturer's paint codes. Applying the decals over a gloss coat helps avoid silvering, and a matt varnish makes a suitable final finish. Modellers wishing to raise the level of detail can use the Tamiya 35280 photo-etched parts set — an accessory sold separately and not included in this kit.

Tools required:

• Sprue cutters
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Gloss varnish for decals and matt varnish for the final finish
• Wash to bring out detail
• Optional: pigments for dust effects

About the vehicle – Leclerc:

Work on a successor to the AMX-30 led to the Leclerc, a design built around automation and modern fire-control systems. The autoloader made it possible to reduce the crew to three while maintaining a high rate of fire from the 120 mm smoothbore gun.

Power comes from a SACM V8X diesel engine of 1,500 hp, giving the 56-tonne tank an excellent power-to-weight ratio and high tactical mobility. The armour is of modular construction, which simplifies repairs and upgrades.

The Leclerc entered service in 1992 and forms the backbone of French armoured units. Successive production series — including Series 2 — introduced improvements to the powerpack, electronics and protection systems. Tanks of this type have also served outside France, notably in the United Arab Emirates.

Original vehicle specifications (Leclerc):

• Length: approx. 9.87 m (gun forward)
• Combat weight: approx. 56 t
• Crew: 3
• Main armament: 120 mm smoothbore gun with autoloader
• Powerplant: SACM V8X diesel engine, 1,500 hp
• Armour: modular
• In service: since 1992

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company began in the timber trade and wooden products, releasing its first plastic model kit in 1960. Two years later came its first 1:35 scale tank — a scale that, thanks to Tamiya, became the worldwide standard for armour modelling. The brand is known for precise injection moulds, well-thought-out kit engineering and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, comprises hundreds of releases covering both modern and historical vehicles from around the world. Tamiya instructions are clear, richly illustrated and include paint codes from the company's own range. Alongside model kits, Tamiya offers a full range of accessories: paints, cements, putties, tools and brushes. Today the company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.