Will,

Yes, some parts wouldn't be bad to replace, such as you mentioned. The mirrors were only made functional on mine because I couldn't see putting the mirror sticker on and then not be able to see it(as you know, they are to be glued on facing down). Also, the baskets didn't seem like they would be very sturdy with the etched parts just glued to the plastic frame. The aftermarket parts would have done the trick, but I came up with the mods I did and it worked OK.

As for the rear skirts, all I did was cut them free from the rear skirt parts and then swap the sides to put them in the 'flipped up' position. They aren't functional like the real ones, but are only held on by the last hull screw. Had to remove a very small portion of the skirt itself in the area of the hinge to make it work, but it isn't that noticeable with them in the down position.

Eventually, I want to make the older style skirts and do the same method with the last skirts. I still haven't figured out why some tanks have the old style and some have the new. Maybe it's just a matter of using the original 2A4 parts or individual unit preference. Not sure. Almost all of the field shots I have show the older style skirt, tho'.

BTW, have you finished the second Leo? Going to turn it into an STRV122?