Meng Leopard 1 A3/A4, TS-007
2 Price - MSRP $84, Spruebrothers.com $68, (I paid $40 via nefarious sources)
Potentially very expensive 2013 released kit with 1970’s quality suspension, 1990’s quality tracks, a 2000’s quality upper hull and 2010+ quality turret.
5 Instructions - Excellent, organized, logical, accurate, good size, easy to follow.
3 Molding Quality - Not impressed. Issues with flash and sink marks on multiple parts and multiple trees. An early pressing of the kit is very likely a 5 instead of a 3.
4 Plastic Quality - Excellent quality material, zero issues with any of the various liquid cements used.
5 Parts Clean Up - Well engineered with easy parts clean up in mind. Many mold seams are often on edge of part and very faint. Definitely impressed.
5 Ease of Build - Zero fit issues, clicks together, I enjoyed the upper hull and especially the turret of the build. Tool attachment well done with keyed notches.
5 Accuracy - To my eye seemed accurate, no Leopard references on hand, I didn’t notice anything questionable. Impressed with the optics and shutters on the turret.
5 Fit - Outstanding, clock work precision. Clean up the part correctly and it fits perfectly.
5 Doesn’t Require Aftermarket - Some folks might want to add a camo net. Details are nicely done overall so it isn’t necessary. PE is provided for what needs to be PE. Softwire is provided for tow cables. Clear perscopes etc are provided.
5 Details built Out of the Box - very good
Two sets of tracks are very nice, one band and other link to link. It’s a good kit that had the potential to be a fantastic state of the art kit but didn’t quite meet my expectations.
** 44 points out of 50 **
44/50 => 88%
Recommended, if subject is of interest to the modeler.
