AFV Club 1/35 Centurion Mk5/2 with 105mm gun

[Mickc1440]

Its been a while now since I've built a large tank model and have been looking at this kit for quite a while now. Once I've straightened out my desk I will make a start. The only additional thing I've bought are some tracks to replace the one piece kit ones. The model is supplied with working suspension (well until I chuck the glue around) an aluminium rifled gun barrel, some PE and rubber road wheels. Here are the sprue shots.

 

[Jakko]

It’s a very good kit, though as usual with AFV Club you need to keep paying attention as to how all the small parts go

 

[Jim R]

Looks a very nice kit. Lots of very small parts to test your skills and patience, typical AFV. I'll watch progress with interest.

 

[JR]

I'll join Jakko and Jim Mick .
The only thing I know about the cent is I did a driving test in one at Borden in the late 60's. Best thing I've ever driven !

 

[Mickc1440]

It’s a very good kit, though as usual with AFV Club you need to keep paying attention as to how all the small parts go

Thanks for the heads up Jakko

Looks a very nice kit. Lots of very small parts to test your skills and patience, typical AFV. I'll watch progress with interest.

A patience and eye sight test Jim

I'll join Jakko and Jim Mick .
The only thing I know about the cent is I did a driving test in one at Borden in the late 60's. Best thing I've ever driven !

Welcome along JR , now that's something to take a test in

 

[David Lovell]

I'll pop in and out Mick ,there's some nice new centurions going about in 72nd now but with my current stash only policy they might have to be b/day pressies so hoping this turns out intresting and not too tempting. Dave

 

[Jakko]

The only thing I know about the cent is I did a driving test in one at Borden in the late 60's. Best thing I've ever driven !

My father got his tank driver’s licence on one back then, as he was a conscript sergeant/tank-mechanic in the TD (Technische Dienst, “Technical Service,” the Dutch equivalent to British REME), and I don’t think he’s as positive about it as you are I also know that when the Leopard 1(NL) began replacing Centurions, there was much rejoicing among tank drivers.

 

[Scratchbuilder]

My father got his tank driver’s licence on one back then, as he was a conscript sergeant/tank-mechanic in the TD (Technische Dienst, “Technical Service,” the Dutch equivalent to British REME), and I don’t think he’s as positive about it as you are I also know that when the Leopard 1(NL) began replacing Centurions, there was much rejoicing among tank drivers.

I did my tracked vehicle training on both the Cent Mk.12 and the 432... The later Cents were not as bad as the Chieftains...

 

[Scratchbuilder]

Nice choice Mick.
Problem points.
The internal grills at the rear can be a bit awkward, but they are hidden.
The track guards need watching to make sure they are horizontal to the ground, I made a jig to hold them.
The turret top can develop a distinct lip between it and the sides, and the join at the rear.
The headlight brush guards can become broken. (new 3D ones are available from Scorpion Scale Models) As are the engine hatch handles.
Workable tracks.
They can be a bit frustrating, trying to clip them together, and will have a tendancy to come apart at crucial moments...
Resin tyres are available as a replacement for the rubber ones again from Scorpion.
Suspension arms/rods will hold together without the need for the hot nail head treatment.
Track tensioner can be left loose untill you fit the tracks and then the tension can be taken up.
Other than these points the kit itself is well woth the effort, and using the resin items from Scorpion other later marks can be built.
Will sit at the back and watch with interest.
Mike

 

[JR]

Thanks for the heads up Jakko

A patience and eye sight test Jim

Welcome along JR , now that's something to take a test in

Yes it was Mick , used to say tracked vehicle steered by its tracks on the old style driving licence .

 

[scottie3158]

Mick,
I have looked at this kit a few times so very interested to see what you make of it. Chair pulled up bring on the biscuits.

 

[Mickc1440]

I'll pop in and out Mick ,there's some nice new centurions going about in 72nd now but with my current stash only policy they might have to be b/day pressies so hoping this turns out intresting and not too tempting. Dave

Welcome along Dave

Nice choice Mick.
Problem points.
The internal grills at the rear can be a bit awkward, but they are hidden.
The track guards need watching to make sure they are horizontal to the ground, I made a jig to hold them.
The turret top can develop a distinct lip between it and the sides, and the join at the rear.
The headlight brush guards can become broken. (new 3D ones are available from Scorpion Scale Models) As are the engine hatch handles.
Workable tracks.
They can be a bit frustrating, trying to clip them together, and will have a tendancy to come apart at crucial moments...
Resin tyres are available as a replacement for the rubber ones again from Scorpion.
Suspension arms/rods will hold together without the need for the hot nail head treatment.
Track tensioner can be left loose untill you fit the tracks and then the tension can be taken up.
Other than these points the kit itself is well woth the effort, and using the resin items from Scorpion other later marks can be built.
Will sit at the back and watch with interest.
Mike

Thanks for the pointers Mike and welcome along

Mick,
I have looked at this kit a few times so very interested to see what you make of it. Chair pulled up bring on the biscuits.

Always a pleasure to have you along bud, even used the correct password, biscuits

 

[Mickc1440]

Got chance to make a start on the build today. It starts with the workable suspension units, first job was to paint the shiny brass springs. As Mike pointed out some of the smaller points do fit nicely without melting the pins.

 

[Jakko]

Track tensioner can be left loose untill you fit the tracks and then the tension can be taken up.

And if you’re going to fit the bazooka plates, you only need to build about two-thirds of each track, since the top run will be completely out of sight. I used a length of thin nylon string to pull the ends together on the only AFV Club Centurion I actually finished

 

[Jim R]

Lots of little bits already Mick

 

[Mickc1440]

And if you’re going to fit the bazooka plates, you only need to build about two-thirds of each track, since the top run will be completely out of sight. I used a length of thin nylon string to pull the ends together on the only AFV Club Centurion I actually finished

More food for thought, thanks Jakko

Lots of little bits already Mick

Plenty more to come Jim

 

[Andy T]

Sorry I'm late, I'll settle in with the gathering throng.

 

[stillp]

Best looking tank ever! I'll watch from the back of the room if I may.
Pete

 

[The Smythe Meister]

Just seen this Mick, one of a very small list of post WW2 Tanks that i actually like!!
.... I`m in mate,looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

 

[Strenko J]

Pulling up a chair with the rest of the gang if you don’t mind, Mick.