OH. MY. GOD. 
SUBMIT THAT MASTERPIECE TO IPMS NATIONALS NOW !!!
The hull is just about done; I still need to add a tow rope - though not sure quite where - and I’m awaiting some track links so I can add a couple of spares, probably on the rear hull plate, though it’s getting a bit crowded. I considered that the kit infantry telephone was way too big and utilised a spare I had from the Revell Leopard 1 (this deficit was also of course, identified in Tom’s review/build). This donor kit also provided some stowage boxes which I’ve secured to the hull sides. These were used on the Dutch Leopards so I reasoned that even if the full length versions wouldn’t fit, they would still have some utility fixed as they are. Any longer tools I will probably secure to the turret roof - which is really the only place left:
I’ve also had to devise the armoured - or at least I’m assuming it’s armoured - cowling for the TV camera on the glacis; getting decent shots of this has proven quite difficult and my rendition doesn’t really represent the original (on the prototypes) that accurately, but as I’m venturing into “What-If” territory, it may past muster; first an experimental set-up using plastic square section.
And with the turret in place just to keep me going:
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There is room on the turret sides for tools, and thin ones like crowbars could also go on the narrow parts of the hull sides. Those might be a good place for tow cables too, though: put the rear end just in front of the stowage box and fix the front end on top of the mudguard? Or do it Leopard 2-style: attach them to the rear tow hooks and then go up and over the engine deck.
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I think - and I haven’t checked fully yet - but in considering the full Bundeswher package (which I sort of assume the Dutch would receive if they purchased the Kpz-70) if most are contained within the 2 boxes, then that probably only leaves the long bar and a bush saw to be positioned somewhere else. I’m thinking turret top, not least for a bit of interest. I might get away with proclaiming that the cleaning rods for the 152mm are also in a box, but I may also have to consider where the brushes would go - larger than the 105mm versions that’s for sure, so 2 x cylindrical containers? God, where does this all end?(!)
Regarding tow ropes: I note that the US version only had one, as I portrayed here on the rear plate:
But let’s say the Germans prefer 2, then I may well fit them as you suggest, or possibly trailing from the centre of the rear hull - but clipped on top as it were, then both ropes leading along the hull sides, or rather the top, for the length of the rope, if that’s clear (probably not!); hopefully, the 2 x Leopard 2 ones I have on order will make an appearance today and I can crack on. I don’t think I’ll fix them to the rear tow hooks - the rear plate is quite busy now that I’ve added spare track links:
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I would assume so, since the Leopard 1 and 2 both have two tow cables. And, in fact, so do most of their tanks going back to the Panzer IV at least.
The lower one of those is going to catch an awful lot of dirt and mud, though, hanging below the bend in the rear plate like that. IMHO they make much more sense on the hull front.
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They will indeed (spare track links) - perhaps I should have just positioned one but that would be inadequate I’m sure. This is the trouble when using a Leo 1 for reference - everything fitted on their rear plate! I don’t wish to put it on the front as that will be swathed in cam nets in any case; I might put it on the hull sides forward of the boxes but have a feeling it may protrude above the hull-line. Thereafter, it may have to be on the turret rear (within the rather sparse stowage rack) or even the turret top - where there is quite a lot of space.
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One link either side of the hull is also an option, perhaps one in front of each stowage bin?
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Yes, that would facilitate a bit of consistency - or balance. I might wait until I’ve tackled most of what is left.
The tow ropes did not turn up today; I’ve still more than enough to do re the turret, and keep putting off the mantlet cover, for some obscure reason. Ditto the smoke dischargers.
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Great work so far, Brian. I really like the way you depict mud and crud on the lower hull around the suspension. Idea noted to most certainly be copied!
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The real reason of course, is to conceal any bad workmanship!
Actually, it needs doing at quite an early stage so I add it all as I go really; I do find, from experience, that trying to add it once the model is completed can be difficult, so when working on suspensions I normally add it all then. However, I do add extra, depending on the effect I want (normally trying to represent at least a couple of days thrashing over some training area), and in this case, there’s still lots to add, plus some camouflage nets of course(!)
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