Preview: Border brings the latest Leopard in 35th scale...

Border model go one model newer with this, their German main battle Tank Leopard 2 A7V in 1/35th scale, about to hit the market early next year. We look at the CAD drawings & the real thing in our preview...

Preview: Border brings the latest Leopard in 35th scale...

German main battle Tank Leopard 2 A7V

From Border Model

1/35th scale

Kit No #BT-040

Photo-etch parts included.

Price: TBA

Expected: January 2024

The Subject: The Leopard 2A7

The Leopard 2A7 is fundamentally different from the KMW variant 2A7+ and is not optimised for combat in urban terrain. A total of 20 vehicles are provided for converting. It involves former Dutch A6NL models returned by Canada to Germany. The last tank remains as a reference vehicle at KMW. A upgrading of the whole tank fleet of the Bundeswehr to A7 standards is planned for the future.

Leopard 2 A7, German Army Training Centre, Munster 2015

The original upgrade to A6M has been extended in coordination with Canada and includes a crew-compartment cooling-system from the Leopard 2 A6M-HEL series, a new 20 kW auxiliary power unit based on the Steyr Motors M12 TCA UI engine, the Saab Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) with Heat-Transfer Reduction (HTR CoolCam) system, a field trial proven combat management and information system (IFIS: Integriertes Führungs- und Informations system), onboard network optimization with ultra-capacitors in the chassis and turret, a SOTAS IP digital intercom system, a renewal of the fire suppression system in the crew compartment, and the retrofitting of Attica thermal imaging module in the commander optics. The weapon system is adapted for firing HE ammunition. It is also fitted for, but not with, additional passive side protection armour.

The Leopard 2A7 main battle tank of the German military participates in exercises during a media day at the Bundeswehr training grounds Oct. 14, 2016, near Bergen, Germany.

The first Leopard 2A7 was handed over to the German Army in Munich on 10 December 2014. A total of 14 vehicles were produced for Tank Battalion 203, plus four more going to the Armoured Corps Training Centre and one vehicle at the Technical School for Land Systems and School for Technology of the Army. The last tank remains as a reference vehicle at KMW. The tank also features a completely new armour package that features Tungsten, Titanium as well as Nano-Ceramics. The estimated armour protection for the hull is around ~620 mm RHAe KE and near ~1000 mm RHAe KE for the turret.

The Danish Armed Forces received its first Leopard 2A7 main battle tanks upgraded in Germany from the Leopard 2A5DK version at the Dragoon Barracks in Holstebro. The Danish Army will receive a total of 44 Leopard 2A7.

Danish Leopard 2A7 MBTs in a firing line...

The new kit from Border Model: Leopard 2 A7 in 1/35th scale:

Border Model have already brought the A6 version of the Leopard II in 35th scale. Now , they go one model newer with this, the newest operational Leopard in use. From the 3D CADs we can see a few details about the kit in design so far.

The fully optioned A7V Leopard II is an exterior only kit (unless they throw one in there without letting us know). The kit is supplied with phot etch for some of the thinner parts like the stowage bins and radiator grilles on the engine deck.

The reverse side of the kit shows much of the same, with photo-etched stowage bins and grilles keeping the metal to a minimum. Modellers like that, only if the detail is just right on the rest of the kit.

The rotating turret, opened and close hatch options and metal barrel for the main gun are all features of this kit. IT is due around January of next year (not long now.)

This kit is due in January. It is not on their website yet, but Hobbylink Japan always get their kits. Check out the Border Models website for more information...