Unboxing review of MENG 72-012 Leopard 2A8 Tank Model Kit

I previously pre-ordered MENG 72-012 Leopard 2A8 Tank Model Kit, and it arrived today – the shipping speed is quite impressive. 

As the latest addition to the Leopard 2 series, the Leopard 2A8 is equipped with the latest Trophy active protection system, upgraded digital battlefield information, sighting and sensor systems, and retains the L55A1 120mm smoothbore main gun. Its protection features modular composite armour. Let's take a look at how this kit performs.

The box art still features the signature minimalist sketch style, with the decal and painting guide on the back.

Parts Overview:

The kit comes with 5 sprues in total, plus a one‑piece lower hull and upper turret half. No decals are included – that's correct, no decals at all. I initially thought mine was missing, but after checking the painting guide on the back of the box, it turns out this kit genuinely does not include decals.

Sprue A consists mainly of the lower hull chassis, which is also split‑moulded, with suspension arms that need to be glued separately onto the hull.

The detail on the chassis structure is quite sharp, and the rear engine deck grilles are also very nicely rendered. Even the underside of the turret, which won't be visible once built, hasn't been overlooked – the air‑conditioning radiator fan detail is still present.

Sprue B contains mostly turret parts, with a relatively higher part count. The main gun is moulded as a single piece, with the muzzle brake needing separate attachment. The smoke dischargers are moulded together – the gate placements are very thoughtfully designed, such as on the antenna base and smoke grenade launchers.

Sprue C covers the running gear, including tracks and road wheels.

The bolt details on the road wheels are still clearly visible.

Sprue D includes the suspension arms that need separate gluing, and the rear‑view mirrors are also separate parts.

Sprue E is the remote‑controlled weapon station, with very nice detailing.

Upper Hull:

The single‑layer radiator grille detail is visible, and the front hull shows subtle anti‑slip texture.

Turret:

The turret is moulded as a separate piece, giving an overall impression of being large and elongated – with many details moulded directly onto its surface.

Quick Review:

This kit is MENG's Leopard 2A8 Main Battle Tank, continuing their modular quick‑build design that simplifies assembly while maximising detail reproduction.

Overall, the part count is modest, the details are solid, and the price remains affordable.

Main features of MENG 72-012 Leopard 2A8 Tank Model Kit

• The remote-controlled weapon station can rotate.
• The main gun barrel can tilt and move.
• Additional armor on both sides of the turret can be flexibly opened and closed.

A full build review is currently in progress – stay tuned.

Next issue, let's take a look the OOB Review of Takom 2224X Type 100 Fighting Vehicle Model Kit