OK, big update here:
On the hull, I opened up the periscope covers--they're molded rather off-kilter. An exacto blade handles this easily. I then sunk some spare clear periscopes into them which you can see in later pics. This is the "Before" photo. Also, note the simplistic light mounts. I would also clean those off and use the ones from the Leo 1A4.
Note here the improved lights and mounts, plus the state of the periscopes.You can also see the improved mirror mounts using wire and the 1A4 lights. I added wires to the horn (?) and removed the molded chains on the hull front, to be added after paint. I also added welds to the front towing hooks.
The front of the sponsons don't go all the way to the front of the fenders and have to be filled with plastic card.
The front hull also has to be sanded smooth where it joins---there is a lip on top of it, but NOT the bottom.
The cables are contained within these strange hooks on the rear engine exhaust outlets..
I fashioned them thus..
Notice the tow hook projections here and the rudimentary pintle on the rear. I would wind up replacing these with pieces from the junked Kpz70 hull that I had..
I also wound up adding missing welds along the top and sides of the hull, various other small projections and mounting pins on the rear. I detailed the box on the left, and added AM tow cables from a Panther, cut to proper size.
The light cable was a challenge to make; it was hard to find out how the cable came out of the hull, but I managed to find a close-up pic, and -- thank god for the spares box--found something that could replicate the tube that housed the cable end. The cable is copper alloy wire.
The original grab handles on the first production lot Leo 1's are prototypical almost; they have no inner brace and are at significantly different places than the kit would have you put them. Though this photo from a later batch shows the middle braces, I filled the old holes and marked out the new, using this photo for a guide.
I also found an Eduard PE set in the Leo 1A4 kit, and used a lot of that for the tool mountings. Not nearly as bad an experience here as with that PZ IV Vorpanzer...
Some finished photos. Interestingly, while making this post, I found a few small details that I have yet to add; esp. two lifting hooks on the front hull. The darker plastic parts are from the Tamiya Leo 1A4. I decided to keep the early Leo 1 chevron tracks.
ALMOST ready for paint...
Once I find those lifting hooks I should be good to go. Call out if you see anything that needs attention!
