Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG3512 British Centurion Mk.5 “Nasser’s Nightmare!” 6th Royal Tank Rgt., Port Said, December 1956

Authentic Detailing Pre-Painted by professionals Accurate paint colors Markings Tampo (pad) applied Fully Assembled Die-Cast Model True to Scale (1:72) Weathering and insignias Turret turns Metal turret and main gun Realistic tracks

The Centurion tank arrived too late for service in WWII but became the back- bone of the post-war British Army because of its thick armor, adaptability of the chassis. The tank went on to serve admirably in Korea, the Middle East, South Asia and Vietnam. The Mk. 5 with its stabilized L7 105mm gun was a huge improvement over any of the earlier marks. The L7 became the benchmark until the L44 120mm gun was developed and used on the Leopard II and M1A1/2.

In October of 1956 an Anglo-French invasion of the Egyptian Suez Canal region was launched when the Egyptian Government decided to nationalize it. This waterway was a vital link for international shipping and for the British to maintain their interests in the region. The invasion began October 31st and the 6th RTR (Royal Tank Regiment) landed in support of the Royal Marines but the operation fell apart when England declared a ceasefire without informing France and Egyptian President Nasser became more powerful and respected by other Arab countries.

Specifications Centurion Mk. 5 MBT Manufacturer: Vickers Production period: 1955 -1958 Number produced: 221 Crew: four Dimensions Length: Hull only - 24 ft 9.5 in (7.55 m) Length: Hull and gun - 32.33 ft (9.85 m) Width: 11.12 ft (3.39 m) Height: 9.87 ft (3.00 m) Combat weight: 111,966 lb Power plant Engine: Rolls-Royce Mk IVB 12-cylinder liquid-cooled petrol producing 650hp at 2550rpm Fuel capacity: 273.9 US gal (1,037 l) Range: 118 miles (190 km) Maximum speed: 21.12 mph (34 km/h)

Armour: 17mm - 152 mm Armament Primary: Quick firing 20 pounder (83.4 mm) main gun 64 rounds Secondary: 0.30 in Browning MG belt fed, air-cooled. ROF 425-450 rounds/minute 0.30 in Browning MG belt fed, air-cooled. ROF 425-450 rounds/minute (commander’s cupola) 2 x 6 smoke grenade discharger’s