Leopard 2A6M Can Build log

Started on my Herritagecon 2025 project. Converting RFM’s 2A6 to a Canadian 2A6M, was originally planning to do it up as one in Ukrainian service but I figured the Canadian one is more interesting.
Using the 2A6 Kit with the separate Interior set.

Picked up the Leopard Workshop conversion kit, mud flaps and Real Model Canadian T Antenna mounts to aid in the conversion. The LW 2A6M conversion provides the latest 2A6M spec for Canada as of 2017. They are now undergoing upgrades to bring them to the “C2” spec.

Knocked off the first 10 steps. So far instructions are lacking in some areas when it comes to attachment points and there’s a lot of ejector pin markings on the plastic.





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Looks great, will be keeping an eye out on this build.

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A few “eek” moments

  • the hull ammunition bin seems bereft of any attempt at separation from the crew. The bulkhead scales at about 20-25mm, and the bin is really ann open rack. OOF! Or is there more after the first 10 steps?
  • I’v seen other commentary about detail in RFM instructions, and the plethora of ejector pin markings. Is this generally common? I’m acquiring a late-production RFM Abrams kit as a donor to another reject.

Your buildout looks excellent, despite your concerns. Well Done!

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This was apparent during the Ukraine conflict when Leos were being taken out due to the practically zero armour protection for that ammo next to the driver. Not sure if more modern Leo’s have had upgrades in that area ?

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Very nice job so far Alex, that interior looks great.

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Wow I never realized the Leopards had ammo stored in the hull. What about the others like the Chally or Abram’s ? No I’m guessing.

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I got to spend two weeks with the Bundeswehr in 2002 and when we got on a Leo2A4 we noticed the open ammo immediately. There are pics of Turkish Leo’s missing the front left after a hit in the front.

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M1 has fuel next to the driver on both sides.

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This really surprises me: a late generationMBT with direct exposure of ammunition to the crew.

The turret has a blast shield, and blow-off panels (BOPs). I’d have found ways to wet-stow that complex next to the driver. The Abrams has limited (3-4 rounds) in compartments low in the hull. These too have BOPs.

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Sure is odd. The turret ammo is protected just like a M1.

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So far as I can see there is no additional protection for the driver. Seems like not the greatest position in the world to be seated next to 27 120mm rounds.

This is my 3rd RFM kit and this one feels the worst in terms of ejector pin marks. Same goes for the instructions but I think that’s due to the interior, the M4a3e8 with interior was similarly confusing although it was simpler overall.

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Progress continues and the lower hill interior is mostly finished. The first bits from the LW conversion are used. Additional belly armour and the updated reverse cameras as well as attachment points for the rear bar armour mounts.




Onto the engine assembly

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Looking good👍

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Great progress. Looks excellent so far.

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Engine is done





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Looking veruy nice so far. The interior is really well put together. I’ll have to buy the interior set for the 2A6 in my stash. :+1:

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So far it’s been a straight forward and enjoyable build. Lots of ejector pin marks.

Moving to the hull and turret is where I expect things to get trickier with the Canadian modifications

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Hull is mostly finished. The Leopard Workshop kit is designed for the Tamiya A6 which was an earlier A5 hull. The RFM kit is much closer to the A6 spec Canada uses and requires less modifications to it which is nice.





Going to build the turret interior next so that I can paint and seal up the hull.

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Upper turret interior is completed. Had to scrape of some of the German detail and replaced the Co-ax with a C6 from the spares bin.



Work has begun on the lower turret assembly. Lots of ejector pin markings to fill here :face_with_symbols_over_mouth:

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Great work following your build with interest

TinyDog01

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