1:72 scale diecast tank by Hobby Master. Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG3504 - Centurion Mk. 5/2, Royal Netherlands Army.

Length 4 inches
Width 2 inches

Features:
Diecast metal and plastic construction.
Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks on detailed non-rotating wheels.
Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
Clear acrylic display case to protect model.

The Centurion tank arrived too late for service in WWII but became the back-bone of the post-war British Army because of its thick armor, adaptability of the chassis. The tank went on to serve admirably in Korea, the Middle East, South Asia and Vietnam. The Mk. 5 with its stabilized L7 105mm gun was a huge improvement over any of the earlier marks. The L7 became the benchmark until the L44 120mm gun was developed and used on the Leopard II and M1A1/2.

The Royal Netherlands Army received 592 Centurion Mk. III tanks. 435 of these had been paid for by the US MDAP (Major Defense Acquisition Program). Of these tanks 343 were modified with an L7 gun and re-designated Mk. 5/2. This became the standard and in 1956 the remaining tanks were modified to Mk. 5s with either a Type �A� or Type �B� barrel. The Type �B� had a bore evacuator to prevent fume blow-back into the turret when the breech was opened.