Junior's 3x 1/72 PSC Cromwells

[adt70hk]

Have you got a link for that? (Though it’s pretty much impossible to tell a Centaur from a Cromwell unless you open the engine deck, it’ll be interesting to at least try to work out which of the two it’s more likely to be.)


I don’t think there was much need for them in the British sector of Normandy. The Americans were stuck in the bocage and had a real need for ways to break through, while the British were in more open country, IIRC.

Hi Jakko

As promised.

The thread I found was on the 'The Miniatures Page" forum, here: http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=64819.

It said:

"Vehicles fitted with Cullin Hedgerow Cutter were M5, M4 75/76mm variants, Firefly, M10, M18, M8 HMC and Cromwell IV-VIII (very debatable!).

The problem with the Cromwell is that there is only one "famous" photograph [p45, Chamberlain & Ellis, British and American Tanks of World War Two]. This example, actually a Centaur, is a prototype but as far as I know photographic evidence from the field is non-existent.

A small film clip of the same vehicle was also taken. There are no known photos of it being used on a tank in the field but a reference is made in a book about 4th CLY to some tanks being fitted with 'prongs' for the fighting around Caen and Falaise. That is the sum of all the knowledge of this combination!."


Below is only picture I can find anywhere of a 'Cromwell' one fitted.

It's repeated numerous times on all kinds of platforms across the web but this is the best version. It is very obviously in front of some sort of industrial building - is this the trial Tim recalls reading about? I don't know if it's the photo referred to in the book as I don't have that book.....but given it's the only one I can find it might well be....but of course I could be wrong.

ATB

Andrew

[Tim Marlow]

I have an odd notion that the reference I quoted was actually in the Airfix 1/76 kit background blurb, but I may well be wrong.

[adt70hk]

I'll have a look. I've made that kit so well dig out the instructions if it's not on scalemates

[rtfoe]

Apologies for being late into this but kudos for the young one on taking up the hobby with zest.
These little offerings are quite detailed. I have a Tiger compliments from an MD who runs a sub-factory that manufactures some of these kits for war gaming. I don't know how they get so much detail in the one piece track and wheels. I've yet to visit the factory just 10 minutes from where I live.

Cheers,
Richard

[Guest]

The problem with the Cromwell is that there is only one "famous" photograph [p45, Chamberlain & Ellis, British and American Tanks of World War Two]. This example, actually a Centaur, is a prototype but as far as I know photographic evidence from the field is non-existent.

It would help a lot if I could find my copy of that book … A few months ago I re-arranged my library, including building new shelves to help keep things together, and now that book is not where I would expect it to be

Oh, hang on, it was in another section … page 45, it says? Yep, that has the photo you also included in your post above. The caption for it says it’s a Centaur III, but we’ll have to take their word for it, I think, because to the best of my knowledge there is no way you can tell from that whether it’s a Cromwell or a Centaur. If the gun had been cropped from the photo, it could even be a Cavalier and you would never know.

(Like I said, the only conclusive way to tell them apart is to look inside: Centaur had a Liberty engine, Cromwell had a Meteor. Many people will point to the engine deck and say that flat is Centaur, with a raised air intake is Cromwell — but early Cromwells had a flat engine deck too. Or that holes in the tyres is Centaur, no holes is Cromwell — but early Cromwells … etc. Or even that a short, thick, 95 mm gun barrel means it’s a Centaur — which tells you that they really don’t know what they’re talking about Not that I claim to be an expert on these tanks, mind.)

Below is only picture I can find anywhere of a 'Cromwell' one fitted.

That’s the one that’s also in the book, yes.

[adt70hk]

Apologies for being late into this but kudos for the young one on taking up the hobby with zest.
These little offerings are quite detailed. I have a Tiger compliments from an MD who runs a sub-factory that manufactures some of these kits for war gaming. I don't know how they get so much detail in the one piece track and wheels. I've yet to visit the factory just 10 minutes from where I live.

Cheers,
Richard

Richard

Absolutely no problem at all. I know how hard it is to keep up with everything. I'll make sure Junior sees your comment. As you say, it is amazing how much detail they get into these quick build kits.

Thanks again for stopping by.

ATB.

Andrew

[adt70hk]

It would help a lot if I could find my copy of that book … A few months ago I re-arranged my library, including building new shelves to help keep things together, and now that book is not where I would expect it to be

Oh, hang on, it was in another section … page 45, it says? Yep, that has the photo you also included in your post above. The caption for it says it’s a Centaur III, but we’ll have to take their word for it, I think, because to the best of my knowledge there is no way you can tell from that whether it’s a Cromwell or a Centaur. If the gun had been cropped from the photo, it could even be a Cavalier and you would never know.

(Like I said, the only conclusive way to tell them apart is to look inside: Centaur had a Liberty engine, Cromwell had a Meteor. Many people will point to the engine deck and say that flat is Centaur, with a raised air intake is Cromwell — but early Cromwells had a flat engine deck too. Or that holes in the tyres is Centaur, no holes is Cromwell — but early Cromwells … etc. Or even that a short, thick, 95 mm gun barrel means it’s a Centaur — which tells you that they really don’t know what they’re talking about :smiling3: Not that I claim to be an expert on these tanks, mind.)


That’s the one that’s also in the book, yes.

Jakko

Thanks for checking so promptly for me and the confirmation. We'll have to put their addition down to artistic licence, and besides Junior likes to see most of the parts used and isn't yet that fussed about historical accuracy.

Thanks again.

Andrew

[The Smythe Meister]

Well,I`ve only just stumbled across this Andrew!
What a cracking set of tanks these are,a lovely clean looking build young Andrew junior has made of it too may i add:thumb2:,
I shall certainly be looking out for the next update...... Bring on the paint!!
Andy

[adt70hk]

Well,I`ve only just stumbled across this Andrew!
What a cracking set of tanks these are,a lovely clean looking build young Andrew junior has made of it too may i add:thumb2:,
I shall certainly be looking out for the next update...... Bring on the paint!!
Andy

Thanks Andy! I got a thumbs of thanks from Junior when I told him what you'd said.

We'll try not to let you down!

ATB

Andrew

[adt70hk]

Hi all

So Junior managed to get these finished at Monday night's club meeting - he didn't go to September's meeting as he'd been at Tankfest the day before, hence the delay in getting the build finished.

As you'll see we've added the metal barrels - they look much better and more importantly don't snap like plastic ones!! In hindsight I think we should have drilled the holes a bit deeper as I think they stick out a little bit too far - only a millimetre or so - but at this scale it's noticeable.....but never mind we're not entering them into any competitions!

ACW as usual.

Andrew

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[Tim Marlow]

Lovely job. They look great, and will look even better with paint.

[adt70hk]

Lovely job. They look great, and will look even better with paint.

Thanks Tim. Will let Junior know.

As for paint......No comment.... Other than to say I have the afternoon to myself tomorrow and I've been prepping a number of items for the spray both!!!!

[Jim R]

Well done. They do look good.
Jim

[scottie3158]

Looking very nice. Bring on the paint.

[adt70hk]

Well done. They do look good.
Jim

Looking very nice. Bring on the paint.

Thanks guys! Feedback has been passed onto Junior!

ATB

Andrew