Australian Centurions?

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

Does anyone know of any kits of Australian Centurions? Or if there are any decal or aftermarket kits for them?

I got to sit in the drivers seat of one a couple weeks ago, so got the bug to make one now.

2

PanzerIV
Accurate Armor has some Centurion kits but they are resin and a bit steep. I have heard that their kits are excellant though. I imagine you could make one “Australian” without too much work if you wanted to.
Here’s their link.
http://www.accurate-armour.com/aaproducts.cfm?CFID=424408&CFTOKEN=49395771&navlevel=1

Eric

3

Modelcraft (from Canada) produces a 1/35 Centurion Mk3 in which it has an Australia Army decal in Vietnam. But the decal sheet instruction says the marking is for Centurion Mk5 even the model itself is fMk3. Perhaps you may have to remodel the main gun. Also it does not indicate which unit it belongs. I only know it has a logo that look like a kangaroo with an umbrella. As for the detail and fitting, it is mostly a clone of Tamiya early 1970’s standard, not up to today standard. but barely acceptable.

4

Thanks for your help guys. What difference is there between a Mk.3 and Mk.5 anyway?

5

Well, panzeriv, I am not sure I have all the information and can guarantee they are all correct. But all I believe is:

The Mk 3 uses a 20-pound main gun(80.3 mm). The Mk 5, if I am correct, for the early version it also uses the 20-pound gun(80.3 mm) but with a fume extractor. Later Mk 5 are upgraded to 105 gun(also with fume extractor).

The Australian Certurions in Vietnam were most likely Mk 5. Anyway, they had the fume extractor on their main gun. The Modelcraft Centurion Mk 3 I mentioned has NO fume extractor. One way or the other you have to remodel the main gun with the fume extractor. Also the Mk5 has no rear turrel escape hatch.

Check these sites for futher references:
http://www.lancers.org.au/Museum/Centurion.htm#Aust

http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-armour/allied/centurion.htm

and these two sites for pictures for Ausralian Centurion in Vietnam
http://members.tripod.com/CenturionTank/OtherCents/index.html
http://members.tripod.com/CenturionTank/OtherCents/page1.html

I know I still might miss out a lot, can anyone help panzeriv more? And also let me know if I make some mistakes. Thanks.