I just picked up the new AFV Club Mk 5 Cent and was wondering what mods if any were required to make a Canadian Mk 5. I havn't decided whether i'm going to build one based in Germany or Canada. I'll probably just build the one that is easier to convert. Also any clues as to decal options and paint schemes? Any help is much appreciated.

Matt,

Take a read of this posting:

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/81215&page=1

It should help you out. Any questions just ask.

Try these links for paint schemes, markings, and decals:

http://www.armouredacorn.com/Reference/CVM/CVM10to19.htm

Go to the Armour Colours section of Armoured Acorn for PDF colour plates of the Centurions

Go to the 1/35 Modern Canadian Decals at Quartermaster's Depot.

http://store.quartermastersdepot.com/

The three colour, greens and black, were not used on the Mk.3 and Mk.5 as stated on Armoured Acorn. It was only used on the Mk.11 in Germany from 1970 until retirement.

Mk. 5s in Germany and Canada were in the single colour green or the 4 colour camoflage pattern depending on what year it was in their service life.

There were also mods done to the Mk.5 as they progressed...100 gallon fuel tank, turret basket, spot light, later style headlights and guards.

There are also incorrect callsign markings for the Strathcona Centurion Mk.11s in the Quartermaster's Depot decal set...they should not be on a black background and there is a pretty good chance they were actually painted in yellow and not white.

The AFV Club kit is a good starting place for a Mk. 5 in Canadian service part way through its service life.

The original ones did not have the add-on glacis plate armour, no turret basket, no spot light, early style headlights, no 100 gallon fuel tank.

Check out you local library, (libraries here in Calgary have it), and see if you can get a copy of:

"The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps, An Illustrated History"

There are good images of Canadian Centurions.

You'll have to do your research to decide which Canadian version you want to build.

Thanks a bunch, this should make life a little bit easier. Now all that's left to do is build it!