Military Model Scene

Title:  The Leopard 1 and Leopard 2

Author: M.P.Robinson, Vitor Costa and Chris Jerrett

Publisher:  Kagero

ISBN:  978-83-95157-52-3

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A 116-page softcover book in a 'Famous Vehicles' series is a recent release from Kagero.  It takes on the subject of the German Leopard tanks, both 1 and 2, which have proved to be very successful and long lived post-war MBTs.  The whole book has dual language text and photo captions, in both English and Polish.

There are three sections to the book.  The first, by M.P.Robinson deals with the history of the Leopard MBT series, from the initial Leopard 1, its' variants and operators, moving on to the Leopard 2 and variants as well as the mix of special purpose variants, such as the ARV, Bridgelayer and Gepard SPAA in particular.  This section is also well illustrated with many archive photos to illustrate the Leopard in service, and in service with assorted nations.

The second and third sections are an armour modellers delight.  The first is by Vitor Costa, in which he builds a Tamiya 1/35 Leopard 2A6, with detailing, camouflage and markings of one in Polish service.  The second is by modeller Chris Jerrett and again uses the Tamiya kit but this time with extra detailing, colours and markings for an example in service with the Netherlands.  Both builds are really excellent and equally well explained along with good quality photos that illustrate every stage of the build.  One of the things about both of the builds is how good it is to see a good mix of different accessories, paints and weathering materials from a mix of manufacturers rather than being tied to one particular make.

The final couple of pages (and the back cover) hold some fine colour profiles, illustrating 10 other examples, and which include something a bit different for an MBT, when the Dutch army painted a couple of examples in bright orange, a special scheme in support of the National football team.  With the service and development background, added to two fine model builds, there is plenty here to help anyone wishing to model the Leopard, a fine addition to the range of books from Kagero.

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Distributed by Casemate Books, who kindly provided my review copy.

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Robin