Canadian Leopard C2 Mexas MBT - Afghanistan 2006- Build

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lmcq11
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Re: Canadian Leopard C2 Mexas MBT - Afghanistan 2006- Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Jimster wrote:Good Lord! You’re building your own jigsaw puzzle! And I thought installing my DKLM 2A7+ kit was difficult. You are a true Zen tank master. It’s turning out beautifully!
Oh, i think you worked harder on the 3D printed kit. Polystyrene plates are cheap and easy to work with, cut, sand, polish, and to add details in layers and phases. With 3D printed kits, i find the time i saved in cutting is offset by required sanding and difficulty improving molded in details and results to my liking.
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lmcq11
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Re: Canadian Leopard C2 Mexas MBT - Afghanistan 2006- Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Thank Barry,

Moving on to the turret in order to work on the integration of the Perfect Scale Modellbau turret to the Tamiya chassis, with rotation, gun elevation and recoil arrangement. None of which comes with the Tamiya chassis or the resin turret.

Looking at the 2 halves of the resin turret, the turret base is not flat and a malformation exists at the back that needs correction. The upper turret have is good.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Putting the base for 1 minute in the microwave is just enough to warm the resin at a flexible temperature, without being too hot and damaging the resin. My guess is that the timing depends on the power of each microwave so be careful. Taking it out, the base is put on a flat surface to straiten it, and the back is manually folded in place on the upper turret, then it is put in cold water. The small dent at the back that seems like someone pushed a finger in soft resin is a feature that actually exists on the Meng kit and left there.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
These are the parts rounded up for the task ahead. Rotation will be with a HL metal rotation unit and a large HL wheel. Gun recoil will be achieved with a DKLM metal unit, with servo elevation. That L7 metal barrel gun is long and heavy, i think the expensive metal DKLM recoil unit is better than a cheap 3D printed unit for the task ahead.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
The resin turret base fits correctly in the Tamiya hull. The 2 notch are removed.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
I had a small metal rotation unit in store but it is too small.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Need to use a HL Large rotation wheel, but it is too big...
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
A spacer ring needs to be created in 2mm plasticard to bridge the wheel with the base of the turret.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
The ring inner hole is the size of the turret inner hole. The ring is made to fit inside the HL rotation wheel and glued in place. The 2 mm reinforcement rings around each screw hole is removed for a flat base surface to glue the ring on.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
After ensuring it is perfectly centered, The wheel is bolted to the resin turret base. A washer was used on bolts in between the two parts to ensure the turret is loose and turns freely. The rotation unit is installed on a custom base behind the turret. It needs to be centered to clear the sides and there is just enough room to clear the Mato motors at the back.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
View from above.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Rotation is done, that was fairly simple.

Continuing on following post.
Last edited by lmcq11 on Sun Aug 09, 2020 11:02 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Jimster
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Re: Canadian Leopard C2 Mexas MBT - Afghanistan 2006- Build

Post by Jimster »

You, sir, are a true artisan. Very inspiring work.
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lmcq11
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Re: Canadian Leopard C2 Mexas MBT - Afghanistan 2006- Build

Post by lmcq11 »

