This is the new Airfix 1/35th scale Cromwell Mk IV kit no. A1373. The road wheels were replaced with Sovereign 2000 Cromwell/Challenger ( damaged tyres ) kit no. S2KA013 as these have the correct number of wheel nuts 8 as opposed to 6 on the Airfix kit. I also replaced the majority of the turret and side plates from a Tamiya Cromwell, kit no. 35221, as these had the 4 bolts on the pistol port as oppose to none on the kit part. I also added a turret bin from the spares box. The tracks are the rubber flexible tracks, the kit gives the option of a choice of link and length too. I am undecided as to which to use yet as I also have a couple of sets of Hobby Boss Cromwell tracks, kit no. 81004, individual links. HB suggests 123 links per side where as Airfix has 121 on the link and length set but this is where the track rests on the top of the middle 3 wheels. All it needs now is some wiring to the spot light and side lights, the hawser adding ( no cord/twine provided in the kit ), aerials and possibly the cowling. Now to painting and marking. Despite the issues with the road wheels and pistol port to name a few it was all in all nice build with no fit issues at all even with Tamiya and Sovereign replaced parts. Hopefully Airfix will release other Cromwell/Centaur versions such as AA, ARV and dozer WITH CORRECTED PARTS – Airfix if you are listening. Cheers Kevin
This is T189511 ACHILLES A Sqn 5 Troop 1st Royal Tank Regiment, 22nd Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division. In the end I went with the Hobby Boss individual track links which although a pain to complete had little or no clean up required as the Airfix had sink marks on all of the individual links and regular sink marks on the length pieces. None of the stowage has been secured down as I am not sure of the layout as yet. Despite the issues with the wheels and the turret the rest of the kit was a nice build with little or no other issues. Cheers Kevin
Thanks Clive. I thought it was a nice build despite the issues and flak I have received on other sites. Cheers Kevin
Seriously Kevin getting flak for a great build like that I think some people need to get out a bit more. If I posted any of my model making attempts they would assume it have been put together by a one armed Orangutan standing on its head. Although to be fair to Orangutans they are better looking and more intelligent than I. regards Clive
