German Leopard 1A4 Main Battle Tank
ESCI 1:72 Scale Vehicle Review
The ESCI model represents a Leopard 1A4 when built straight from the box, although it may be converted to a Leopard 1A3 by removing the armoured gun sight in front of the commander’s hatch and replacing it with a periscope. Australian, Canadian and Greek Leopard tanks are similar to the Leopard 1A3 and they will require some conversion work. The Australian Leopard tanks are equipped with stowage bins above the track guards which need to be scratchbuilt as well. The ESCI kit would have been much more attractive if optional parts had been included. Leopard 1A3 ist the more common of the two very similar variants, and it is still in service in several NATO countries, whereas Leopard 1A4 has been completely replaced by Leopard 2.
Contents
- German Bundeswehr Leopard 1A4
- Decals for a Leopard 1A4 of the German 10. Panzerdivision
- Decals for a Canadian Leopard C 1 (similar to Leopard 1A3)
- Decals for a Australian Leopard AS 1 (similar to Leopard 1A3)
- Decals for a Greek Leopard 1 GR (similar to Leopard 1A3)
Evaluation
Satisfactory choice of subject. The Leopard 1A4 is unique in this scale, but a model of the Leopard 1A3 would have been more useful to wargamers and modellers. ESCI has published several variants of the Leopard 1 main battle tank, all based on the same chassis parts.
The rear track skirts have been cut back to prevent dirt from clogging the drive sprockets. This is a common modification.
The model is slightly larger than scale, and it is not compatible with the Leopard 1A5 produced by Revell.
There are no crew figurines in the kit, despite the fact that the turret hatches may be modelled in the open position.
The canvas cover over the gun mantlet does not fit well. A spare part may be scratchbuilt from tissue paper.
The stowage bins of the Australian Leopard AS 1 are not included in the kit, even if decals are provided to build this version of the tank. Serious modellers will want to build the bins from scratch.
The inner and outer road wheels are modelled as a solid cylinder, rather than the two separate wheels one would expect.
The track is not detailed enough on the inside, and the track teeth are missing.
There are no antenna sockets on the turret roof. The AA Machine Gun is modelled without the ammunition box. The hand-rails on the turret sides and the guard around the smoke dischargers may be scratchbuilt from brass rod to add detail to the turret.
The pioneer tools are cast directly onto the hull sides, and they lack detail as a result. Discerning modellers will want to sand the tools off and replace them with cast items from another kit or detail set.
The gunfire simulator consisting of optional parts № 42 and № 37 should be mounted behind the smoke extractor, not in front of it. The instructions are in error.
Possible Conversions
- Leopard 1A3 of 10. Panzerdivision
Remove the armoured gun sight in front of the commander’s hatch and replace it with a periscope. - Australian Leopard AS 1
Convert the vehicle to a Leopard 1A3 and add stowage bins on the track guards. Decals are included in the kit. - Greek Leopard 1 GR
Similar to a Leopard 1A3, but with armoured gun sights of the Leopard 1A5 and PZB 200 camera. Decals are included. - Canadian Leopard C 1
Similar to a Leopard 1A3, but with PZB 200 camera on the right side of the gun mantlet and a searchlight on the left. Decals are included. - Danish Leopard 1 DK
Convert the vehicle to a Leopard 1A3 and add stowage bins on the track guards. Danish Leopards are upgraded with armoured gun sights of the Leopard 1A5. These upgraded vehicles are designated Leopard 1A5 DK, but they must not be confused with the German Leopard 1A5 featuring cast turrets. Danish Leopard 1A5 DK are Leopard 1A3 upgrades with welded turrets. - Leopard OF-40 Export Version
This Italian export version of the Leopard 1A3 has been sold to the United Arab Emirates.
Leopard 1A4 was deployed exclusively in the 10. Panzerdivision of the Bundeswehr, and it was eventually replaced by modern Leopard 2 main battle tanks. Leopard 1A3 remains in service in a number of NATO countries, and a model of this variant would have proved more successful for ESCI. The only obvious difference between the two variants is the periscope of the Leopard 1A3 which was replaced by an armoured gun sight on the Leopard 1A4. ESCI should have chosen the Leopard 1A3 as the main subject of this kit, and it would have been a good idea to include optional parts for both variants.