The design started as a collaborative project in the 1950s between Germany, France and later joined by Italy , but the partnership ended and the final design was ordered by the Bundeswehr, production starting in 1965. In total 6,485 Leopard tanks have been built, of which 4,744 were battle tanks and 1741 were utility and anti-aircraft variants, not including eighty prototypes and pre-series vehicles.
The Leopard quickly became a standard of European forces, and eventually served as the main battle tank in over a dozen countries worldwide. Since 1990, the Leopard 1 has gradually been relegated to secondary roles in most armies. In the German Army, the Leopard 1 MBTs have been phased out in 2003 while Leopard 1 derived vehicles are still widely used. The Leopard 2 MBTs have taken over the MBT role. Leopard hulls have been re-used in a wide variety of roles.
Leopard 1A4
The Leopard 1A4 formed the sixth batch of 250 vehicles, delivery starting in 1974. The 1A4 was externally similar to the 1A3, but included a new computerized fire control system and the new EMES 12A1 sighting system to aim it. In addition the commander was provided with his own independent night sighting system, the PERI R12. The new equipment used up space and the ammunition load was reduced to 55 rounds, of which 42 were stored in the magazine to the left of the driver.
I got this kit for Easter.
It is typical for Tamiya that the kit can be built very well despite his age
. Everything fits together and the tank also looks great. Those who try to stay close to the original, must refrain from this kit or has to buy some accessories 
. For example the snow claws on the front plate are missing and there are the wrong drive sprockets on it. 
If you do not care, this is exactly the right kit for a German Leo 1. The set is also affordable (20 €).
. Give link to the Modelling Works in progress with this model.