The Perfect Scale Modellbau 1/16 Leopard 1A5 resin turret does not come with much in term of elevation system to build on.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Two notch at the side are advertised for 5.5mm rods. They actually fit a 6mm brass rod.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
There are 2 resin markers at the back of the mantlet that are supposed to be used to position the mantlet. These are totally useless, even for a static tank, and are also wrongly positioned. They must be eliminated.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
The base of the mantlet is made flat. This is also the right time to empty the gun hole in preparation for recoil later.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Looking at the Meng kit for advise, i was totally annoyed that Meng does not provide a pivot for the gun mount. It is glued static in place. It is actually the plastic part for the canvas cover that holds the gun in place. I find this to be totally inadequate and the fit is not very good either. There should have been an option for modellers who want a flexible gun. I also notice that the Meng mantlet is almost touching the table even while the gun is elevated above horizontal. Something is wrong here and i had to be careful for next steps.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Ignoring gun recoil for now, the critical task here is to determine the best position for the gun elevation pivot and build a prototype. A realistic distance between the mantlet and the turret need to be provided, height needs to be determined. A 3mm plasticard base is glued to the mantlet and a gun pivot skeleton is created.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Capture15.JPG (87.01 KiB) Viewed 2530 times
As the 1A5 turret base is flat on the upper hull, there must be enough room for the gun to be lowered. That helps getting some requirements for height.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
The Perfect scale Modellbau turret size is aligned with the Meng turret. I therefore triangulated the Meng distance between the location points on the mantlet and the turret to determine the spacing for 1/16.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
When mounted on the hull, it seems both mantlets end up pretty much at the same location in comparison to the drivers hatch and other markers on the hulls.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Last edited by lmcq11 on Sun Aug 09, 2020 11:10 pm, edited 5 times in total.
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lmcq11
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Re: Canadian Leopard C2 Mexas MBT - Afghanistan 2006- Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Now that i have a gun elevation pivot prototype, the next step is to play with it, check references and finetune as required. Once determine to be optimal, it will then be reinforced and the pivot unit will be designed to receive the DKLM recoil unit.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
This is actually really fun and fascinating...

Regards, Louis
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BarryC
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Re: Canadian Leopard C2 Mexas MBT - Afghanistan 2006- Build

Post by BarryC »

OOOOOOOH!

The turret, the part I'm most interested in. I also have a DKLM Recoil/Elevation unit for the my build.
You've already answered some of my questions. :clap:

Here is the reason for the "dimple" in the turret. With the Main Gun facing aft it allows the Driver to ride with his head up.

Image

Image

Keep up the fantastic work!
Barry
Last edited by BarryC on Sat Aug 15, 2020 11:34 am, edited 1 time in total.
"Details make perfection, and perfection is not a detail."
Leonardo Da Vinci
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lmcq11
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Re: Canadian Leopard C2 Mexas MBT - Afghanistan 2006- Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Thank Barry, i would never have guessed.

Continuing with the 1A5 turret.

All gun recoil units i have seen are pretty small and made for guns up to 90mm. This is the same situation as what i experienced with the IDF Centurion, the L7 is too large at the root and not long enough anyway to connect to the DKLM metal recoil unit. An extension is made with a 6mm thick brass rod that will fit the recoil unit. The root of the aluminum barrel needs to be drilled a couple of inches to fit the brass tube, that leaves room for the gun flash cables.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
The 6mm thick brass rod is inserted. I did not even need to glue it.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
The position of the mantlet is determined by double checking with the 1/35 kit.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Instead of having the barrel holding to the recoil unit at the tip with a small questionable hex screw pin, the brass tube extension is made to enter the recoil unit all the way through by temporarily removing the recoil gear mechanism, then drilling 2 holes in the brass tube at the right location in relation to the required gun length, and then reassembled with the screws going in the brass tube for a strait and solid recoiling metal barrel. The extra length of the brass tube is then cut.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Overview of the 105mm L7 metal gun barrel mounted on its newly designed gun mount and DKLM recoil unit ready for mounting on the turret. It makes a nicely laid out and balanced gun with excellent quality parts.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
The small hex screw hole is left vacant. No need.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
The gun is mounted on the turret
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Capture8.JPG (98.79 KiB) Viewed 2482 times
And simply held in place with 2 plasticard strips screwed with hex bolts.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Continuing on following post
Last edited by lmcq11 on Fri Aug 14, 2020 2:04 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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lmcq11
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Re: Canadian Leopard C2 Mexas MBT - Afghanistan 2006- Build

Post by lmcq11 »

