HAYA Centurion KIT of Parts.. First Impressions.

[tankme]

Mine is basically a rolling chassis at this point so I can help with most questions, but it may take some time to respond as I work nights.

[zooma]

I have built most of the kit myself and the "which screw to use where" will be something that frustrates you the entire build. There are a couple of YouTube vids on how to build some of the assemblies and they help a little. The screws are pretty soft so use the right screw driver on them or you will strip the head. I would definitely do a parts inventory to make sure everything is there. My kit had a bunch of missing or incorrect pieces in it. I like the Haya Centurion, but I never recommend the kit as there are no instructions so it can be frustrating to build because of that.

Thanks for the "heads-up" Derek (tankme),

I will picture each sub-assembly as I put it together and check with Andrew to confirm the correct length of screw to use (if it is not obvious) - and then I will specify it on here to supplement the online build videos.

Each sub assembly will have the correct screw(s) that have been used listed to accompany the pictures.

Knowing the correct screw to use for every sub assembly will save a lot of frustration - and avoid having to risk unscrewing those "soft" screws - or even worse - having to drill them out because the heads became damaged trying to extract them!

Sorry it will be a "slow-build", but hopefully it will help someone in the future to assemble their own HAYA Centurion KIT a little more easily.

I will be dipping every screw into some Vaseline (petroleum jelly) before screwing it in as it will help it cut into the plastic more easily and it may just make it slightly easier to take a screw out if needed in the future. Has anyone else done this?

Bob.

UPDATE.

I have more or less completed the KIT build without having to ask Andrew at HAYA (even once!) about what size of screw to use for any part of the build.

When faced with the parts to be joined together (and the choice of screws provided) the decision was always easy to make as it became "self-obvious" in every case, but I still identified the exact screw used as I was made aware that it was a concern for some kit owners and potential kit buyers who preferred to have the screw size and type identified at every stage of the build.

[jarndice]

Quite the opposite I often dip screws into threadlock to make sure they don't work loose.

[zooma]

Quite the opposite I often dip screws into threadlock to make sure they don't work loose.

Ha - I was only referring to the screws that have to "self-tap" themselves into the plastic.

I always use blue threadlock on my metal to metal screws to stop them coming undone

Bob.

[zooma]

I quite fancy finishing my kit in Olive Drab - just to be a little different - and the fact that I have just discovered 3 unopened cans of Tamiya Olive Drab spray paint under my bench!

This paint must have been there since 2005/2006 and surprisingly it still sprays OK.

I have used one can on the lower chassis tub and the main suspension covers and it has dried OK and has successfully hidden the “Kermit Green” plastic !

If I can find out about what markings were applied to the Berlin based Centurion tanks (and I can find some suitable decals) it will make a nice model.....but failing that, it will make a good undercoat for some bronze green!

[zooma]

Despite my original thoughts - I have started a new KIT BUILD REVEIW elsewhere on here, so hopefully it will be of some interest to anyone that is contemplating buying one of these kits, or helpful to anyone that already has one stashed away and has yet to start building it. viewtopic.php?p=361315#p361315

Sorry in advance to anyone that is hoping for a quick reference as I will probably be taking a lot longer than most to put my kit together as I have a lot of other things to keep me busy that will often take priority, but I am looking forward to seeing the kit fully assembled and working out the best building sequence and the correct size of screw to use for each sub assembly.

Not having any assembly instructions, no exploded drawings with individual part numbers to refer to, no reference or guidance about what size (or type) of screw to use etc will make this an "interesting" build - a bit like doing a WASGIJ jigsaw puzzle......very entertaining - and probably more satisfying when it is completed.

Building this kit will help me to understand better how my HAYA Centurion and Chieftain tanks are put together and make it easier for me to work on them as my tanks are relatively high miliage ( they do get driven) and like the real thing they will need constant maintenance and some parts will need replacing as they get worn or damaged or even up-graded in the future.

[zooma]

Having got some practical experience of building almost all of the lower hull (where most of the screws are used) I have not found any need to use Vaseline (other brands are available!) to help the self tapping screws cut into the plastic mouldings.

I am fitting every screw by hand (no power tools) and they have all screwed in easily enough and feel like they are well anchored and secure.

The machine screws will probably all get a small dab of blue thread lock (after testing) to keep them in place - but I will still be able to remove them if needed for maintenance or repair in the future.

The various bags of screw's were divided into self-tapping and threaded machine screw types from the start, and finding the right size for each assembly has not been the “problem” that I feared it would be.

I did have a small incomplete moulding on one of the pivot arms, but I was able to identify it by taking a picture of it and sending it to HAYA, and a replacement was received quickly enough not to cause any delays to the kit build.

So far, this has been an interesting build with no real problems that couldn’t be resolved - even those that did cause me some head scratching initially!

I am looking forward to finishing the lower hull assembly when I get back (after having decided not to fit the larger red motors at this stage) and finding out what challenges await when I start work on the upper hull and turret assemblies.

[zooma]

All the bits I need to make the tank drive - Clark board etc are on order - so when they arrive (tomorrow?) I will have a go at bunging it all in and see what happens!

I am at the stage where I cannot screw the turret together as I need to check the recoil servo's neutral position as it will not be accessible once it is inside so I am thinking now is the time to get everything connected and tested

Electronics is not something that I understand.......but it should turn-out OK.........................

[zooma]

One very important thing that I have discovered since I bought my HAYA Centurion KIT is the superb and non-failing support that Andrew (HAYA) gives to all his customers.

Any problem at all is given his immediate attention.

My fears about not being able to identify any small parts that may need replacement (for any reason in the future) have been totally 'sorted" by Andrews ability to identify just about anything by carefully reading (or listening) to my description until he has understood exactly what part I have tried to described.

Confirmation pictures always follow from Andrew to double check that he has correctly identified the part (or parts) concerned so there can be no mistake or any possibility of identifying the wrong parts.

This very personal "one to one" service from a manufacturer to a customer is probably unique to HAYA and is very reassuring - it is almost like having Andrew "looking over your shoulder" when you are building the kit - ready to answer any question that you are not able to find the solution to for yourself.

In short, I can thoruoughly recommend this HAYA Centurion KIT to anyone that is considering buying one as it is a "proper" kit that can demand some input from the builder and a degree of problem solving - just the way I like it!

I am very much looking forward to seeing the the next KIT from HAYA.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

I second your point, zooma, about Andrew's immediate attention to any question. Between Haya and Forgebear, you folks in the UK have great sources for RC AFVs and information.