Next project - Centurion A41

[Rich H]

As normal not finished the T28 yet (that's going backwards...) but planning my next already
A41 Centurion Mk1.  The version with the Polsten Cannon

After spending a couple of house with google images and drawing a blank I rememebred I've a bookshelf...
Stackpole British Armoured Fighting Vehicles - last drawing - A41 Mk1 with polsten cannon!

Plan will be to make the Mk1 and Mk2 versions.  But I'll start with Mk1 and I can easily make it the Polsten or BESA version.

I'll haev to check the drawings see how the hull changes as I'd be nice to do the 20pdr and 105mm versions too if they are on the same (or similar) hull.

[Ballardian]

Really pleased to see this one on the list & judging by your previous work I'm sure you'll do it justice.
 20pdr armed MkIIIs were mostly straightforwardly up-gunned MkIIs - I don't think there's any structural difference, unlike between the MkI & II where a fairly serious up-armouring occurred. One of the visible differences seems to be that the early models (I suppose you could regard those with the turret Polsten/Besa mounts as pre production models, there being only 20 of them) lack the profusion of turret bins of the later models, plus there are the ones which had the rear facing Besa al la IS-2.

[Rich H]

Cheers.

I need to really dig into this it might be that the Mk2 might be a more sensible option if the hull is more prolific. 
But I do like the idea of the polsten!

This chap is on a road island just down the road - I don't believe that the paint scheme is original!

[Ballardian]

I think that you're probably right that the MkII is the way to go, (interesting as the Polsten/Besa prototypes are) It's turret would be simpler (a fully cast one as opposed to the welded one of the prototypes & MKI).

"Can I have mustard on mine please?"
 "Certainly sir, just stand round by the front dispenser."

[Rich H]

cast is never simpler it's always curves!!

I'm planning on finding some decent drawings currently I'm a little confused about MG placement some have 2 flexible mount BESAs, some have rear turret BESAs (not found a pic of that though).  I'm also going to research the hull changes, looks like stowage and track guards changed Mk1 to Mk2 but that's relatively minor.  Need to check the glacis hasn't changed too much (It was far thicker on the Mk2)

Also might have found a contemporary soviet opponent...  IS-7.  It has 6 MGs and an HMG plus it's massive main gun.... but I'm getting ahead of myself....

[Maddoc]

but I'm getting ahead of myself....

Standard.

[carlos marighela]

IS-4 is a cooler looking tank and some were actually built. I'd buy one.

[Rich H]

Not sure I agree its cooler... its just a fatter IS2 is it not?  Heavier armour and similar weaponry.  Most would assume its an IS2.

IS7 is bonkers.  Distinctive and nuts. 

[carlos marighela]

Not sure I agree its cooler... its just a fatter IS2 is it not?  Heavier armour and similar weaponry.  Most would assume its an IS2.
 

Looks nothing like an IS-3 or the IS-2 for that matter. Quite distinctive and actually manufactured to the tune of a couple of hundred.

Bit beyond your nominal time frame but if you want something distinctive you want the Object 279. Four sets of tracks and the flying saucer hull.

[Rich H]

[carlos marighela]

OK, I see your point. IS-2 and IS-4. Different hull shape,  totally different turret, different rear deck, sharper angle on the glacis plates, different auxiliary fuel drum placement. The models would be near identical at 30 feet. 

The IS-7 is a nice looking monster, albeit almost a paper one. I just thought that as you were doing Centurions, that were produced albeit in small numbes, you'd fancy something similar. Your toys, your choice.

[Rich H]

Indeed

In my opinion the IS-7 is the better looking of the two and the rule of cool wins.  Plus the is4 is very similar in game terms to the is3.  Big main gun and a coax.

 T28 has to be finished first then the centurion.  

Centurion will probably be the Mk2 as while the Mk1 is nice the Mk2 soldiered on for far longer so will have more appeal.

[Ballardian]

I agree that the MkII is ultimately a better choice, the heavier armour & uprated engine stayed much the same for a long time after, plus you could arm it with either the 17 or 20 pdr guns (making an upgunned MKII or A MkIII) without having to worry about changes to the hull - looking forward to it!

[Rich H]

Small matter of a week at work then 2 weeks in LA working...

After that work will recommence with gusto!

[Rich H]

So been off sick (can't get too far away from the bathroom...) so it'd be rude not to use the time productively: