Canadian Leopard C2 Mexas with TWMP

Andrew Gledhill
Update 1, 08.04.24. Hi folks. I have become a beneficiary of Models for Heroes. I was sent a large box of models to build, plus some tools etc. This is the first of the models they sent me, that I have decided to build. This is a Canadian tank with a mine plough attached to the front. I have never built a Hobbyboss tank kit. But, so far, I am not that impressed. I have been working on the lower hull, wheels and tracks. The wheels had to be glued onto the torsion bar ends. There is no provision to have them rotate via poly caps. Even the drive sprockets do not rotate. The overall Green colour is the same as Tamiya XF-89 Dark Green 2, according to the instructions. So, that is what I have painted the lower hull and wheels with.
The tracks were of the individual link type. These had to be glued together, link by link. There was a jig on the sprue (not mentioned in instructions) to get the required gap between the track links. But I found that when I glued the links together with extra thin cement. The glue would just run down onto the jig and I would end up with the links stuck to the jig. So, I had to abandon using the jig, and just put the links together, flat on my bench. Instructions said about 80 links per side. But in the end, I used 81 links per side. I made 4 sections of track. Painted these sections with Mr Hobby Super Metallics Dark Iron. Once dry this was buffed up with a soft brush. I then painted the tops of the rubber track pads with Rubber Black. Once dry, I used super glue to join 2 track pieces together to form 1 length of track. These then had to be carefully wound around the wheels and glued into position with super glue. I was I could say this was simple. It wasn't. My track links would break in numerous places. These had to be glued back together with super glue. Then I had to glue parts of the tracks to the wheels and drive sprockets. The result is not the best looking pair of tracks. In fact, they are pretty crap. I fully expect them to break at some point in the future. Look at the picture of 2 tanks in the album. Top is this model, and bottom is my Tamiya Challenger 2. The Challenger 2 has wrap around vinyl tracks. Can you tell the difference? I can't. Sometimes good old vinyl tracks are good enough. Especially when most of them will be hidden behind side skirts.
Anyway, the kit has a fully detailed engine, and that is what I am doing next. Enjoy.

Andrew Gledhill
Update 2. 08.04.24. OK. I have finished the engine, apart from painting it. I must say. What a waste of time with all that PE etc. After test fitting the engine to the hull, I have found that you will hardly be able to see any of it. I suppose you could do an engine removal diorama. But that would mean cutting more of the engine deck hatches open. I won't be doing anything like that. I will take the engine out again for painting. That will be the next job. Enjoy.

Andrew Gledhill
Update 3. 14.04.24. Well, for what its worth. I have painted and installed the engine. But look at what will be viewed through the one open hatch on the engine deck? Total waste of time including a detailed engine. The only way to display it would be to cut the larger hatches open. Which I am not going to do. Also note the 4 large ejector pin marks in the top of the piece above the engine fan. Why couldn't they just put the ejector pins on the underside of the part? Way to go Hobbyboss. I am rapidly getting pissed off with Hobbyboss kits.

Andrew Gledhill
Update 4. 12.05.24. Hello again. It's been awhile since I posted an update on this one. I have finished the main hull of the tank. Painted the main green colour on the hull. I have also made up and painted the 2 tow cables, and fitted them to the hull. Next I have assembled the mine plough attachment. It is only placed in position in the photos. There is still a small chain to add to the mine plough after its been painted. I have shown in the photos the plough in 2 positions. Stowed in the up position, and deployed in the down position. Oh, and I have lost count how many times I have broke off one of those plough heads lights. Hobbyboss provide no clear glass for those headlights either. Plus no clear glass for the rear lights on the hull. Anyway, that's it for now. Enjoy.