Israeli Centurion - Sho’t Kal C (Gimel) - IDF 1980s - Build

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lmcq11
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Location: Quebec, Canada

Re: Israeli Centurion - Shot Kal Gimel - IDF 1980s - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Hi,

Presenting here the mostly finished Centurion Sho't Kal Gimel turret.

This is the inspiration picture for the build, a fully equipped Sho't Kal, ready for war. I am working hard to get close to it. This is the build of a lifetime.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Good close up pictures of the sho't kal turret armament fully installed are difficult to find. The mounts for the 2 FN Mag machine guns are also different. As for the .50 cal M2 on top of the mantlet, I mostly had to rely on the AFV Club kit and a few fuzzy pictures from far away, which is risky.

The commander's machine gun
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture1.JPG (34.03 KiB) Viewed 2006 times
The loader's machine gun
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture2.JPG (54.29 KiB) Viewed 2006 times
Here is the turret of the model, ready for action.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Views of the loader's machine gun mount, totally scratch built. Only the SOL Models machine gun itself and the ammo box were used.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
continuing on following post
Last edited by lmcq11 on Thu Jul 18, 2019 11:17 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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lmcq11
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Posts: 2602
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2016 7:42 pm
Location: Quebec, Canada

Re: Israeli Centurion - Shot Kal Gimel - IDF 1980s - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Continuing with more close ups
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
The FN Mag MGs come from SOL Models. The mount for the Challenger is discarded.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
The commander's machine gun on the cupola.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
View of the .50 cal M2 Browning mounted externally on the mantlet.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
As usual, the M2 was given a ABER barrel and sleeve. But I used some of the ABER parts on the FN MAG instead, such as the handles and recoil tube for the commander's MG.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
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Ad Lav
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Location: Kent

Re: Israeli Centurion - Shot Kal Gimel - IDF 1980s - Build

Post by Ad Lav »

This is pretty damned amazing Louis!!
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lmcq11
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Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2016 7:42 pm
Location: Quebec, Canada

Re: Israeli Centurion - Shot Kal Gimel - IDF 1980s - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

And some other details

I found the AFV_Model cast handles were not of the right type and size for the Centurion. I therefore removed them and redit all the handles with 0.5mm brass rods.

Notice the Shapeways 3D printed latches. These are not totally accurate but quite close. Very fragile, there is no option to modify these without wasting half the lot so as these are small, they look ok.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture15.JPG (76.61 KiB) Viewed 2002 times
Some apparatus seen on picture was added to the front of the turret under an armored box.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Same for this items on the right side. Not too sure what it is, it seems to be a holder for containers of some kind.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
New stuff from DKLM, 3D printed antennas with flexible metal springs. Very cool. Not entirely of the right model for the Sho't Kal but it needed to be an American type and this is the closest I could find.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
The model as it stands today. I am pretty much on the last stretch for the construction. The following remains to be done;

- Headlights and guards
- Tail lights and guards
- Side Skirts
- Tools
- Travelling gun mount
- Smaller details on opening hatches
- Crew and infantry riders
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Regards, Louis
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BarryC
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Re: Israeli Centurion - Shot Kal Gimel - IDF 1980s - Build

Post by BarryC »

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Barry
"Details make perfection, and perfection is not a detail."
Leonardo Da Vinci
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lmcq11
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Location: Quebec, Canada

Re: Israeli Centurion - Shot Kal Gimel - IDF 1980s - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Thanks Barry,

Here are the headlights and tail lights.

The Sho't Kal headlights mounts are complicated and not the easiest thing to replicate.

Left side
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Right side going quite high with a black out light on top.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Bracket behind the head lights guard. This is a good thing as it really reinforces the guards.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
American tail lights
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture3.JPG (42.69 KiB) Viewed 2102 times
AFV-Model T-55 metal headlights are used, they are close to the required model. I used 5mm LED kits from ebay purchased for a few dollars. The mount is made in brass by hand with a couple of pliers, nothing more. Not perfect, but I only have basic tools.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
The LED is modified and sanded to reduce its length so that it will fit inside the metal headlight.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
The LED is installed and then tested before going further. I decided to make all 4 headlights working. The clear lens will only be installed after painting.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
The turret coax machine gun flash and red interior lighting are installed at the same time.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
The installation of the electronics is finalized on a beautiful Quebec summer Saturday morning. I like working outside. It helps my eyes working in sun light, plus the dust flies away in the warm breeze and the birds are singing. I then clean everything by water hosing the whole place.

The Ludwigs Centurions offers unparalleled access to hull and turret electronics. The hull top just slides forward and then unlocks to be removed. After having done M113, Nashorn, M7 priest, BMP, Marder, V100, some with interior details and not much room for electronics, this Centurion is a huge tank.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Here are the headlights, details on following post.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Last edited by lmcq11 on Sat Jul 20, 2019 7:37 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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lmcq11
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Location: Quebec, Canada

Re: Israeli Centurion - Shot Kal Gimel - IDF 1980s - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Headlights details. They require a good dusting. The clear lens will be installed only after painting.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture17.JPG (98.56 KiB) Viewed 2102 times
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Most Sho't Kal in the field or in museums show some kind of damage, distorsions and missing parts on the headlights and guards. There are also variations for the contoured stand. It is surprising of the Israelis to have developed such a large mount and guards. It seems to me something similar to the M48/60 would have been better and more robust.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Last edited by lmcq11 on Sat Jul 20, 2019 11:16 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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lmcq11
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Re: Israeli Centurion - Shot Kal Gimel - IDF 1980s - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

All the wires and connections are in a dark pit between the headlights and the ERA block. They are somewhat hidden under the guards and are noticeable only on close ups. Someone with more patience could look for ways to mimic the real cables. My style is to spend more time on items that really show.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture21.JPG (99.24 KiB) Viewed 2102 times
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Here are the tail lights

The tail lights are made with the Shapeways 3D offering of the M41 Walker Bulldog tail lights which are a perfect match for the Sho't Kal. They are fragile and must be handled with care. A 3mm red LED with a spacer inside is installed.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture28.JPG (27.02 KiB) Viewed 2090 times
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
A 11mm wide plasticard tube is used for the guard.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture24.JPG (81.09 KiB) Viewed 2102 times
I tried to mimic the positioning of the real cables.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture25.JPG (73.89 KiB) Viewed 2102 times
The back face of two tail lights are different between left and right.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture26.JPG (85.88 KiB) Viewed 2102 times
Next step, a dip in the pool and then the side skirts. That should be easier.
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Regards, Louis
Last edited by lmcq11 on Sat Jul 20, 2019 7:48 pm, edited 5 times in total.
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Ad Lav
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Location: Kent

Re: Israeli Centurion - Shot Kal Gimel - IDF 1980s - Build

Post by Ad Lav »

Wow 8)
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lmcq11
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Location: Quebec, Canada

Re: Israeli Centurion - Shot Kal Gimel - IDF 1980s - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Hi,

These are pics from the evening/night testing of the lighting.
Regards, Louis
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture2.JPG (83.77 KiB) Viewed 2079 times
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture3.JPG (94.9 KiB) Viewed 2079 times
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture4.JPG (83.76 KiB) Viewed 2079 times
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture5.JPG (68.86 KiB) Viewed 2079 times
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture6.JPG (90.05 KiB) Viewed 2079 times
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture8.JPG (68.02 KiB) Viewed 2079 times
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture9.JPG (61.25 KiB) Viewed 2079 times
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
1/16 RC Centurion tank IDF Sho't Kal Gimel Build
Capture10.JPG (78.64 KiB) Viewed 2079 times
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