A very crisp casting of a type A 20 pounder barrel to replace the Tamiya offering.

The 20 pdr Type b barrel as used by Australian centurions had three weights added to the bore evacuator mid barrel.  These weights were there to balance the barrel because of the 50 calibre ranging machine fitted to the mantlet.

The set 2 APCBC + 2 Canister rounds + 30/50 calibre ammo liners + 2 expended brass shells (the re-supply pack - ideal for dioramas and filler items for the turret baskets)

After the FSPB Coral / Balmoral battles in 1968 it was decided that spare wheels needed to be carried on all Centurions and these were carried on the glacis plate.  Part of the Mk.5/1 upgrade included the addition of extra armour plate to the glacis plate (included as well).

The Tamiya Centurion Mk.III is fitted with top opening stowage bins.  These were replaced in production early on  and replaced with side opening bins as represented here.

This set provides a modified rear plate for the Centurion as well as the 100 gallon external fuel tank.

MA407 conversion includes:

• 20 pounder Type B barrel  (MA402)
• Mk.5/1 mantlet
• searchlight mount
• new turret top to replace kit piece (MA408)
• commanders ammo rack and PRC 25 radio
• 2 side opening stowage bins (MA405)
• replacement rear plate to accommodate 100 gal fuel tank (MA406)
• 100 gallon fuel tank (two pieces) (MA406)
• tow cable mounting and
• some smaller parts
• glacis armour plate
• two spare wheels and two omega brackets (MA404)
• Rear turret basket and searchlight stowage (MA413)

During production the Centurion turret top was modified in several ways including discarding of the 2 inch mortar (plated over in this turret top) and the change in position of the loader's hatch.  The turret roof plate was also welded on top of the turret rather than "recessed" as represented on the Tamiya model.

A Centurion Mk.5/1 with a 105mm L7 gun became a Mk.5/2.  The Australian military decided not to add the 105mm so the Australian Centurion remained at the Mk.5/1 mark.

An up gunned (105mm), up armoured Mk.III became a Mk.6.

Australian Centurion went to Vietnam equipped with Australian (British) kit including metal jerrycans.  During service in Vietnam the Centurion tanks often carried up to 11 jerrycans of water in order to have sufficient water to refill the radiator in case of damage.

Centurions often carried a mixture of US plastic / Australian Plastic / metal jerrycans for this purpose.

This is a master created by Shane Black.  This consists of a construction jig and five main pieces which attach the basket to the turret and then these are joined by 1mm Evergreen rod.  The kit also contains evergreen rod for the turret basket cross members as well as templates for the mesh and the diagonal mesh itself.
 

The angle iron cut out shown on the left part of the basket can be made or not.

This is a construction project in its own right. Instructions include a scale copy of the 1/25 scale plans for component location together with other guides and templates.

For views of the real basket click here

This set includes  2 mud scrapers, 2 square oil tins, a plastic wash basin, hand set for PRC25, tool box and two tarpaulins - one for the rear deck and a second for the large turret storage bin.

Australian tank crew in Vietnam were initially provided with Australian produced ration packs but it soon became easier to tap into the American supply system and tank crew often used US Army C ration packs.

This set includes  the Centurion dozer blade and other assembly pieces.  It can be used in conjunction with Mouse Armour MA407 + MA410 to make an Australian Centurion Dozer as deployed to Vietnam 1968-1971. 

The Australians deployed four Centurion Dozer tanks in Vietnam between 1968 and 1971.

1/25 scale Australian Dozers in Vietnam decals are available as MA617.

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