Well, finally decided to shell out for a 2A6, and have decided to go whole hog on her. The TBU will be coming with the main item, but I also want to get more accessories. I also want to get the best prices, but also minimize the total number of stores used to keep shipping to a minimum.

My detailing list is:

Gun Stabilisation unit: roadwheel suspension arms; idler adjusters; bearing set; possible the metal barrel; metal tracks & sprockets; and some of the AFV detailing kits.

Also some advice if the units are worth the money (barrel, tracks & sprocket, etc.) and which make to get, and from whom.

Thanks (the supplier list is just a list, its not experience and such.

WhiteWolf

Hi there,

I build a leo 2a6 myself and it's a great monster.
You'll need verry few after market parts to make the leo a great runner.
Basically only the suspension arms, bearing set and idler adjusters are really needed. You can even dispute the suspension arms, but the originals broke on my one.
All the rest is just up to you.

The tracks are great so I wouldn't put down to much money on metal ones, and I don;t think the gun stabilization is worth the money. The Gun stabilization works with a delay and I found that more irritating than it was worth the investment.

What you should buy is a machine gun because that part is left out of the kit, and I would pig out on detail parts rather than barrels, sprockets and metal tracks.

Have fun with the build!

greetings,

Pim

I bought for my 2A6
the gun stabliser and the following bits and pieces
Leopard 2 hull reinforcement kit
Bearing bolt set metal leopard 2
Torsion bar mounting bracket set leopard 2
<a href="http://www.afv-model.com/4711shop/product_info.php?info=p264_Bogey-wheel-set-metal-leopard-2.html">Bogey wheel set metal leopard 2
</a><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td rowspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"> Idler wheels, metal, Leopard 2A6</td> <td align="left" class="main"></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left" class="main" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"></td> </tr> </tbody></table> Idler tension adjuster set Leopard 2
Swing arm set Leopard 2
<a href="http://www.afv-model.com/4711shop/product_info.php?info=p258_Detail-kit-03-leopard-2.html">Detail kit 03 leopard 2
</a> Detail kit 01 leopard 2

the build pictures are here http://photobucket.com/leopard2A6

I agree with "pim". The gun stabilizer can be omitted as the response time is too slow and it fails to achieve the desired effect. Perhaps other options like that posted in a previous thread ("Laregler" pitch controller from Germany) may be more realistic. Also, the stock tracks are very good and need not be upgraded. And yes, the hull-top machine gun completes the tank. The idler adjustment may be a sensible upgrade but I'm not sure about the suspension arms. I've got two of these 2A6's and both operate on stock suspensions with no problems so far.

Enjoy the build.

Gerry

Okay:

I agree, the tracks (& sprockets) may be overkill, and perhaps the suspension arms (306) can be bought 'if/when needed' (or replacement Tamiya stock arms)

Some of xf62's tweaks are interesting, but I'm not bullet-proofing her for battle, so a few of those choices are extraneous:
- chassis reinforcement panels (327), bogie wheels (316) and idler wheels (319) are overkill, and I like the stowage baskets (309) but at 72.00 euro, I'll try to solder 'em up myself

On the like/want list: (prices in euros)

- the idler adjuster (310) at 34.95 is wanted (really love my one for the M26A3)
- the MG3 & mount (026) for 21.50 is sweet, to complement the ones on my 1A4's (may even get a few to replace the plastics)
- the tow hitch (304) is economical at 10.25; the mirror pack (302) at 10.60 is nice; and the barrel traverse lock (321) looks nice too at 9.85;
- the detail kit (301) of 4 shackles, bolts & hull mounts, 2 headlights, & 2 complete tow ropes with end loops for 31.50 sounds good too;

- the bearing bolt set (317) at 101.53 looks interesting, but can it be run with ball bearings? as do the torsion mounts (311) at 60.53 (do I need them both?)

Further opinions?

I question the usefulness of the after market adjusters to be honest.<div>In my attempts toover tighten the tracks so that it stiffens the soft slacked grip of the Leo, I manged to adjust the tracks at the extent beyond the recommended adjustment that's required for track replacement. The upper hull won't even attach to the lower hull because the tracks obstruct the ability. While there may be a slight improvement inadjustiveby allowing oneor two notches before it's of no use.....I just don't think it's needed or worth it.</div><div></div><div>The only upgrades I purchased for my Leo was bearingsand metal swing arms. Could have likely done with out the metal swing arms....but I gotta be honest. If you intend on running the tank like it should and can be....it'll likely be a welcomed upgrade. I've been launching the leo off 1-2 foot ramps...lol. Can't imagine the plastic arms taking that kind of abuse...but then again, not everyone is gonna go EvilKnievel! lol Granted...I haven't taken it outside yet....and won't till I've gotten a chance to paint it....but I've given it a worldy test in my home..that's for sure. Friggin insane how it glides on surfaces.</div>

WOW! You launched your Leo off a escarpment? Cool.

