Trumpeter 1/16 Leopard 2A6 MBT (00966)

This review is dedicated to Trumpeter 1/16 Leopard 2A6 MBT (00966). Kit comes as addition to the big scale lineup from the famous Chinese manufacturer. Frankly speaking, I forgot how big is the box for those and was quite surprised when received the parcel. As for the subject, I guess the famous German tank doesn't require an extra introduction. Packaging is rather typical here, so all frames are separated and sealed into plastic bags. Let's open them all and take a closer look together.

By the way, here you can read review with a bit smaller kit from ICM.
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Watch this video-review where I show all parts even closer.

I thought it would be worth showing the transporting box in which everything comes in. This thing is big and heavy, so don't underestimate today's set.

Inside you will get smaller boxes, and even though those are labelled, there is no order in opening, and you will have to get them all.

Let's start with track parts. Here you can see the links which are molded on narrow frames. There are three plastic bags with those.

Note that parts are molded without rubber pads and linkages. Such design should make it easier to paint the whole thing and avoid masking.

Grey parts start with separate panels for the hull. Some of those are molded as one-piece elements, what should make installation a bit easier.

Here you can see good example of one-piece parts. External features on those look fine for the scale.

Interior should be more or less detailed out of the box, so it might be worth thinking on how to show it on the finished model.

Some sprues are wrapped into foam, so even the thinnest parts should arrive intact to you.

Hull panels are also molded as one-piece parts and should be easier to install. Such design will also save you from checking the alignment.

Main barrel should be glued out of two halves. In my opinion this is one of the biggest issues for this kit. Another question is whether somebody will be brave enough to release aftermarket set.

Pioneer tools are molded with clamps. To be honest, this is a strange thing to see in such big set, but it should look okay.

Some panels have plenty of premolded features, so be ready to carefully paint those.

Single-piece parts are also quite heavy, and I expect the finished kit to be quite hefty overall.

Drivetrain parts and suspension can be found on several frames. Even though torsion bars are copied, suspension won't be moveable.

Some of the panels have guiding elements which will help you with overall alignment on the model.

Engine compartment cover should be assembled out of separate panels. I guess it was done in order to accommodate future versions.

Here is another example of the tool together with clasps.

While engine compartment won't get detailed engine, fighting compartment should be quite furnished straight out of the box.

More heavy one-piece elements can be found on the next frame.

Note that even the biggest parts have the premolded wires on them.

Turret will be nicely detailed both inside and outside. Gun breach should be assembled out of several parts.

Machine gun doesn't look too impressive for this scale. I guess it might be worth searching for some upgrades.

Roadwheels are molded as single-piece rims. Note that rubber sections are separate. Here you can also see torsion bars.

Side skirts are molded as one-piece elements with thin railings molded in. Such design should be quicker to install on your tank.

Large floor panel is molded with details on both sides. The covers will be used to be placed on top of torsion bars.

It was interesting to see various weapons included here as well. Those are for the tank crew, but still should add a bit more interest to the interior.

Rubber pads for tracks come on the separate frames. Those should be easy to paint, so final result would look a bit more precise.

Turret is packed into separate box with foam. I am glad to see one-piece design as such thing is quite important to be properly aligned.

Note that premolded features look fine for this size, and there will be more things added as separately molded parts.

Kit also features metal wire and some other metal parts for a bit more realistic look of the finished build.

Here you can see the rubber sections for roadwheels. I like such design as it helps you avoid unnecessary masking and get the precise paintwork quickly.

Clear parts are packed separately and look good out of the box. It would be nice also to have some masks included for those.

Even the turret internals are impressive with their size. It is safe to say that whole assembly process will be basically building small kit inside kit.

Even though interior is nicely detailed and exterior will receive a lot of things too, there is still some place for fine features. For me it is interesting to see what aftermarket will come out for this kit.

Last grey frame is notable for its separate parts for grenade and smoke launchers. Be ready to do some repetitive actions here. :D

By the way, track links should be connected with help of those metal rods. Such a thing should provide more rigid connection, but weight increase should be noticeable too.

Lower hull section is molded as one-piece element. Note that floor panel is separate and should be installed into special "slot".

Top hull panel also comes in the separate frame. Here you can see that some sections are molded separately and should be installed onto certain spots.

Surface features look fine for this scale and can be fun to play with weathering a bit.

Rear section will also get PE meshes and other accessories for a bit more sophisticated look.

Assembly manual is typical for this brand. I show all pages in the video-review.

There is no mention on where decals were printed, but all symbols look fine. I hope they will be easy to apply as well.

Marking guide is printed in color as separate poster insert.

All three options are coming in typical camouflage, and you can see them on the photo above.

There are two large PE frets in this kit. Most parts are actually copying various meshes on your Leopard.

Overall quality looks fine, but be ready to have some special tools for working with those parts. Box photos also show some of the features of this model kit.

New kit from Trumpeter should be already available for purchase. In my opinion it is a project which is more suitable for experienced modelers with some extra time. This is definitely not a weekend build, but final result should look impressive in the finished state. Moreover, you get all necessary things in the box, and it might be only the figurines that you will need on your tank. Manufacturer shows them on the boxart, but unfortunately none are included in the box...

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