I'm new to the forum and I'm looking to get back in to the hobby again after a 10 year break.
A bit of background on me and my upcoming project. I was a tank commander in Afghanistan with the tank Squadron based out of Ma'sum Ghar and my ride in and around Zhari/ Panjwaii was a Leo2A6(M) that was equiped with barracuda kit and slat armour (well, they all were actually).
Now time is marching on and I want to have something to remember my tour besides video and photos of us going out and taking it to the Taliban.
I've looked around at the available conversion kits for a Hobby Boss Leo and there are only 2 that I can see:
http://www.perfect-scale.de/Umbau--und-Zuruestsaetze-1---35/Leopard-2A6M-CAN--Barracuda--213.html
http://umm-usa.com/onlinestore/product_info.php?products_id=2818&osCsid=htggkc32cjjets7i337dq4mhv7
I'm tempted to go with the Perfect Scale due to the accuracy of how the kit actually laid on the tank. It's the most realistic by far. Cost is the only thing that is making me hesitate. Ill be buying it if there are no others that are close. The Black Dog kit is not close but sufficient for someone that never saw one in real life.
Another part is the slat armour. I'm tempted to go for:
http://www.trackjam.com/RealModel/RMA%2035219.htm
I've never dealt with how to put PE together. Do you use a soldering iron or something else?
Then of course there are the antenna mounts. I'll have to cut the posts down to an accurate height:
http://www.trackjam.com/RealModel/RMA%2035196.htm
Then there are back deck and turret details here that are required:
http://www.trackjam.com/RealModel/RM%2035154.htm
All in all I'll be on the hook for a bit of cash, not including paint and grey hairs/ crushed beers.
Thoughts?