Greetings from Lincolnshire

[Lancer21]

Good evening, just a quick introduction to you all. I am new to Rc scale tanks, however, I did used to drive and operate them for real a few years ago. Cut my teeth on the Chieftain Mk11 and also Challenger 1. Full crewman on both vehicles, although my speciality was Driver/Mech.
I dropped into the RC world only last week, and thought it best to join a forum to get the gist of all things RC, and to see what everyone else is up to. I have purchased the Heng-Long Leopard 2A6 for starters. I am also a keen plastic scale model maker, with a penchant for the Leopard. My intention is to try to camouflage the tank as per the many online phots and reference book images of the Leopard on exercise.
One thing that did confuse me, was that my particular Heng-Long kit does not have the battery compartment underneath, but at the front of the lower hull. Somewhat confusing when trying to find where the battery went...instructions must be read!
I wondered if this a new or old version of the tank, as all the advertising I have seen showed the battery compartment underneath. The battery compartment at the top front of the hull is not very big, so the larger batteries I purchased were no good and sent back. I have also noted that there are no screws underneath, so trying to access the inside is, I think, not possible.
So, here I am...happy with the purchase of the Leopard, albeit confused by the battery and screw issues but also looking forward to enjoying the forum and all the posts going forward.

Best wishes
Lancer21

[Exhibitedbrute]

Welcome. There’s a number of chaps here with the Leo, so they can point you to all the parts you need and talk you through putting the wrong stuff right

[Lancer21]

Many thanks.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Welcome from a colonist. Your Leopard seems to be to be a newer design, with the battery up front. The old batteries were of the Nickel-Metal Hydride type (NiMH). Those were heavier and larger than the newer Lithium Ion (LiIon) and Lithium Polymer type, which two types are smaller, lighter, and run longer on each charge per their capacity. Here are some explanations:
https://www.rcgeeks.co.uk/blogs/news/co ... e-overview
https://www.ufinebattery.com/blog/what- ... ive-guide/

[Herr Dr. Professor]

My favorite batteries are the Lithium Ion, lighter with more power for their size than the NiMH and NiCad types. They are a wee bit trickier to charge. The charger you got with your new Leopard will do fine, but at a painfully slow pace. As you become addicted to RC tanks you will want to get a better charger. But first, you need more tanks, right? Have fun! Ask questions! Show us your tanks.

[Lancer21]

Thanks for the information Prof...I shall delve deeper into the battery Q&A over the upcoming weekend. I am quite please with the set up of the battery location, I shall have to be careful when adding the field camouflage as not to impede access to this compartment at the front. I will look at getting a couple more batteries later on to extend the enjoyment range.
I have already got myself a metal MG for the loaders side and metal antennas. Tamiya commander figure arrived today, so will put him together over the weekend. Painting may take a little longer!
I have still have the smaoke dischargers to fix onto the turret, I have some small chain which I would like to add to each cap, bit more realistic. I will get some photos and add them for your viewing pleasure...I would certainly like a Chally 2

[JohnWhyte]

Welcome, if you are interested there is a RC tank club in Lincolnshire near Grantham called Grantham light armoured division and there is a meeting this weekend on Sunday 27th. They will happily help with anything

[Jimster]

Welcome aboard. I built a Leopard 2A7+ from a Taigen Leo and I really liked it but the Clark board I had gave constant trouble and frustration so I sold it. I definitely regret selling it. Have fun with your Leopard modeling journey and please share photos when able. Yes, I added Abt 502 Mammoth markings to pay homage to my favorite WW2 heavy tank battalion.


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[Meter rat]

Hello and welcome from Argyll and Bute, up here in Scotland. I read in your post you want a Challenger 2, my favourite tank, so that makes you doubly welcome.
I too have a Leopard 2A6, but an older version with the battery box underneath. I believe yours will be a newer version with torsion bar suspension from your description. I also believe that the screws to enable you to disassemble it are under an accessible hatch, and somewhere around the battery compartment, as per the new Abrams. I am unable to assist any further on this.
Our very own Mr Tank A lot did an excellent post on elevating a basic Leopard to a very credible scale model, which I hope to emulate next winter.
viewtopic.php?t=34710
Please join in the fun, and there may even be some Micky taking, often at my expense, due to my adversity to Tiger 1s particularly, and pre Cold War tanks in general.

[ColemanCollector]

Welcome from Ontario, Canada!
There will access to the inside, as these things need maintenance and do breakdown occasionally...but then you know all about that!

Mike.