Airfix Centurion Mk. 8 Kit Review

The Centurion tank is one of my all time favourite tanks. I remember building this kit as a child so when an old kit became available I thought I would take the opportunity to build it again.

Design work on the Centurion began in 1944. The first Centurions were equipped with a 17 pounder. This was replaced in 1948 with a more effective 20 pounder with auto stabilisation. The stabilisation allowed the gun to remain on target despite the movement of the tank.

The Centurion Mk 8 is powered by a 650hp 12 cylinder petrol engine giving a speed of 21.5 mph.

Armament consists of an 84mm 20 pounder gun and a co-axial machine gun. A second machine gun can be fitted to the commanders copola.

Using the basic hull of the Centurion a great many special purpose vehicles have been developed for the Royal Engineers and the REME. These include assault vehicles, bridging vehicle, recovery vehicles and bulldozers.

The kit was originally manufactured in the 1970s and I had some concerns over the quality and state of the mouldings and decals. However everything was in good order and as you can see the final build is quite nice.

Model scale 1:72, Number of parts 103, Length 97mm, Width 42mm

To complement the kit I intend to build the Scammell tank transporter and Churchill tank. Pictures of both of these kits will follow as they progress through the build process.

Check out the relevant sections in the shop for a range of model making glue, precision glue nozzles, paint and paint brushes from Revell, Humbrol, Xtracolor, Mission Models and Zap.

Full colour conversion charts for all major paint manufacturers can be found in our Humbrol Enamel Conversion Charts section at the bottom of the page.

Martlesham Models

Martlesham Heath, Ipswich.

Web : http://www.martlesham-models.com

Email : sales@martleshammodels.com

Martlesham Models is based at Martlesham Heath near Ipswich and we provide a wide range of model kits and accessories online.