Leopard 1A4

[paulh.]

A straightforward OOB build , with simple paint-job and minimal weathering- well that's the plan.
I know that this version is often slagged off for primarily turret issues, but actually its not all that bad and is an order of magnitude better than the old Kampfpanzer Leopard.
As always with Mr T's engineering it really does fall together quite well. , aided by a sesnible parts count- I guestimate it to be a bit shy of 200.

A couple of shorts of WiP; about 4 hours work- but most of it is just leisurely cut, sand and dryfitting time.





TTFN
P

[paulh.]

Currently I'm thinking of a simple Bundeswehr green, but I might be tempted to go for NATO 3-tone.
Basically I'm undecided and I think it'll probably be what I feel I can do justice to when it comes to breaking out the AB.
P

[paulh.]

Update;
virtually completed, with just tracks & shields a few details bits to be added. A blast of Halfords Grey auto-primer and here's where I'm at:





I'd forgotten the joy of putting one of Mr T's kits together
Hope to get started on some colour this week, ad at this rate I might even get this finished intime for Febs MoM.

And to top it all - Ireland and 13-5 up ;D ;D
Hopefully a good sign for the PAT's later tonight
Later dudes

P

Sorted the pics

[paulh.]

Basecoat of Tamiya Xf51- Khaki Drab, but still haven't decided on the final scheme



Hopefully an update in the next couple of days.
TTFN

[406 Silverado]

Man that was fast. Love seeing the painting stages starting. woohoo....fun stuff now.

[rm6239.]

PaulH

Very quick and neat work mate, looking good with some colour.

cheers

Rossco

[jackh.]

Moving fast Paul, looking forward to see what you can get out of this oldie

[paulh.]

Well I've decided on NATO 3 tone but...

A couple of coats of TS61 -NATO green and I hit my first problem- the turret and hull ciame out as 2 different tones (sorry no pics too bloody annoyed and confused)

Any ideas? -and before anyone asks- I used the same can

[Mence]

Err no Paul, no idea unless you didn't shake it well enough?

[paulh.]

just figured it out....
Lids got swapped between NATO green & Oliver Drab ...what a bleedin' numpty

[armorguy]

Come on Paulh, pick up that airbrush and give it a shot with the right color, no big deal mate !

[paulh.]

Cheers Guy -Thats the danger of using rattlecans I suppose.

jackwagon - I've seen you painting mush- nothing wrong with it to my eye- just need to do a bit more or you'll end up snow blind

I need to pick up some NATO brown & Black (in jars) on the way home this evening. Hopefully I'll get the brown on before ZZZ time.

Planning to have this finished by the end of this month - 'cause March is going to be a busy time in work- so probably not a lot getting done for a while after that.

Hey ho - it pays for my hobby so I can't complain too much I suppose.
P

[406 Silverado]

I don't use the rattle can. For me everything is done with an AB to get even coverage and get into all the nooks. You just need to use the right color and get them the same.

[paulh.]

Now its starting to look like what it's meant to...
Sorry the pictures aren't the best, I'll get around to a propper set-up...sometime...




Looks s bit blotchy at the mo, but that should settle as it dries and a few filters

ACW

P

[paulh.]

Cheers jackwagon. I know the stuff you mean- trip to Hoobycraft later today I think.

General query/advice request to all in the know:

What would be the "best" filter for NATO 3-tone?
I've got a SIN industries filter for tritonal camo -but that's probably mant for dunkelgraub schemes.
Would it be suitable?

TIA
P

[jackh.]

Looking good Paul

[paulh.]

Mr H ,
thank you very much sir.

[wouter]

Nice work mate, the camo looks the deal.

For some reason I want to do a Leo I some day, but sadly that'll have to wait untill some company decides to bring out an upgrade for the kit which was used buy the Belgian Army...

Keep up the good work!

Cheers

[armorguy]

Love the camo paulh ! This is how we know a Leo !

[paulh.]

Feb 12, 2012 4:46:08 GMT -5 wouter said:

Nice work mate, the camo looks the deal.

For some reason I want to do a Leo I some day, but sadly that'll have to wait untill some company decides to bring out an upgrade for the kit which was used buy the Belgian Army...

Keep up the good work!

Cheers

Wouter- dont be a whimp - scratcherize it! ;D

[paulh.]

Guy- sorry I missed you with the last post . Agree with you though- thats the way a Leo is meant to look!

Cheers for the link jackwagon. Unfortunately, I haven't got any of those at the mo , but I WILL be investing. But I reckon I could make up those - or something very close to them from what I do have in my paint box

anyhooo, back to my instructionless '55...

[wouter]

Feb 12, 2012 11:45:54 GMT -5 paulh. said:

Feb 12, 2012 4:46:08 GMT -5 wouter said:

Nice work mate, the camo looks the deal.

For some reason I want to do a Leo I some day, but sadly that'll have to wait untill some company decides to bring out an upgrade for the kit which was used buy the Belgian Army...

Keep up the good work!

Cheers

Wouter- dont be a whimp - scratcherize it! ;D

LOL, but I AM a wimp ;D ;D ;D

scratchin' ey...now that's one thing which I am afraid off (think it bites ;D)

Maybe jackwagon should scratch the extras for it and sell them to me ;D

(now that's a lot of smilies )

Cheers

[paulh.]

Cheers Guys ;D
Wouter- careful what you put in black and white mate- you never now who's reading these posts... ;D

Well its not going to get too dirty Chris. I want to try and finsh something almost factory fresh- just for the experience, as looking on my shelf I've realised it's something I haven't actually done yet ;D

Hopefully a picture update later this evening once I do some detail painting for tools etc.

Keep the faith.

P

P

[paulh.]

I've made up my own filter/wash using Humbrol buff as a base, with some liquin.
After 2 applications the effect is still quite subtle- less is more









This pic shows ithe result more clearly after about 48 hours;



As always gents; ACW

Cheers
P

[wouter]

Nice filtering mate, indeed subtle though noticable. Did you apply it at once on top of the paintwork or did you spray a varnish layer in between?

Cheers

[bigjohn]

The filter looks good paul.

[paulh.]

Hi Wouter,
Straight on top of the paint- no varnish. In fact I try not to use the stuff for anything other than spotting for decals- when I use 'em.
For the running gear it'll be more of a thcker wash +/- a light dusting with the AB and some LC Dust.

High John- thanks for that .

P

[jackh.]

Filtering looks good Paul progressing nice and easy mate.

[paulh.]

Cheers Jack, hoping for some more progress very soon.
P

[Deleted]

ONLY 17 would be about right,unlike Brit Chiefy's.....used to cost those guys a fortune in beer to get us(REME) out to fix 'em!!! ;D ;D