Hi!
I am on my way to build Tamiyas old Centurion in 1/35. What do I need to do with it to make it more accurate? Is their any easy ways without spending a lot on aftermarket details?
British steel,
Sorry I can’t help you with information on the kit, but want to extend a warm [#welcome].
I’m sure some one will be along who will be able to help you.
Regards,
Joe [:D]
Unfortunately, the short answer is “no.” The kit was originally designed to be a motorized model (possibly for use in Godzilla movies, who knows), plus it was first made in about 1972. The molding us crude by today’s standards, with a lot of heavy mold lines. The running gear is reasonably accurate, but the tracks are the rubber-band type, and only detailed on the outside. The turret measures out to be about right, but for some reason they didn’t give you the gunner’s sight. The loader’s hatch covers are added to the turret with little poly hinges, which don’t work.
Having said that, some of the detail is fairly accurate. Some years ago I converted one to an Israeli version with a deisel engine, which entailed scratchbuilding the engine deck. I also had to replace a fair number of kit parts with sheet plastic because the molded detail was too thick; the side skirts come to mind, because in the kit they’re about 3 inches thick in scale.
I believe there is a Mk V kit available, and from what I understand there are other Centurion kits on the horizon. If you’re really impatient and want to build the 30±year-old Tamiya kit, I recommend the PE sets, Fruillmodel tracks, Evergreen sheet plastic, and a lot of spare time. Good luck!
Sorry, can’t help either, but love the name. You a Judas Priest fan? Anyway, welcome to the forums. [:)]
Well actually no. But my older brother did listen to them and other Heavy Metal bands in his youth.
I found this nickname passable to me because I have been a fan of British Armour and asscociated items more or less since ten yars ago. The big issue is that it is not very easy to find mainstream kits with a British connection.
Thanks! Looks to me that I have some hard work to get it more accurate. By the way the side skirts did I know about since I seen pictures of the kit OOB. And the issue with the episcope in front of the loader station need some scratch building I suppose.
Sent you an email on subject,Digger
There are 2 “upgrade” kits for the Centurion tank.
1 - Legend makes:
LF1065 IDF Centurion 1982 Conversion Set
LF1061 IDF Centurion 1973 Conversion Set
LF1060 IDF Centurion 1967 Conversion Set
LF1062 Australian Centurion MK. 5/1 Vietnam
LF1059 Centurion MK.V Conversion Set
These cover most modern Centurions - the Mk V could be backdated to Korean war
Legend also makes a couple of the Israeli APC’s based on the Centurion
2 - AEF Designs Make
KI-101 “Middle East” Centurion Mk-V - Includes MK-5 hull and turret top, 20 pdr. gun tube, glacises storage box and IDF jerry cans. Can be built for IDF, Jordanian or British 1956 campaign.
KI-103 - IDF Centurion MBT 1973 Vintage Shot Kal Aleph
KI-104 - IDF Centurion MBT 1982 Vintage Shot Kal Bet
KI-105 - IDF Centurion MBT 1985 Vintage Shot Kal Gimel
They also make every Centurion based APC used by the Israelis along with wheels and accessories.
The Legend Kits are more professional and of better quality but I think they are very “pricey”
While the quality of the AEF Design kits has its ups and downs, the newer stuff is pretty good, easier than scratchbuilding, and a good buy.
Good Luck
Saransk