LEOPARD 1 AS1 MBT
One day in 2004 I was lucky enough to have fall into my lap an old Radio controlled TAMIYA 1:16 scale German Leopard 1 A4 tank model. The original model was first built by someone in 1980 (date written on the inside of the lower hull). This kit has been out of production for almost 15 years so I thought myself lucky when a friend in Brisbane said he had one but was going to get rid of it. There were many parts missing including some of the metal track, turret parts and lights. I had always wanted to find one of these models and convert into and Australian Army LEOPARD 1 AS1.
I swapped the model for some other parts that I had and the model arrived boxed up on my doorstep. After a few months sitting in the box I decided it was time to get this beast out and start fixing it up. I completely stripped the model and cleaned each part ready for repainting. The original model was painted in overall dark green paint which was peeling off.
Then as luck would have it another modeller friend in Canberra who also had the kit decided he was going to rebuild his as a static model and didn’t require his new tracks (which he had purchased from a German aftermarket model parts company). I purchased these off him plus some other parts he no longer required for a static model.
The model was modified with new tool boxes along the side, modified side skirts and turret fittings. All the missing parts where remade and some moulded for future use. Modifications were done from photos I had of a LEOPARD I had seen at the Adelaide Grand Prix in 1991. She was completely repainted in Australian Army pattern and colours and the model fitting back together. The motor and gearboxes where cleaned and fitted back into the model and she is now working perfectly. I have fitted operating headlights, tail lights, search light and a turret rotation and gun elevating system to the model. The model has recently had some more work done on it with the replacement of the rubber road tyres and drive gears.
The LEOPARD has recently been joined by its replacement, a 1:16 scale ABRAMS M1A1 AIM(SA) in Australian markings.
Click on one of the following images for a larger version. 
