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

• This present year's Big Item to the fixed models category must turn out to be the Leclerc French Main Battle Tank. This luxurious model is dependant on reference materials acquired through the French armed forces by Tamiya's French designer, offering united states of america a really privileged possibility to include this original model to your 1/35 modern battle tank selection.
• Towards Leclerc
  Deployed in 1993, another generation modern battle tank Leclerc is a innovative war device. It was among the first tanks to feature a sophisticated electronics system that has 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 unit, with the capacity of firing 10 rounds each and every minute. Modular armor system makes fix and upgrading easier than ever before. The tank is running on a tight, 4-stroke V-8 diesel engine and features fuel turbines for auxiliry energy. Weighing an overall of 56 tons, the Leclerc has a lightweight and well-balanced chassis, contributing to speed and flexibility. 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'd the honor of visiting the 6-12th Cuirassier Regiment of the French Army to try a 2-day picture shoot with this French MBT Leclerc. The 6-12th Cuirassier Regiment can be found at Olivet, a tiny city simply south of Orleans. Orleans is a stylish city situated regarding Loire river, and it is renowned the 1429 Siege of Orleans, one among Joan of Arc's most well-known victories.

  The 6-12th Cuirassier Regiment traces its origins back to early 19th century plus the Napoleon Army. This device is area of the second armored brigade, formerly named 2nd armored product that's been led by General Leclerc during WWII. The regiment includes 80 Leclerc primary battle tanks arranged into 2 sets of 40, which is further sub-divided into 3 squadrons of 13 tanks, then one tank the squadron commander.

  After fulfilling with Tamiya European countries staff in Orleans, we headed on base and underwent identification checks before obtaining approval to enter. I happened to be very honored to look at this product as it is known as really capable units about the French Army. We had been then introduced to Colonel Charles Beaudouin, commanding officer connected with 6-12th Cuirassier Regiment, and Lieutenant-Colonel Pierre Frouin, the executive officer. Colonel Beaudouin graduated from Saint-Cyr, the prestigious officer school the French Army, and was closely mixed up in Leclerc's development, having experienced cost with this system for just couple of years before presuming command of this 6-12th Cuirassier Regiment. He was happy to simply help Tamiya in developing a 1/35 scale model of the Leclerc as he's been making models since he previously been 10-years-old.

  After a quick meeting arrived when to start out taking care of 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 photos we required. We'd been exceedingly lucky because during our see one Leclerc finished up being undergoing upkeep, enabling united states of america the opportunity to just take images of suspension system system and underside panel. We remained at Olivet until 5:00pm prior to going back to Orleans in which we stayed the evening. After a fantastic nights remainder, we came back to Olivet in order to finish off our photo shoot concerning the Leclerc. This day was in fact mainly used determine the real measurements of this tank, the best solution to ensure we offer Tamiya fans a replica because accurate that you can. Using this primary jobs accomplished we had been supplied a tour about the center including a presentation of simulators accustomed train teams. We then claimed goodbye to the hosts and began our long journey home.

  With this specific being my very first picture shoot, the ability was quite unique. I'd the opportunity to see one of the most effective tanks on earth and meet committed people whoever task is always to protect their homeland. We stuffed these emotions of excitement and respect beside me when I headed back to Japan, regularly considering the best way to show these pictures and feelings into an excellent 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 even 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 head and end lights.
• Includes 4 kinds of markings and 1 commander figure.