centurion part 4 foto

[mickyb]

Hi fellas it's me again,

This is begining to slow down a bit because I keep finding bits that I need to modify, but I supose that is the fun of scratch building.

I have completed the side bins and exhausts, added a reduced size driver's hatch, towing eyes and a box on the rear. The HL gearbx mouldings have been trimmed a bit, rotated through 90 degrees and glued in place to give the impression of the Cent gear case mouldings....they are not correct but an impression is what I am aiming at.

The Tamiya Sherman tool sprue is on the way so I will soon be able to add the tool fixtures and the barrel clamp.

The problem is when to stop. This tank will be played with so I don't want bits falling off during war games so I will probably add the tools, tow cables and aerials then stop there.

Dave (Forgebear) has supplied me with a Panther barrel which I can cut down to length, a selection of elevation and recoil units to try for size and a new RX18 kit so I guess it is on with the turret......

Here are a few fotos for you to look at while I clear up in the shed.....I'm ankle deep in plasticard offcuts and blunt Stanley blades so I need to dig out the hoover soonest.

I include a foto of the proposed side armour stuck on with sellotape......what do you think??? I don't intend modding the wheel set and tracks on this build, maybee the next one eh!

Mike

[mickyb]

couldn't get this one on the previous message so here is the last photo

Mike

[fv432]

Yep definatly like that a lot mick

[Jakeand]

Great work Mike!

Regards

Jake

[Gigantohawk]

Wow, what an astonishing build.
What are you using for a turret ?

Nick.

[mickyb]

Hi Nick,

I will use the Pershing turret and strip it completely

The gun and mantle will have to be removed and the turret will be shortened by about an inch at the rear. I will cut about an inch from the underneath behind the turret ring, remove the hatch and add a spacer to lift the hatch higher and turn it 90 degrees. Make a new hatch and add the boxes to both sides of the turret.....then lots of filler.

I will also have to fabricate a gun mantle and cover it with canvas. Plus add Darkith's kit for war games.

This tank was manufactured over many years and was altered by many armies so there are lots options to choose from. I like the MK5 because I can add the side armour to hide the fact that I haven't got the correct tracks and rear sprocket on it.

This build will give me vital experience in scratch building because I want to make a 1/16 scorpion next. I also need to find someone who can turn me a set of scale roadwheels for it. There should be someone with a lathe out there who would make me a set for the rite price......hopefully eh.

All the best

Mike

[wibblywobbly]

Truly, you are the master, this is a great build.

[Gigantohawk]

Hi Mike,
From what you have said you've got most of things covered. I for one am really looking forward to your progress on your Centurion. Your ideas on modifying a Pershing turret are nothing more than inspired genious, well done mate.
On a similar note they have a Centurion at Bovington. Debbie and I are popping down to that neck of the woods in July. If you want and if you can wait that long. I would be more than happy to take any detail pics that you want and post them all on here.
Let me know if that's any good mate.

All the best,

Nick.

[mickyb]

Hi Nick,

many thanks for your comments and offer of the fotos.

I was incredibly lucky because Oztruck sent me a terific set of fotos that he took when he did his build so I have all that I need, apart from a couple of pounds of filler....

I will post all the fotos at the end of the build, after asking Oztruck if he minds sharing them with the rest of the forum. If you do take any you could add them to the post cos I am sure they will get used by someone.

Thanks again

Mike

[Gigantohawk]

You're welcome Mike. I'm looking forward to the rest of your build and Photos.

All the best,

Nick