TMN: Preview: Meng's Leopard 2 A6 MBT in 35th scale

Widely used and in action right now, the Leopard 2A6 in 35th scale from Meng will be well-received. We look at the tank & the kit's features in CAD & info in our preview...

Preview: Meng's Leopard 2 A6 in 35th scale

German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2A6

From Meng Models

Kit No #TS-055

1/35th scale

Available in: June 2025

Product Link on the Meng Website

The Subject: The Leopard 2A6

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.

For the 2A6 model, the German defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) upgraded the armour, armament, and communications. For the armour, the 2A6 uses a combination of composite, modular, and traditional steel. This gives the tank the best protection without compromising performance due to excessive weight.

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.

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 north-east of Ukraine. Like most other Ukrainian military equipment, in combat conditions, these tanks are marked with crosses of various types. The Leopard 2A6 is an effective tool in the fight against enemy tanks; in particular, there is a recorded case of its successful confrontation with two T-80BVM tanks. There are several A6s in service now in service of Ukraine & many other countries.

The kit:

This new kit from Meng accurately replicates the exterior features of the German Leopard 2A6 main battle tank. The CADs below show you some of the features of this new kit in detail...

The one-piece road wheels manufactured by precision tooling feature easy assembly and outstanding results. A paint mask is provided for easy painting.