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Centurion. MK5 to Danish Cent.

Converting the AFV Club Centurion tank (kit 35122) into the Danish version

The Centurion Mk5/2 is a version fitted with the L7 105 mm gun and a 0.30 coax MG instead of the 7.92mm one originally mounted into the Mk3. When I got the AFV Club kit, I decided to go with an original decoration to change from the quite standard green variations we often see with this MBT. After looking for reference pictures, I set up my mind on the Danish painting scheme without being aware of the numerous visible modifications made by the Danes.

What is different between the two versions?

In fact, the Danes modified their Centurions mainly by replacing the Browning coax MG by a German MG3 and deleting the tank commander cupola ring mounted MG which was replaced by a 0.50MG mounted on a pedestal mount in front of the TC station. Moreover, all the Danish Centurions were fitted with a basket at the rear of the turret. It is different from the standard type. Lastly, all the Centurions were pre-fitted to tow a fuel trailer. Depending on the vehicles, the idlers are of the 6-hole (or dish) type. The Danish Centurions were painted green and black at the beginning of the 1980’s. From 1985 on, some were fitted with a night vision and firing device.