A little while back Marcus Nicholls mentioned that he had a new 3D printed kit in the office and would I be interested in having a go at it. As it was a subject that I’d not from memory tackled before (a Centurion gun tank) and in a medium that was, in terms of full kits, new (3D printing) I jumped at the chance, hoping to slot it into my hectic schedule at the first opportunity.
21st February 2025
Friday afternoon, the end of the working week and the start of what I hope will be a relaxing weekend.
Aircraft have predominated this week. Not set to last, my attention will turn over the next few weeks to something a little heavier, a little more grounded and in the case of the kit, a little more cutting edge in terms of design and kit manufacture. I’ll be moving on from traditional plastic kits onto one that has been completely 3D printed in 1/35: Resin Scale’s very impressive Centurion AX Medium Tank. Not only will this kit give me a taste of manufacturing processes to come, but will also allow me once more to delve into the world of the War Thunder video game and all of its imaginative hardware.
BUT FIRST, SOME THANKS!
Before I begin with the centurion can I first thank you all for the very kind words on the Airfix Anson that I completed this week. I was bowled over by the response to not only the model, but my approach to it. Many of you seemed to really enjoy seeing the kit complete and though I chose a rather plain example to model, you also appeared to gain much from the overall silver finish and the techniques that I used to replicate it. So thank you all for that, you really made all of the work, worthwhile! If you would like to see a little more on the model, including my approach to the finish and the completed build, please check out the following updates published to this site over the last few days or so…
RESIN SCALES’ CENTURION
A little while back Marcus Nicholls mentioned that he had a new 3D printed kit in the office and would I be interested in having a go at it. As it was a subject that I’d not from memory tackled before (a Centurion gun tank) and in a medium that was in terms of full kits, new (3D printing), I jumped at the chance hoping to slot it into my hectic schedule at the first opportunity. Though it’s taken a little longer to do than I had hoped I’m now in a position to focus on it and see what I can create from the box of tricks supplied by Resin Scales.
The kit as supplied is complete, highly detailed and in terms of construction, very simple. The production process has allowed the manufacturer to create large sections such as a one-piece hull, turret shell and track runs, the latter split into two lengths per side, each featuring sag cover the vehicle’s return rollers. Detail is exquisite, the turret basket and light guards with their meshed construction for instance, being both incredibly fine and delicate. Wheels are similarly impressive, as is the gun barrel, this part featuring what looks to be a carbon fibre tube to keep it perfectly straight. It’s all very impressive!
Though I have yet to decide on an approach to this model, I am once again going to turn to the War Thunder game for inspiration. If I have this right, the Centurion Action X (AX) is one of their designs, so there are plenty ideas within the game for colour schemes and details. You may recall last year that I did the same thing with a Tamiya Type 90 MCV, the scheme on that being a digital camouflage rather than the bland green and brown option for on the real machine. Below you will find a couple of ideas that I have found so far (both from the War Thunder site with due credit) but there others. Only time will reveal my path to completion and a suitable scheme for my assembled model.
If you would like to see more about the Centurion Action X (AX) check out the following video from OddBawz superb YouTube Channel (my header image being screen-grabbed from his video, so is reproduced here with due credit) both for the vehicle and for some very detailed ideas for possible diorama locations!
JUST A NEAT PHOTOGRAPH…
Throughout my working week I often come across images that capture my imagination. If they do, I add them to a little folder for future reference. Above, you can see just one of those images, an unarmed civilian B-17 that has unceremoniously travelled off the runway and into a drainage ditch where, nose down, it appears to be taking a drink! As soon as I saw this, I immediately thought it would make a great diorama, perhaps even one built around an old Monogram 1/48 kit. And then I remembered how big that would be and thought again. Still, it’s a great picture.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THIS PAGE!
With the week wrapped up, I thought I would finish off with a little housekeeping to keep you informed of future plans. But first, did you know that all of my published books are available as digital downloads that you can purchase for your phone, tablet and lap top?
Though I create books that sell as hardcopies to support my work on this page and elsewhere, one of the easiest ways to help me out (should you wish to do so!) is by downloading books from the Pocketmags website. A proportion of the value of these sales is paid directly to me, so that keeps me working, keeps me creating new material and in turn allows me to spend time updating this page now, on a daily basis.
If you would like to support me, please consider checking out the Pocketmags page. It is simply a matter of downloading their app onto your phone, tablet or laptop and then purchasing whichever books take your fancy. The following link will reveal all of the titles that I have uploaded to the site.
https://pocketmags.com/modellers-reference-library-magazine/issues
If you would like further information on the downloadable books, you can also click the following update that I published on this site. Other books have now been added to the list, but this gives you a fair idea of what is, or rather was, available. Thanks so much!
AND FINALLY!
You will now be aware that I have a new book coming out, this time focused on the A-4 Skyhawk. I’m currently drawing up a list of interested readers who are reserving copies from the planned print run. That run is selling out fast, so if you would like to be sure of a copy, please check out my update from last week where you will find plenty more information.
So that’s it for this week. Thank you all so much for tuning in, visiting or checking out this page (I’m not sure of the correct parlance!) and I hope you all have a lovely weekend. Tomorrow will no doubt be an abridged update as I’m off to the football, but if I can find anything else of interest, I’ll let you know!
I’ll see you then!
SPENCER POLLARD'S KIT BOX 
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