Tamiya 35387 - 1:35 Leopard 2 A7V German Main Battle Tank

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the German main battle tank Leopard 2 A7V

The Leopard 2 has been one of the most important Western tanks for decades, and the A7V is its latest German version — upgraded for urban combat and high-intensity operations. Tamiya 35387 reproduces it from entirely new tooling created in 2024.

The model captures the distinctive features of the A7V: the additional frontal hull armour, the new suspension and tracks, and the turret fittings. The engine intake grilles and turret basket sections are supplied as photo-etched parts, giving a scale thickness impossible to achieve in plastic. The driver's hatch slides, and masking stickers are provided for the clear parts. The two busts — commander and loader — come with a choice of heads in helmets or berets.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, turret and equipment
• Photo-etched parts: engine intake grilles and turret basket sections
• Link-and-length tracks
• Clear parts together with masking stickers
• Sliding driver's hatch
• Two busts (commander and loader) with a choice of heads in helmets or berets
• Decal sheet for three marking options, plus patches and sleeve flags for the figures
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Product number: 35387
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model size: approx. 320 × 110 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (link-and-length tracks, photo-etched parts, large model)

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

Building the model:

This is a large and impressive model, yet the build stays approachable thanks to the excellent parts fit typical of Tamiya. We suggest attaching the photo-etched grilles and basket sections with cyanoacrylate glue and precision tweezers. The masking stickers make painting around the vision devices much easier.

For painting we suggest the three-tone NATO camouflage of green, brown and black (e.g. Tamiya XF-67 NATO Green, XF-68 NATO Brown and XF-69 NATO Black); the instructions give Tamiya paint codes for all three options. Applying decals over a gloss coat helps avoid silvering, and a matt varnish makes a suitable final finish. A wash and light pigments convey the worn look of a vehicle in service. For even crisper detail, the Tamiya 12694 metal barrel is available separately — it is not part of this kit.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for the photo-etched parts
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – Leopard 2A7V:

The A7V is the newest German version of the Leopard 2. The upgrade added, among other things, additional frontal hull armour, new suspension and tracks, and an observation device that helps the crew operate in poor visibility.

The tank is armed with a 120 mm L/55 smoothbore gun and powered by an MTU MB 873 Ka-501 engine of 1,500 hp. Combat weight is about 64 tonnes, rising to around 67 tonnes with the mine protection module. The crew numbers four.

A total of 104 tanks were upgraded to A7V standard, with deliveries beginning in September 2021. The vehicles went to units including Panzerbataillon 393 and 104, whose markings are included on the decal sheet.

Original vehicle specifications (Leopard 2A7V):

• Combat weight: approx. 64 t (approx. 67 t with the mine protection module)
• Crew: 4
• Main armament: 120 mm L/55 smoothbore gun
• Engine: MTU MB 873 Ka-501, 1,500 hp
• Upgrade: additional frontal hull armour, new suspension and tracks, observation device for poor visibility
• Tanks upgraded to A7V standard: 104; deliveries from September 2021

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The business began in timber and wooden models, and in 1960 it released its first injection-moulded plastic kit. Two years later came the 1:35 tank that established the scale as a worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for precise moulds and outstanding parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, runs to hundreds of releases and is one of the most comprehensive catalogues of 1:35 military vehicles anywhere. Alongside kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. Today the company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.