May 20, 2025

Preview: A large Leo & 2-seater attack chopper from Trumpeter in June...

From a diminutive attack chopper to a large leopard in 16th scale, we look at Trumpeter's June items. Colours, decals, & built-up kits in our preview...

Preview: A large Leo & 2-seater attack chopper from Trumpeter in June...

Z-19G Light Scout/Attack Helicopter 
by Trumpeter
Kit No #05851
1/35th scale
The Z-19 is a Chinese light scout and attack helicopter. It was locally developed by Harbin. The Z-19 is essentially a tandem-seat version of the Z-9W, which in turn is a licence-built version of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin. However, this helicopter also shares some resemblance with the Japanese OH-1. The Z-19 made its first flight in 2011 and was publicly revealed in 2012. This helicopter is in service with the Chinese army aviation regiment. It operates alongside the dedicated Z-10 attack helicopter.

The colour schemes presented in this kit and its aircraft
The decals in the box
Masks are provided for this kit also
The Z-19 is lightly armoured. Both pilots are seated on crash-resistant seats. This scout and attack helicopter is equipped with a nose-mounted FLIR, TV and laser rangefinder.

Model Length: 260.8mm / Rotor diameter: 261 mm  
Total Parts: 130+
Total of 5 sprues

Kit Features:
- Detailed  fuselage w/accurate design
- Finely detailed cockpit
- Photo-etched parts included

The model built up by Trumpeter's in-house model builders...


German Leopard 2A6 MBT 
by Trumpeter
Kit No. 00966
1/16th scale
The Leopard 2A6's capabilities are on par with, or even surpass, that of the American M1 Abrams family of tanks (in some people's opinions) for certain tasks and types of battlefield scenarios. Technological advancements and the changing landscape of warfare prompted the development of an upgraded Leopard tank in the 1970s. In 1979, the Leopard 2 entered service with West Germany as well as a host of other European nations. Early Leopard 2 tanks—up to 2A4—differ from their contemporary counterparts. These used a more vertical, squared-off turret compared to the asymmetric, arrow-shaped turret of the 2A5 and later variants. The Leopard 2A6 is currently used by nations around the world and boasts impressive vehicle statistics.

The colour schemes presented in this kit and its aircraft
The decals in the box
In a world where IEDs, mines, and RPGs are a tank's biggest threat, this armour gives the crew the protection they need in the urban battlefield. Compared to the 2A5, the addition of the Rheinmetall 120mm/L55 smoothbore barrel is the most noticeable difference. This gun is one metre longer than the gun on its predecessor. This greatly improves the tank’s lethality with better range and accuracy. Built-in stabilisers help as the tank moves along rough terrain, while the fire-control system is one of the most advanced and compares to other tanks in its class, such as the M1A2 Abrams and Challenger II tanks. These advancements include panoramic viewing and thermal imaging to aid in target identification and acquisition. The tank carries forty-two total rounds, with fifteen of them at the ready, as well as two 7.62mm machine guns. One is mounted coaxially in the turret, while the other resides on the roof. The tank utilises a crew of four—commander, driver, gunner, and loader—and maintains the same engine as its predecessor. The MTU MB-873 Ka-501 turbocharged diesel engine pushes an impressive 1,500 hp, giving the tank excellent speed and range—roughly 42mph and 310 miles. Eighteen countries are currently employing the Leopard 2A6, with 3,500 total units built and delivered. The Leopard 2A6 has recently entered news headlines due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Ukrainians believe a reinvigorated Russian offensive is looming, and the need for heavier armour is warranted. 

Model length: 705.8 mm / Width: 235.2mm   
Metal Parts: track shaft , spring , copper cable
Total of 38 sprues: upper hull , lower hull , turret and tracks

- The kit consists of over 1500 parts
- Multi-slide moulded lower hull and upper hull
- Individual tracks links
- photo-etched parts included
The model built up by Trumpeter's in-house model builders...

These kits will soon be on sale through Trumpeter's distributors worldwide...