In mid 2008, we were approached by a member of the 1st Armoured Regiment in Darwin about producing a presentation item for their soon to depart Regiment Commanding Officer. He had seen a huge change in the Regiment with the phasing out of the LEOPARD AS1 Tank and the introduction of the brand new M1A1AIM(SA) ABRAMS Main Battle Tank.
It was decided to produce two models. One of the LEOPARD and another of the ABRAMS, mounting them on the same base and face them towards each other, similar to a photo taken when we produced a 1:16 scale ABRAMS for GDLS-A. We took several photos of the ABRAMS facing our display model of the LEOPARD AS1.
Photos and diagrams of the tanks with the markings of the CO’s tank were sent to us and the models built and painted with these insignia. The models were mounted on a polished timber base with a raised block between them to mount an engraved plaque the unit was having done. The model was presented to the departing CO at his formal farewell dinner and was received with great delight.