introduction

This is the second Centauro kit produced by this manufacturer. The first one represented the early version.

contents

The kit comes in a cardboard box illustrated with various pictures of the completed model. There are approximately 140 resin parts, 50 photo etched parts, a large decal sheet, two pieces of brass rod and one of copper rod. The instructions come in an A3 sheet folded at its centre with black and white very clean pictures of the model.

The main parts (hull and turret) are wrapped in bubblewrap, the smaller parts are gathered in ziploc bags. Apart from the larger parts, all the parts are a moulding block with numbers to help identify them on the instructions. The moulding and the details are of the highest quality. There is no flash to remove and despite the size of some parts, there are almost no air bubbles. Model Victoria has finely represented the anti-slip coating and the "waffle cloth" look of the turret side add-on armor.

The fit of the larger parts is good and just requires some sanding of the cast seam. The main area of concern is the running gear which looks very complex with 8 axles and lots of shafts, shock absorbers etc. A thorough study of the instructions and some dry fitting will be necessary.

The turret will require some attention too and more specifically the side add-on armor panels, as the instructions are not clear about the location of their brackets. The stowage baskets are represented by brass and copper wire. Fortunately, Model Victoria provide jigs to help shape the rods. As the kit represents the version of the Centauro deployed in Iraq, the add-on armor plates are issued as well as the MG shields.

The hull and the turret are cast hollow and the hatches can be set open or closed so it remains possible to scratchbuild a basic interior. The photoetched parts are a bit thick but the folding lines will help fold them when necessary. The flat photo etch grab handles could be replaced by brass wire.

The large decal sheet will allow one to represent 9 different vehicles serving during the Italian operations in Iraq, in SFOR and in KFOR. The decals are shiny and a little on the thick side. Besides the unit markings, all the service stencils are presented in black and in white, Model Victoria advising to use the black ones.

in conclusion

This is one of the best resin kits I have ever had. I highly recommend it to the modern armor fans willing to build an original model or have a stablemate to the Trumpeter Ariete.

Also of interest: "Blindo Armata Centauro" from Auriga Publishing HERE!