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

• This current 12 months's Big Item to your fixed models category must turn out to be the Leclerc French principal Battle Tank. This luxurious model is dependant on reference materials acquired through the French military by Tamiya's French designer, offering usa a really privileged possibility to include this initial model towards 1/35 modern battle tank selection.
• Towards Leclerc
  Deployed in 1993, another generation contemporary battle tank Leclerc is a innovative war unit. It was among the first tanks to feature an advanced 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, effective at firing 10 rounds each moment. Modular armor system makes fix and updating easier than previously. The tank is operating on a decent, 4-stroke V-8 diesel engine and features gas turbines for auxiliry energy. Weighing a standard of 56 tons, the Leclerc has a lightweight and well-balanced framework, adding to speed and freedom. Introduced in 1997, the Leclerc Series 2 features a turret-mounted air-con gear to cool the computer system
• Leclerc as retold by Tamiya's French designer
  In July 2004, we would the honor of visiting the 6-12th Cuirassier Regiment associated with French Army to use a 2-day photo shoot with this specific French MBT Leclerc. The 6-12th Cuirassier Regiment are present at Olivet, a tiny city merely south of Orleans. Orleans is a stylish town situated regarding Loire river, which is celebrated the 1429 Siege of Orleans, one of Joan of Arc's many well-known victories.

  The 6-12th Cuirassier Regiment traces its origins back into very early 19th century as well as the Napoleon Army. This product is section of the second armored brigade, previously called 2nd armored product which has been led by General Leclerc during WWII. The regiment includes 80 Leclerc primary battle tanks arranged into 2 sets of 40, which will be further sub-divided into 3 squadrons of 13 tanks, the other tank the squadron commander.

  After fulfilling with Tamiya European countries staff in Orleans, we headed on base and underwent recognition checks before obtaining approval to enter. We been very honored to consider the product as it is known well as actually capable devices concerning the French Army. We had been then introduced to Colonel Charles Beaudouin, commanding officer linked to 6-12th Cuirassier Regiment, and Lieutenant-Colonel Pierre Frouin, the executive officer. Colonel Beaudouin graduated from Saint-Cyr, the prestigious officer college the French Army, and was closely confused in Leclerc's development, having experienced cost with this specific system for couple of years before presuming command with this 6-12th Cuirassier Regiment. He had been happy to merely assist Tamiya in developing a 1/35 scale type of the Leclerc as he is been making models since he formerly been 10-years-old.

  After a fast conference arrived when you should start off caring for the Leclerc. The Leclerc is pretty a complex tank featuring some details, in order that it took the whole day to you need to all pictures we needed. We would been extremely lucky because during our see one Leclerc completed up being undergoing upkeep, enabling usa the opportunity to simply take pictures of suspension system system system and underside panel. We stayed at Olivet until 5:00pm before going back to Orleans where we stayed the night. After a fantastic evenings remainder, we came back to Olivet in order to end our picture shoot regarding the Leclerc. This very day was at fact mainly utilized determine the real measurements with this tank, top solution to guarantee we provide Tamiya fans a replica because accurate to. Making use of this primary jobs achieved we'd been supplied a tour concerning the center including a presentation of simulators accustomed train groups. We then reported goodbye to your hosts and began our long journey house.

  With this being my initial picture shoot, the power was quite unique. We'd the chance to see perhaps one of the most effective tanks in the world and meet committed people whoever task should be to protect their homeland. We stuffed these thoughts of excitement and respect beside me when I headed back again to Japan, regularly taking into consideration the simplest way showing these images and emotions into a fantastic 1/35 scale model that will enjoy.

  
  

Specs and characteristics:

• 1/35 scale model accurately reproduces the Leclerc's distinctive modular armor.
• High accuracy molding faithfully depicts the Leclerc Series 2's complex structure also right down to the littlest details like smoke dischargers and commander's cupola.
• First model to feature die-cast road tires, for practical fat and tank-like solidity.
• Impressively illustrates 120mm cannon with thermal sleeve.
• Commander's sight can change and contains lenses made out of clear components.
• Comes with clear elements for mind and end lights.
• Includes 4 forms of markings and 1 commander figure.