Tamiya 35279 - 1/35 French MBT Leclerc Series 2  [35279]

• This season's Big Item in the fixed models category has to function as Leclerc French Main Battle Tank. This luxurious model is founded on reference materials acquired through the French military by Tamiya's French designer, giving us a really privileged opportunity to add this excellent model to the 1/35 contemporary battle tank selection.
• About the Leclerc
  Deployed in 1993, another generation modern battle tank Leclerc is a innovative war machine. It absolutely was one of the primary tanks to feature a sophisticated electronics system which includes complete computerization of functions like targeting, control and communications. The Leclerc's distinctively shaped turret mounts a 52 caliber 120mm cannon with a computerized loading device, with the capacity of firing 10 rounds each minute. Modular armor system makes repair and upgrading simpler than ever before. The tank is running on a concise, 4-stroke V-8 diesel motor and features gas turbines for auxiliry power. Weighing a total of 56 tons, the Leclerc has a lightweight and sensible framework, contributing to speed and flexibility. Introduced in 1997, the Leclerc Series 2 features a turret-mounted ac to cool the computer system
• Leclerc as retold by Tamiya's French designer
  In July 2004, I'd the honor of visiting the 6-12th Cuirassier Regiment of the French Army to undertake a 2-day picture shoot of French MBT Leclerc. The 6-12th Cuirassier Regiment is situated at Olivet, a little town simply south of Orleans. Orleans is an attractive town on the Loire river, and it is distinguished the 1429 Siege of Orleans, one of Joan of Arc's most famous victories.

  The 6-12th Cuirassier Regiment traces its origins back to the early nineteenth century together with Napoleon Army. This product is an element of the second armored brigade, formerly known as the second armored unit that has been led by General Leclerc during WWII. The regiment comes with 80 Leclerc primary battle tanks arranged into 2 groups of 40, that will be further sub-divided into 3 squadrons of 13 tanks, plus one tank for the squadron commander.

  After meeting up with Tamiya Europe staff in Orleans, we headed to your base and underwent identification checks before acquiring clearance to enter. I was extremely honored to see this unit as it is considered as very capable units of this French Army. We had been then introduced to Colonel Charles Beaudouin, commanding officer associated with 6-12th Cuirassier Regiment, and Lieutenant-Colonel Pierre Frouin, the executive officer. Colonel Beaudouin graduated from Saint-Cyr, the prestigious officer school of this French Army, and was closely involved in the Leclerc's development, having experienced fee of this system for 2 years before assuming demand of 6-12th Cuirassier Regiment. He had been happy to simply help Tamiya in developing a 1/35 scale type of the Leclerc as he's got been making models since he had been 10-years-old.

  After a short meeting came the minute to begin taking care of the Leclerc. The Leclerc is fairly a complex tank featuring lots of details, therefore it took all day every day to take most of the images we needed. We were very lucky because during our visit one Leclerc had been undergoing upkeep, enabling us the opportunity to simply take pictures regarding the suspension system and underside panel. We remained at Olivet until 5:00pm before you go back once again to Orleans in which we stayed for the night time. After an excellent evenings remainder, we returned to Olivet to finish down our photo shoot of this Leclerc. This day ended up being used mainly determine the actual proportions of tank, how to make certain we provide Tamiya fans a reproduction because accurate as you are able to. With our main jobs achieved we were offered a trip regarding the facility including a presentation of simulators utilized to coach teams. We then stated goodbye to our hosts and began our long journey home.

  Using this being my first photo shoot, the knowledge had been quite unique. I'd the opportunity to see probably one of the most powerful tanks in the world and meet committed people whose task is to protect their homeland. We stuffed these emotions of excitement and respect with me when I headed back into Japan, constantly thinking about the simplest way to turn these photos and emotions into an excellent 1/35 scale model that all can enjoy.

  
  

Specs and qualities:

• 1/35 scale model accurately reproduces the Leclerc's distinctive modular armor.
• Tall precision molding faithfully illustrates the Leclerc Series 2's complex structure even right down to the littlest details like smoke dischargers and commander's cupola.
• First model to feature die-cast road wheels, for practical weight and tank-like solidity.
• Impressively illustrates 120mm cannon with thermal sleeve.
• Commander's sight can turn and has now contacts produced from clear components.
• Includes clear components for head and end lights.
• Includes 4 kinds of markings and 1 commander figure.