I must admit I have been looking at a Leo for myself and one of the things I wondered about was aftermarket parts. The HL tanks have lots of aftermarket parts out there and lots of fix and upgrade threads but very few threads about fixing Leo's and other Tamiya tanks. I like tinkering with these things and would kind'a miss it with a perfect tank.

Just how good are they?

<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; ">The leo is a blast...it really gives a tank enthusiast the best of both worlds....or in essence, a break from slow mo driving with out having to start up a non-tank vehicle. After watching real life Leo's going through their demonstrations...you'll realize there's this freedom to drive how you want with no burden to slow it down. The Leo is pretty durable, but....I have run into one snag and that would be the factory glued sprocket coming apart from my extreme driving. Nothing JB weld didn't fix...better. Probably too good, cause I don't think I'll get it apart again for some time should I ever need too...which is unlikely.  (why Tamiya didn't just have the two halves screw together is beyond me.) <div>
</div><div>There really isn't a whole lot of tinkering to the Leo unless you intend to model one of the other types out there....which call for extreme modifications that I don't feel comfortable with at the moment. Everything is pretty cut and dry and rock solid once completed. If there is any Tamiya tank must have...it's surely the Leo, with out a doubt. Whether you're into modern or not.....it's just unadulterated tanking fun at it's finest.</div></div>

Honestly if you are going to go to the trouble of buying some of that aftermarket stuff on the web site, you might just want to buy an HE Leopard.

Those bogies look really nice but ouch that is a lot of money

Yeah, money may hold me back. For a while...

I am courious, how much of my Heng Long stuff will transfer over if I get Tamiya tanks. Like, do the batteries fit both? And tracks, I like the Tamiya panther too, can I get metal tracks for Tamiya tanks?

The Leo is very cool and I like the fact that modern tanks can be deploied to any enviornment.It makesmy mtn. terrain is not so hard to belive for photo backgroungs. After all no tiger tank ever fought around 14,000ft peaks. A Leo would look great with my mtns. as backdrop. Perhaps Swiss army? My friend served in the Swiss army and could give me pointers.

Certainly bud, in fact...if you have any static model building experience....you'll feel right at home with most all tamiya parts coming in sprues. Tamiya's take the same batts and you'll be required to purchase your own RX/TX...but other than that, easy peasy. Unless you're hard up for a Panther or anything in the price range of $700....my logic says, it's wise to invest that additional $150 for the Leo. But, for some reason that seems hard to swallow for some and I don't get that. $700 bucks for a kit then another $100-$200 or so for additional upgrades and accessories....just don't get it.lol

Whitewolf the bearing bolts work fine with ball bearings instead of the bushes, I forgot to add to my post that I had replaced the bushes with bearings, I think the torsion mount are a bit week so that is why I replaced them
I also replaced the return rollers with the AFV set as well because I think Tamiya have let the side down with a very poor design in this area

Well... I think I've settled on my want list, but can use a bit more help:

Bearings: Who to buy from for the plastic-safe lubricant compatibility...

Replacement gun barrels: Are either worth it (Tamiya's or AFV's...)

PS: My detailing want list:

AC - 16 - 301 Basic Kit (cables, shackels, lamps) 31.50 €
AC - 16 - 302 Mirror Kit 10.60 €
AC - 16 - 304 Trailer Hitch 10.25 €
AC - 16 - 023 MG3 - Ammo Belt 4.90 €
AC - 16 - 026 MG3 - weapon and mount 21.50 €
AC - 16 - 310 Track Tension Adjuster 34.95 €
AC - 16 - 321 Gun Barrel Lock 9.85 €

UPC-1 Pitch Control Unit $69.95

&bull; I like Impact for plastic safe bearings plus their service and quick delivery, to date, isexcellent.

&bull; Also consider the<span class="Normal-C1">metal suspension arm set if you're going to run your Leo around outdoors and or in the snow.

I would compare both shops and decide.

http://www.mitosal.com/leopard2a6.html

http://www.afv-model.com/4711shop/in...Leopard-2.html

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