Wade the model looks excellent. Love the finish with the various subtle tones giving the model depth. I may have to get one of these to add to my bloated stash.
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It’s not too late to add those cables! Each one plugs into the turret roof behind the respective device, into sockets that have those bars either side to protect them. The cable has a metal “elbow” into the socket. The searchlight has a similar elbow into the back of the box, and I forget how the PZB cable enters it. There’s plenty pics out there on the web! I’d use suitable brass wire, and just paint the ends silver-grey to represent the elbows…
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@metalhead85 Richard, thank you very much. When the model goes on it’s base I hope to tweak it slightly more.
@BootsDMS Thank you, Brian.
Speaking of your references and likely Leopard 
projects past, present and future…
…if you’re up for it please consider compiling the Official Brian’s Tweak list for Meng’s BundesWehr Leopard 1A5 & Tamiya’s new Leopard 2A7V.
Both are in the stash and on my wish to build in 2025 list. I’d would love to see something for the Tamiya Leo 2 A7V. It’s hitting the work bench very soon after a couple of prior commitments are wrapped, probably in March but maybe sooner.
I suspect the smoke gernade launchers need chains and probably some other dodads and probably fiddle bits.
As inspirational listening 
Panzerlied - BundesWehr Version
^^^^ that always sounds like Over There, Over There to me…anyway it’s an interesting short video.
…looking in the wrong direction…
…fixed…
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I think the cable is a bit longer than you seemingly describe Tom; I think it sort of loops around those stanchions before connecting to the socket. I always use solder for the cable on mine. lead wire - if chunky enough - would also work.
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Wade, the last photo is mirror inverted. Emblem on a german beret is always on the left side. Emblem on the right side is the french version. I wore this black beret with pride 4 years … 
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I’m not quite sure I’m the person re any tweak list Wade; it’s been done I think by those far better qualified than I. Doesn’t the site “Leopard Club” have a reference cum tweak section? I could answer my own question by looking it up I suppose.
I sort of try and model what I see; I’ll build as accurately as I can but of course, I always seek to portray (most of) my models going about their day-job, which means nearly always, I depict cam nets and foliage, according to the effect I require, ergo, details are inevitably obscured so in some cases I don’t even bother to add or build what is going to be covered. I’m sure that makes me a bad modeller!
If I had to list my (limited) methodology of tackling Leopards it would be something like this:
Check correct number of episcopes
Identify a really decent tow-rope
Ensure turret hatches’ rings do not have a raised ridge
Add chains to smoke discharger caps
Add appropriate stowage; check refs
Identify and add decent antennae - they make such a difference
Add cam nets according to taste and refs
Populate with crew if desired
Add power cable to searchlight (if fitted)
Remember to add black pastels over exhaust louvres
I’ve left out the weathering piece - all modellers will have their own ideas, and not many models look as filthy as mine(!)
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Fantastic job on the completed Leopard 1A3/A4 Wade!
I’ve bookmarked this thread for use as a reference for when I build one. 
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@BlackWidow Torsten, thank you for that fascinating detail! I didn’t know that, was clowning around with the image & flipped.
If I incorporated the beret into a display base for a Leopard 1 or 2, should the beret be to the left of the name plate? To left in general? Here’s a mock up minus ground work of what I had in mind.
Obviously, I have to get a Leopard 1A3 name plate.
Thank you.
@BootsDMS Brian, thanks!
As previously mentioned research isn’t one of my hobbies, so your list looks good.
@frank Frank!!! Thank you!!! You answered so many lingering questions!
I’d started to add the cover & chain for mantlet but couldn’t find a picture of where to anchor the chain.
Likewise, there’s an antenna like thing in the Meng kit I couldn’t identify. It’s apparently the power port for the PzB 200 & infrared search light etc.
Likewise, that fantastic engine deck picture makes my day.
@Terry1954 Terry, thank you! I’m very happy the thread may have some usefulness for your future Leo build! Many excellent forum members have contributed
@Barney Steve, that Leo looks like an A5. There’s a Revell-a-gram in the stash and a Meng if memory serves.
Ready for the next Leo…
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The picture was taken in 1977. At that time we had the 1A2. We didn’t start the 1A5 upgrade until 1996.
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Hi Steve, Wasn’t the 1a2s on loan for trials / training till The improved A3s were issued, in 78-80, then a5 turrets, swapped later in 96 as it was a cheeper upgrade
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I think the left of the name plate and since the beret already has the German flag, I would save the pin flag for another base. Wouldn’t be efficient to have two German flags on the base. That would be very anti German.
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Frank, yes you are right on the initial loan from Germany. I was not a tanker so my data is from Canadian info sites.
We still used the 1A5 alongside 2A4/6 in Afghanistan. The troops liked gthe 1A5 for the ability to fire HESH rounds through thick mud walls, etc. This info I can 100% verify. I did 5 tours in Afghanistan, my unit was responsible for bringing Leo’s into theatre. Plus a family member was a tanker and my son was an infanteer over there.
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Wade, personally I would keep the cap badge left, plaque centre, unit right (if applicable).
This would be how most military presentations would be done.
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@Tank_1812 Ryan, that’s an excellent observation. I think you’re on to something
Removing the flag pin may allow tweaking the beret and name plate plasement to suggest an arrow to the right in the direction the tank faces.
@Barney Steve, thank you! I didn’t know that. Not sure if I can find a unit badge for my Leopard 1A3 but will look.
Sidenote due to circumstances my road trip was delayed and I had too much spare time yesterday…idle time & the Devil’s Workshop…
Interest in a stock near stock build thread on Tamiya’s new trick Leopard and Kaizen?
I think the new kit is pretty amazing and definitely “not your father’s Oldsmobile” so to speak.
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