Novice (soon to be) Centurion tank builder

[davidwilkins]

Hi everyone,
After seeing an Armotek model a few years ago, I was so impressed and always hoped to build one. That day is nearly here. My centurion tank is arriving Jan 2013 (can I wait that long!!).

Even when I start to build it, the initial process will be slow due to work commitments and a total lack of experience in this type and scale of modelling.

I have been immensely impressed by the skill and knowledge of tank builders on this forum and will have a 1001 questions. Some may seem easy but being a complete novice I am looking to the experts to help me on the way.

Firstly, how much etch primer would be needed for a model of this size?
Secondly, when extra detail is applied i.e. filler to simulate weld seams. Should this be applied to bare metal or can it be applied over the primer?

Any answers will be greatly received.

Thanks.
David (Bridgend, South Wales)

[Nick Farrugia]

HI David
welcome to the forum
it varies from tank to tank and builder to builder but i would say you should need at least six cans ( aerosols ) to do a tank, it depends on how much overspray you get doing some of the smaller parts ,so you could end up with buying more or less . The weld seems most builders on the forum use milliput ,its a two part putty that you mix together and then apply to the bare metal and not over the primer sometimes it can be a good idea too scuff the surface to give it a beter grip .
Have fun with your build when it arrives and post some pics of it .
All the best ,,,,,,,,,,,nick

[phil fitzpatrick]

Welcome David,
look forward to to whaching yours and the other Centurion builds.
Dont be afraid of asking what you might think are silly questions,
a timely answer can save an expense or reworking.
Another advantage of putting your build pictures on the forum,is that
if you have made a slight mistake or got something the wrong way round,
someone will let you know.
I think there have been some reference books already recommended in the Cent Forum,
might be worth a look or putting on the Birtday or Christmas list
Cheers
Phil

[davidwilkins]

Hi Nick & Phil,
thanks for your replies and your suggestions. I am researching to possibly build a Mk 6 as I believe there is one on display at Cosford museum.

When I receive my tank (or that blo*dy tank as my wife calls it, ha ha) I'll be posting some photos and probably a lot more questions.

Thanks David

[Stephen White]

David

Welcome aboard. We're all here to share info and learn from each other so have no worries about asking questions. There are at least a dozen build blogs which follow a build from start to finish and we all started where you are.

I've put a number of references in the Cent section. A Mark 6 would be a great choice. The main difference from the kit would be up-armouring. This involved the addition of a 44mm thick armour plate to the glacis plate, a relatively easy mod to do. I'd strongly recommend buying and building a 1/35th scale kit so that you can see what you're building. For the Mark 6, the best would be the AFV Club range. They do a NATO Mk 5/2 which can also be built as a Mark 6. You could do British, Dutch or Danish versions.

Great to hear you're intending to share your build.

All the best.

Stephen

[davidwilkins]

Hi Stephen

Thanks for the info, i have just ordered the AFV model of the centurion so i will see how i get on with this as a starting point

David

[davidwilkins]

Hi, all

Have received my new Centurion tank kit from Armortek this week. It's not until you see it and start checking the parts that you realise just how an impressive job Armortek have done with this kit.

The quality of the builds and information from everyone on the Forum is much appreciated.

Hopefully soon I will download my attempt at glacis armour plating, my first attempt was ok until I checked the measurements again and found I had cut the drive's view cut out 5mm out position. Note to self: Next time measure 3 times, cut once!

Regards

David