RMASG Centaur

Discussion in 'Modelling' started by 0xonian, Oct 19, 2017.

  1. 0xonian

    0xonian Member

    I'm planning on building the Tamiya model of the RMASG Centaur (my father's tank) and I have a few questions, which I hope that some kind and knowlegeable forum members can help me with...

    1. did the original tanks have the Allied White Star marking (and if so, where?). The recently restored Vidette at the Pagasus Memorial has it on the rear engine deck although the (admittedly few) contemporary photos I've seen do not have it and nor do any of the models I've seen

    2. likewise, the smoke launcher on the front left of the turret. Vidette has it, but I've not seen it on photos.

    3. The tank commander's cupola hatches - did they swivel? The reference photo I am basing my model on is the side-profile of a Centaur with porpoise on Juno Beach. This shows the commander sitting atop the turret with the hatches opening to the sides rather than front and back.

    4. I've read that the RMAS Centaurs had an internal track-tensioning system, so that the 'hockey stick' tool on the deck is superfluous. Is this correct?

    5. Does anyone have any photos of the interior of a Centaur (or Cromwell - differences?). I'd like to put as much detail into the model as possible, even if it won't end up being visible (e.g. there is a good after-market Liberty engine kit available)

    6. Crew - how many? My father tells me that there were 4 not 5 crew in his tank (the Besa gunner's spot instead used for extra ammo storage.

    7. I hope also eventually to make a 1:76 model of his LCT(A) Mk5. The Loading Sheet in 2nd RMAS War Diary shows variously LCT(A); LCT(A)HE and LCT(HE) Can anyone tell me the difference between, if any, between LCT(A) and LCT(HE) variant?

    8. The Loading sheet for LCT(A)2010 shows 2 Centaurs; 2 D7 Bulldozers and 1 'Truck Airborne'. What is a 'truck airborne' and can anyone point me to a good 1:76 scale kit?

    So many questions! Any help and info most gratefully received.

    Frank
     
  2. SDP

    SDP Incurable Cometoholic

    I suggest you also post this message on missing-lynx. More modelling specialists on that Forum.
     
  3. 0xonian

    0xonian Member

    Thanks for the suggestion, but my questions refer to the original tank which I hope to accurately recreate.
    Maybe I'll repost in different thread on this site.
     
  4. DannyM

    DannyM Member

    Hi
    Q2. It could have been added to the Pegasus Bridge Centaur when they did the first restoration. After the Battle magazine has an article on the recovery of this Centaur and it could show if it was present when it was recovered. Don’t have my copy handy at the moment.

    Q3. Looks like the commanders cupola could be fixed with the hatches opening to the side or the front. Not sure if it could roatate.

    Q5. Maybe there are “stowage diagrams” for this vehicle showing the interior. Not sure if these were done for all AFVs.

    Q8 “Airborne Truck” is a Jeep.

    It is worth asking on the Allied section of Missing Lynx. There are people on there who do a lot of research on vehicles.

    A few links to topics covering the Centaur on Missing Lynx.

    Allied WWII AFV Discussion Group: Questions about RMASG Centaurs in Normandy

    Allied WWII AFV Discussion Group: Centaur help required

    Allied WWII AFV Discussion Group: Cromwell all welded version??? Vauxhall hatch???

    Regards

    Danny
     
  5. Trux

    Trux 21 AG

    3. The commanders hatches were set in a circular mount which could be rotated 360 degrees. This allowed the commander to use the single periscope to look all round. The usual hatch positions were fore and aft so that the periscope faced forward with the hatch closed. In Normandy many commanders had the hatches open to the side to give protection from snipers or from low slung telephone wires.

    6. Although the landing tables give a crew of five I think it likely that the bow gunner would be omitted since the machine gun position was blanked off.

    7. It was intended that LCT(A) would be used but there were not enough to meet the demands of all the Allied beaches. The LCT(HE) was similar but with less armour protection.

    8. I hesitate to disagree with Danny but the airborne truck seems to be the lightweight airborne trailer. This was widely used to carry equipment ashore for use on the beach.

    Mike
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2017
    DannyM likes this.
  6. DannyM

    DannyM Member

    Hi,
    Q8. I was wrong. It is a trailer as Mike said.

    Are you going to scratch build the LCT(A)? Dan Taylor has a resin kit for the Mk V and the ramp for the LCT(A).

    Landing Craft Tank Mk 5
    RM ASG Ramp LCT5

    Marine Modelling International had an article, and plan, for a LCT Mk 5 that was scratchbuilt by Francis Mcnaughton. You can purchase a copy of the plan here LCT Mk5 (Model Boat Plan) Model Boat Plan MAR3113 - Marine Modelling International, Traplet Plans

    The IWM Duxford has a large scale model of a LCT(A) on display.

    Regards

    Danny

    RMASG Model Duxford (8)  rete.jpg
     

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