what are the changes need to convert the centurion mk.5/1 into a canadian mk.5 serving in germany around 1960-62? and did they use the side skirts often?

Curtis

Not too many changes are needed at all.

In 1960-1962 there was both the Type A and Type B barrels being used. In 1962 the upgrade with the 105 mm began.

Side skirts were commonly used but the Mk.5s could be seen plenty of times on exercise without them fitted.

-Don't mount the turret basket.
-Don't cut the fenders
-Don't mounted the glacis plate add-on armour
-Don't put both of the additional bladed counter weights on the fume extractor of the Type B barrel
-You will need to chnage the mantlet to the single coax port version
-Don't mount the searchlight
-The glacis plate should have driver's windscreen box on the left and a set of three spare track links and the bracket on the right and the two driving lights in the middle.
-On the turret rear should be the jerry can rack and a bracket for a spare road wheel on the left rear.
-Don't fit the external 100 gallon fuel tank
-Use the machine gun on the commander's hatch ring.

Pick up "The Centurion in Canadian Service" by Don Dingwall published by Service Publications.....for about $10.00 Cdn.....it is a good reference book. Service Publications has a website.

Up until about 1964 the Canadian Centurions would still have been painted in the standard bronze green.

Any other questions just ask.

thanks leocmdr
is there a good place for ref pics?

There aren't many around. Here are a couple that should help you out.....

Germany 1960...


Germany 1960...note the German M48 in the hull down position beside the Centurion


Germany 1962...


You should also check out the colour reference plates on Armoured Acorn for Canadian Centurion markings.

thouse are some pretty awsome pics, what about markings? how do you suggest doing thouse?

The markings back then were very much based still on WWII tactical markings....go to Armoured Acorn and look at the Centurion colour plate PDF files for Canadian Vehicle Markings.....the first two Centurions show full markings for two Mk.5s in Germany....1960 and 1962.

http://www.armouredacorn.com/cvm.html

There are no decals available....not anymore.....try looking at what Archer Fine Transfers has to offer in the WWII Canadian and British sets to see what you can come up with.

http://www.archertransfers.com/

thanks for the help leocmdr, this'll be a good lookin model by the time i'm done

Curtis,

No problem at all.....we need more modern Canadian armour being built

Jason