The DKLM elevation unit base is used but the turret is too small to fit a full size servo. A WPL medium size steering servo is installed on the base with some plasticard parts to bridge the gap in size.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
View of the inside of the 1A5 turret with DKLM recoil and elevation servo. Gun flash wires are coming out of the recoil unit rear area.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
This is an 105mm L7 gun. The metal barrel diameter at the tip is showing a gun caliber of about 65mm. The hole diameter needs to be enlarged at the tip to about 6.5mm to represent a 105mm gun and also to fit in a 5mm LED for the gun flash.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
There must also be a part missing in the kit because the gun tip muzzle is not present. A muzzle tip is made in Aluminum tube.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Glued in place and then polished.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
The gun barrel sections are glued in place.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
The small resin ring part designed to fit on the muzzle is now fitting properly. It will be installed later.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Capture16.JPG (74.16 KiB) Viewed 2481 times
The central section of the gun barrel thermal sleeve is too long by about 4mm and needs to be cut in order to fit the gun.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Thermal sleeves for the barrel are in place. Be aware that the first thermal section at the mantlet is only glued to the mantlet itself and not to the gun barrel. That's if you have installed a recoil unit and want the gun to recoil.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
continuing on following post
Last edited by lmcq11 on Fri Aug 14, 2020 4:11 am, edited 3 times in total.
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lmcq11
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Re: Canadian Leopard C2 Mexas MBT - Afghanistan 2006- Build

Post by lmcq11 »

The canvas cover for the mantlet is always a complicated thing to do, results can range greatly depending on the methods and skills of the builder. It is sometimes better to ignore it but in the case of the Leopard, the gap is so wide that it is absolutely required, no matter the results.

Study of the 1/35 kit show the presence of supporting fish bones under the cover. It is a good idea to reproduce them first.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
These are made in brass rod, inserted and glued on the mantlet plasticard base after holes are made for them to be firmly in place.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
They are kept loose for the hull so that the gun can elevate. The fish bones simply go under when the gun elevates.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Kitchen cleaning gloves have a good texture for the canvas cover. The material is firm but also elastic to some extent. I will use the inside texture.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
The barrel elevation is positioned in the middle, the fabric part is cut and glued first to the hull with superglue.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Glue is then applied to the mantlet and the fabric is stretched lightly before being applied against the glue. Then the fabric is cut at the right location. I am noticing that i will need to reduce the length on the side a bit to match references.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
I think i put the mantlet at the right height as it compares well to the 1/35 kit position. And the canvas cover shape looks realistic. Considering the disasters of some of my early builds when i attempted this task for the first times, this canvas cover looks pretty good for 30 minutes of work.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Even at full elevation where the canvas material can potentially fold in uncontrollable directions with unrealistic results, the canvas cover does not look too bad. Using a material that can be stretched a bit like the kitchen glove really helps. This is best case scenario. That's a load off.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Frontal view, showing some presence of the fish bones. But they are mainly essential to hold the canvas in place correctly. Some minor adjustments are needed.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Capture25.JPG (99.07 KiB) Viewed 2479 times
Tomorrow, i will finalize it. When looking at the real thing, i can see there are holes with a rod going through hooks in each hole. A bit complicated to repro. I'll sleep on this one.
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
RC 1/16 Canadian tank Leopard C2 Mexas - Afghanistan - build
Regards, Louis
Last edited by lmcq11 on Fri Aug 14, 2020 2:21 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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BarryC
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Re: Canadian Leopard C2 Mexas MBT - Afghanistan 2006- Build

Post by BarryC »

Hi Louis,

Moving along nicely with simple yet functional solutions. :clap:

I'm watching and taking notes. :thumbup:

The Mantel Cover appears to be held in place with a cable passed through eyelets that protrude through grommets/holes in the cover. You could form the eyelets and use a single strand of copper wire for the cable. The grommets will be a little trickery.

Barry
"Details make perfection, and perfection is not a detail."
Leonardo Da Vinci
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