Tamiya Leo build finally began

[steven_444]

Hi every one.

Today i returned home from a couple of weeks at sea, to find an enormous box waiting for me. AVF models.com Did good and got my tank to me. Complete with upgrade tub strengtheners, and idler tensioners.
so today i have been able to get the frame into the tub, build the gearbox hubs and fit the motors, all test fitted into the tub, and test run to make sure its all free and good. So Far so good. next weekend i am hoping to have a fulll day doing suspension and wheels, and i might have a go with the air brush too. :~
Tentative first steps, lightly taken

now all i got to do is post the pics.

[BREL]

Hi, ordinary model glue is no good for glueing bits to the lower hull you have to use either super glue or an ABS hard plastic glue because the lower hull is ABS plastic
looks good to me, how long did it take you to build the gearbox, it took me an afternoon to build the gearbox for my Leo2,

[[ICE]monkey]

great to find you had a parcel waiting for you, and a good start to your build,
cliff

[steven_444]

Cheers Gents.
Brel, took about the same mate, stopped for dinner and fitted it into the hull, all is well. I have invested in the tamiya thin cement, and have some super glue to hand too, I am contemplating the return rollers now from avf, as the chassis metal is pre drilled for them. shouldn't be to much of a hasle to fit them. already got suspension parts on order, tamiya shafts and arms look a bit flimsy.
Clif, I had a call to say the kit had arrived, I've been like a 5 yr old the week befor christmas.
might paint my metal parts with primer tomorrow. make up my turret gearbox's.

[steven_444]

After challenging deployment and the advent of a fiance and a 6yr old in my life the tank has sadly taken a bit of a back seat, untill I started promotion courses. having some peace and quiet to get on the Leo is coming on nicely. the spektrum DX6i and receiver working well. all functions except lights working from the sticks.
hope you all had a good christmas, and are enjoying the new year. more to follow.
all the best.

Steve.

very small photo of Leo in progress

[sparks]

Looking good Steve, enjoy it, its a great kit.
I really enjoyed doing mine, even though I'm a WWII armour fan.

[steven_444]

Cheers dude.
have almost got the build done now. some careful masking and i'll be doing the nato camoflage this week.
looking forward to getting it finished and seeing the fruits of my labours.
hope fully Mrs J will release the funds for a Panther next.....................

[[ICE]monkey]

looking good , look forward to seeing the camo
cliff

[steven_444]

Heres some pics of the turret build completed, and my improvised spray booth. lol dont tell the accomodation manager. at least the Leo is all one colour now.

[steven_444]

I really should post these all at once. lol