Leopard 1A5 MBT, 1/35 - Hobby Boss 84501

The Leopard 1A5 MBT model kit by Hobby Boss, reference 84501, reproduces at 1/35 a main battle tank Leopard 1 in its A5 version. This plastic kit to be assembled lets you build a German military vehicle at a scale particularly suited for detailing and diorama staging.

The Leopard 1A5

The Leopard 1 is a main battle tank designed in West Germany and entered service during the 1960s. The Leopard 1A5 designation corresponds to a late evolution of this family of armored vehicles, recognizable in particular by its modernized gunner’s aiming system. The Leopard 1 enjoyed a long career within several armed forces.

Kit contents and features

The Hobby Boss 84501 reference includes more than 570 parts. The set combines injection-molded plastic parts, photo-etched elements, and a copper cable. The lower hull, upper hull, and turret are included among the provided assembly components.

• Brand: Hobby Boss
• Reference: 84501
• Type: plastic model kit of an assembly main battle tank
• Subject: Leopard 1A5 MBT
• Scale: 1/35
• Number of parts: more than 570
• Sprues: 13 sprues, with upper hull, lower hull and turret
• Included items: photo-etched parts and copper cable
• Treads: 160 individual links
• Length (assembled): 430.7 mm
• Width (assembled): 96.8 mm

Assembly and finishing

Assembly includes a detailed suspension, road wheels, drive sprockets, tension wheels, and individual-link tracks. The hatches and vision blocks are offered separately, while the clear parts concern, in particular, the lights, vision blocks, and optics. The main gun is made up of two parts.

The photo-etch allows grids and various surface details to be represented with a finesse suited to the 1/35 scale. Careful preparation of the parts, followed by priming, makes painting and bringing out surface reliefs easier. The separate tracks and exterior equipment provide an interesting basis for working on the patina, grime, and the wear of an armored vehicle in service.

Decals

The box includes decals, as well as a five-view painting guide for one vehicle, with two license plate number options.

Complementary products

This model kit requires the usual supplies for static modeling: plastic glue, paint, brushes or an airbrush, cutting tools, abrasives, and finishing products. Modeling putty may also be useful to address any joints after assembly.