1:35 Proof Canvas Cover for Canadian Main Battle Tank Leopard C2 MEXAS

The real subject

The Leopard C2 is the Canadian version of the German Leopard 1 tank, created by combining an older hull with a modernized turret. For field service these vehicles received modular MEXAS add-on armor, whose angular plates wrapped the turret and the hull front and visibly changed the outline of the whole machine. In this form the Canadian Leopards served in Afghanistan as well, and their look was completed by equipment hung around the vehicle: boxes, rolled shelter halves and tarpaulins protecting the equipment from dust.

What the set offers

The accessory in 1:35 scale stands for a vehicle tarpaulin of proofed canvas, that is exactly the element which on a finished model gives away that the vehicle has been in service. The tarpaulin has modeled folds and sags of the kind that fabric on metal creates by itself and which are hard to imitate in plastic. The exact placement of the part on the vehicle is described in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

First try the tarpaulin dry and compare it with the shape of the place it is to sit on; small differences between individual kits are common with accessories. Cut any excess material off with a sharp blade a little away from the part and then sand the area smooth. Before painting, wash and degrease the part, otherwise the paint will not hold. Canvas tends to be more matte and lighter than the paint on the vehicle, so it benefits from a shade of its own, a light accent of the edges with a dry brush and a thin layer of dust settled in the folds.

Terms of supply

This is an accessory set for a model, not a complete kit. Paints, glue and tools are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.