Introduction

The following introduction is as supplied by ICM:

The Leopard 2A6 tank is a modification of the basic version of the Leopard 2 and belongs to the third generation tanks. Delivery of the tank to the Bundeswehr began in 2001. The main difference of this modification was the new 120-mm smooth-bore gun Rheinmetall L55, whose projectile is capable of penetrating approximately 700 mm of steel homogeneous armour. Also in this modification, the guidance devices and fire control system were improved, the tank protection was modernized and the combined armour was changed to strengthen the stability of the combat vehicle against the means of impression. The weight of the tank at the same time increased to 62 tons. According to experts, the tank is one of the best modern models among the tanks of the world. In the spring of 2023, tanks of the Leopard 2A6 modification appeared in units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They take an active part in the battles in the east and northeast of Ukraine. Like most other Ukrainian military equipment, in combat conditions, these tanks are marked with crosses of various types. Leopard 2A6 is an effective tool in the fight against enemy tanks, in particular, recorded the case of his successful confrontation with two tanks T-80BVM.

Review

This offering from ICM arrives in the standard packaging of a flip top cardboard tray with a separate card lid showing the artwork. Inside the sprues are supplied in 2 plastic bags, with the sprues for the tank being packaged in 4 additional plastic bags. The figures are also packaged in their own bags. The Leopard 2A6 kit is of a known quality, with it being the Revell release. The highs and lows of this model are very well known, and do not really require me to delve into them. Moulding quality is as you would expect of Revell and meets my expectations in all regards. The other benefit of this being a Revell model within the box rather than an all new release is that there is a good selection of after market products for the modeller who wishes to go down that route - for myself the 2 additions I would consider are after market tracks and photo etched fret for the engine deck. The only other consideration I would make is a metal barrel depending on your references.

The figure set provided in this release has been made available in this release or as a stand alone individual item. This figure set provides 5 figures which are very pleasingly cleanly moulded, in this example. There are of course some seam lines that will need to be tackled, these are fine enough for me to suggest thinking of using a fibreglass pen for clean up - Please remember to use soapy water if taking this decision as a glass strand in your eye or finger will tickle, and if inhaled can causes untold damage. Uniform detail of the figures appears to be a zip type jacket of lightweight material, and combat trousers with prominent side pockets on the thigh. The detail moulding on the clothing is of a generally high quality, with good natural crease detail and a natural hang to the clothes. 

The break down of the figures is as you would expect, however, I will say that I was a little disappointed that one of the figures terminates at the groin and so leaning out of a hatch. The stances of the crew shows 2 on the tank in relaxed poses, 2 on the ground doing general maintenance or checks on their vehicle with the 5th and final figure stood upright and has a dog that is begging for food. I would presume that this would be a stray as I cannot think that the inside of a tank would be a great environment for an adult dog. The hand and facial details in this release are of an exceptionally good quality, the finger refinement provided in of an exceptionally high quality and I even like the fact that one of the figures is shown smoking a pipe. The tank helmets provided for 4 of the figures are, I believe a Soviet style, with the side being separate from the overall cover, and the heads of the figures that wear them are shaped to accommodate them (these could also be the German style). The only fault I can find in the figure set overall is that a sledgehammer provided has slight sink marks in the head of the hammer. However,  easily corrected with a little filler and filing and so a very competent release from ICM.