Centurion Mk 5 Series 2
ROCO 1:87 Sale Vehicle Review
The vintage ROCO 1:87 scale Centurion tank is now only found at flea markets and auctions. There are two nearly identical versions of the model: the 1948 Centurion Mk 3 with 84 mm “Ordnance QF 20-pounder model B” tank gun and fume extractor, and the upgraded Centurion Mk 5 Series 2 with the 105 mm “Royal Ordnance L7” tank gun introduced in 1959, which was also used in the US M60 “Patton” main battle tank and the German Leopard 1. The new 105 mm tank guns were produced by boring out the existing 20 pdr. barrels, which is why the ROCO Centurion can be used as both a Mk 3 and a Mk 5/2.
Contents
- Centurion Mk 3 Main Battle Tank
- 84 mm Ordnance QF 20-pounder model B tank gun
- 105 mm Royal Ordnance L7 tank gun
Evaluation
Excellent choice of subject, the ROCO Centurion main battle tank was unique in this scale for decades, and there is still no comparably inexpensive alternative. However, ROCO neglected to support the Centurion with British infantry fighting vehicles such as the F.V. 603 Saracen or FV432. Contemporary trucks like the Bedford RL (1953–1971) or Bedford MK/MJ (1959–1992) are also missing, as are British infantry figures in H0 scale. Those wishing to use the ROCO Centurion for simulation games would be better off combining the tank with American M3 armored personnel carriers, M35 2.5-ton trucks, M38A1 jeeps, and US infantry figures resembling those of the Israel Defense Forces.
The ROCO Centurion main battle tank is sold fully assembled. The model is largely free of mould lines and excess plastic. The coaxial machine gun, smoke grenade launcher, and the stowage bin at the rear of the turret are missing.
Good value for money, vintage ROCO Centurion main battle tanks can be found cheaply on the internet or at flea markets.
The tank model is approximately 44 cm shorter and 26 cm narrower than the original. The overall height is correct, however, the hull is slightly too low and the turret slightly too high. Overall, the silhouette of the ROCO Centurion appears more realistic than that of the conspicuously flat Centurion Mk 5/2 from Roskopf.
Compatible with HO scale model railway equipment and miniatures by Faller, Märklin, Noch, Pola, Preiser, and ROCO.
The ROCO H0 scale Centurion main battle tank is perfect for wargamers who want to raise their own tank platoons and companies with a robust and cheap ready-made model.