I recently came into possession of this kit, & am considering whether it is worth upgrading or not.
I read that there are 3 issues with accuracy in this kit. But I am unable to find any information on WHAT those issues are. Does anyone have information on what the accuracy issues are (other than chonky details), and/or fixes?
Damon.
No.
Build it as is and have fun painting and weathering.
There is so much to upgrade and improve so you might as well start with a better kit instead of spending time and money on the Tamiya kit.
Flat hull bottom with motorisation holes. I don’t know if the lower hull has the correct width or if Tamiya “tweaked” it to fit their motor kit.
Tamiya also did the A4 version
In my opinion it’s not that bad a kit; it was also the first 1:35 model I ever built - a long time ago I must admit.
I don’t necessarily think it’s a case of glaring errors, just that much better kits have come along since.
It will still build into a decent model with a careful build and a good paint job, (use a good Gelboliv not a green/olive drab) again, in my opinion(!) I probably wouldn’t bother with the crew figures, they really do need improvement, but again, as Robin says, enjoy it for what it is.
As I say, I built mine a long time ago, but I do recall the tow cables were a bit lacking, being made in “bendy” plastic; at the time I thought the bridge classification plate decal was oversize - I’ve since discovered that the original ones were, indeed, quite large. Motorization holes aren’t really a problem to fix - in fact it’s unlikely they can be seen.
Tracks? Well, to be honest use them, otherwise you’ll be chasing your tail getting replacements.
To sum up: build it as it comes - more or less, and most of all, enjoy it(!)
I think the biggest issue was the shape of the turret. I don´t have the kit, so I can´t comment. But hey, it´s Tamiya. I think that Michael Shackleton knows more. If you look for a replacement turret. PSM has one.
https://www.perfect-scale.de/de/www-perfect-scale-de-3/Leopard-1–Guss-Turm-.html
The tools are very dated in the old Tamiya Leopard 1 kit. While it wouldn’t be strictly accurate, I think some of the tools could be replaced by spare injection molded German WW2 tools.
There probably quiet a few newer molded Pz IV or Panther tools that would look better than whats in the old Tamiya Leopard kit, like wire cutters, axe shovel etc.
.
Yes
probably the best is use it as is . the work to manage a correct model is very high, other model is simply easier to build.
