Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01)

Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01)

How to assemble your Dutch Leopard 2 tanks.

Check out the Leopard 2 Tank Platoon spotlight here...

Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01)
Assembling a Leopard 2 tank
Step 1: Start by gluing the hull bottom to the hull top. Step 2: Next glue on the hull rear piece
Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01) Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01)
Step 3: Attach the tracks. The hull sides have locator recesses which match the locator slides on the tracks, to ensure you get the tracks on the correct sides, but to be certain, make sure the drive sprockets are at the rear (below). If you would prefer to paint the tracks separately and attach them later, that's fine – it's up to you.
Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01) Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01)
Step 4: Next attach the side skirts. Each skirt has a rectangular grille which fits into a matching recess on the hull side. Also make sure that these brackets align neatly with the angle of the front glacis.
Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01) Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01) Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01)
Below: the completed hull.  Step 5: Start assembling the turret by gluing the turret bottom to the turret top.
Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01) Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01)
Step 6: Next attach the turret rear piece. Note, the stowage box should be on the left-hand side. Step 7: Next attach the turret side plates with smoke launchers. Note: each piece has a triangular section at the bottom front, which matches the shape of the turret side.
Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01) Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01)
Step 8: Next glue the commander's cupola into its round hole, with the hinge positioned to the rear. Step 9: If you want to include a commander figure (a good way to identify a command vehicle, or just to give your tank a unique look), use the open hatch version instead. Many painters find it easier to paint command figures separately and then attach them at the end.
Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01) Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01)
Step 10: Next attach the gun mantlet. The back of the mantlet has a rectangular recess which matches the peg on the turret front. Step 11: Glue the 120mm gun into the mantlet. The gun has a semi-circular peg which matches the locator hole in the mantlet.
Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01) Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01) Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01)
Step 12: Glue the AA machine-gun into the mounting hole on the left side of the loader's hatch. The Dutch Leopard 2 uses different MGs from the previously released German Leopard 2. The MGs are mounted in the same way but look like so... Step 13: Finally, glue the turret peg in place.
Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01) Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01) Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01)
Adding Rare Earth Magnets
Alternatively, you may choose to glue rare earth magnets into the recess in the hull and to the bottom of the turret. Magnets are a quick and secure way of fixing your turrets to the hulls, as an alternative to the included plastic peg.

Rare Earth Magnets (XX105) are available through the online store here...

Rare Earth Magnets (XX105)
Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01) Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01) Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01) Read Chris' guide to Rare Earth Magnets here for more tips and tricks...
Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01) Several optional stowage items are included on the sprue: fuel cans, spare track links and an ammunition crate.
Below: A fully assembled Dutch Leopard 2
Dutch Leopard 2 Assembly (TDBX01)