Tamiya 35232 - 1:35 Centaur C.S.Mk.IV British Cruiser Tank Mk.VIII

Plastic model kit of the British Centaur C.S. Mk.IV (Mk.VIII) tank in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35232 depicts the Centaur in its Close Support C.S. Mk.IV version – a British Mk.VIII cruiser tank closely related to the Cromwell. Instead of the standard gun, the machine was armed with a 95 mm howitzer, intended to destroy fortifications and support infantry with high-explosive and smoke rounds. Centaurs in this version are known, among other things, for their use by the Royal Marines armoured support during the Normandy landings (D-Day).

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret and running-gear parts
• 95 mm howitzer
• Reproduced road wheels and tracks
• Decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35232
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 181 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit. The angular shape makes it easy to paint the surfaces evenly; emphasise the final result with a wash, dry-brushing and operational weathering.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail, plus dry-brushing
• Pigments and paints for weathering effects (mud, dust, rust)

About the vehicle – Centaur C.S. Mk.IV:

The Centaur was a British cruiser tank, structurally similar to the Cromwell but powered by a different engine. The Close Support version with a 95 mm howitzer was used to destroy fortifications and support infantry. These tanks were used, among other places, during the Normandy landings in 1944.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length: approx. 6.35 m
• Width: approx. 2.9 m
• Height: approx. 2.5 m
• Combat weight: approx. 28 t
• Powerplant: Liberty petrol engine (V12), approx. 395 hp
• Max speed: approx. 43 km/h
• Armament: 95 mm howitzer; machine gun
• Crew: 5
• Feature: close-support version with a 95 mm howitzer

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. The 1:35 Military Miniature series is one of the most highly regarded military model lines in the world. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.