11
Sentinel Mk1

  • move
As the war situation deteriorated, from the Allied point of view, Australia decided to design and manufacture its own tanks; the chances of obtaining any from Britain or the United States in the immediate future seeming remote. This was an ambitious step for a country with limited industrial resources, and it even involved building a new factory at Chullora NSW administered by the NSW Government railways.

The new tank sometimes known as the Sentinel employed American tracks and engines, British weapons, and a French suspension system, but also incorporated many original features. The use of large castings for the hull and turret was innovative, but the most impressive feature was the arrangement of three Cadillac V8 engines driving through a common transmission.

The Australian Cruiser Programme was terminated with the delivery of British and American tanks, and they never saw action but they were used for training and some models were fitted with larger guns. Indeed some of them remained in service as training tanks until 1956 and they appear to have performed well.

Information from the board accompanying this vehicle at Bovington
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move

About the Author

About Darren Baker (CMOT)
FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM

I have been building model kits since the early 70’s starting with Airfix kits of mostly aircraft, then progressing to the point I am at now building predominantly armour kits from all countries and time periods. Living in the middle of Salisbury plain since the 70’s, I have had lots of opportunitie...