Tamiya 1/16 Centurion build and field test.

[oldwolf]

It is typically used when climbing or descending an incline. It keeps the tank from rolling forward or back when/if you stop on a up/down incline.

The turret just takes time to learn how to make the fine slow movements.

If you like the HL control stick set up you can assign the FineSpec to adjust the channels to mimic it. I have the channel assignments if you would like them. Personally I do not like the Tamiya sick assignments then are slow and not intuitive. If you reassign the channels you still retaining all the Tamiya button function. No need to reassign those.

Hmmm, that is what I thought it was supposed to do but I didnt see any difference between on and off. Maybe the slope was too steep or the button assignment didnt “take”. I will try it again. Button assignment is so simple it is a quick re-do.

I considered reassigning the driving controls but decided to give the tamiya set up a try. I did reverse elevation control. I like pull back for up and push forward for down.

The main reason I have found the lack of fine control on the turret rotation annoying is that I made the barrel lock functional and lining up the barrel is a bit fiddley.

[Rubicon99]

So far, I am very pleased with my new centurion. I haven't run it outside again, but if the rain has stopped tomorrow I may do so. My only small complaint is that turret rotation is lacking in fine, slow movement control. Perhaps I didn't lube it enough when I assembled it.
I do have a question though. It comes with Tamiyas newest control unit and I got their newest transmitter with all the buttons, to go with it. Both seem to work well. However, there is a function called brake mode, I think it gets assigned to button 8. What the heck is it supposed to do? I think I have it enabled, but whether it is on or off I cant see it making any difference in operation. Does it do something so subtle that I just am not noticing it?

It is typically used when climbing or descending an incline. It keeps the tank from rolling forward or back when/if you stop on a up/down incline.

The turret just takes time to learn how to make the fine slow movements.

If you like the HL control stick set up you can assign the FineSpec to adjust the channels to mimic it. I have the channel assignments if you would like them. Personally I do not like the Tamiya sick assignments then are slow and not intuitive. If you reassign the channels you still retaining all the Tamiya button function. No need to reassign those.

[oldwolf]

So far, I am very pleased with my new centurion. I haven't run it outside again, but if the rain has stopped tomorrow I may do so. My only small complaint is that turret rotation is lacking in fine, slow movement control. Perhaps I didn't lube it enough when I assembled it.
I do have a question though. It comes with Tamiyas newest control unit and I got their newest transmitter with all the buttons, to go with it. Both seem to work well. However, there is a function called brake mode, I think it gets assigned to button 8. What the heck is it supposed to do? I think I have it enabled, but whether it is on or off I cant see it making any difference in operation. Does it do something so subtle that I just am not noticing it?

[RichJohnson]

Very nice looking. Good work

[sclui56]

Nice wolf. I bet everyone has started their build except me, but the upside is that I have more time to decide on the scheme. Thanks for sharing.

[Rubicon99]

Much detail work still to do but as soon as I had it running I had to take it out for a test run. It did very well on a bit over 3 scale miles of woodland path. The track didn't pick up much debris so clean up was quick. A marked difference compared to my challenger 2, which tends to badly clog its tracks. Once I get the skirts on this, we will see if it grabs and holds more stuff. It did pick up several confused aphids, no doubt wondering why something green wasn't edible.

👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍 Great to see another Centurion built and out in the wild!!!

[oldwolf]

Well, then there are dark green pine groves, contrasting with the snow. Just have to pick ones spot a bit better!

[SoCalBobS]

Beautiful. I love the dark green color. Perfect for your AO. (Until winter!)

[oldwolf]

Much detail work still to do but as soon as I had it running I had to take it out for a test run. It did very well on a bit over 3 scale miles of woodland path. The track didn't pick up much debris so clean up was quick. A marked difference compared to my challenger 2, which tends to badly clog its tracks. Once I get the skirts on this, we will see if it grabs and holds more stuff. It did pick up several confused aphids, no doubt wondering why something green wasn't edible.

[Rubicon99]

Got some range time in with the new RichJohnson “L7 105mm” machined aluminum main gun I recently installed. The gun fit is better then the stock barrel (less wobbly) and this is much more accurate in all aspects of firing.

Shown here the Tamiya Centurion with new “L7 105mm” gun is firing at a target tank ~ 50ft (~16m).

[RichJohnson]

I did something similar to 5th at idea with the howitzer Sherman, doesn’t work as well as you would hope. Not worth doing.

[oldwolf]

What we need, is a hollow, cylindrical piece of fiber optics with a metal lining that the ir bulb could fit in. All small enough to fit in the barrel. Then the flash unit could be placed behind the ir bulb and still conduct the flash to the muzzle.

[Rubicon99]

Looking forward to seeing it in the field.

I have several short videos and many photos of this Centurion in the field and running obstacles. They can be found on my Instagram @ fsttanks

[Rubicon99]

So, ir bulb replaces muzzle flash? Is there any other place for the ir bulb? A place that still provides 9 mm set back or greater and doesn't look hideous? I like muzzle flashes and want to keep that.

The easy alternative option would be to use the machine gun port. Other then that the Tamiya “clamp on” barrel IR holder, which I personally think is ugly and tends to “shot gun blast” the IR beam rather wildly.

Some people have added their own wholes in the mantle for the IR because then wanted to retain both the main gun and machine gun flash.

[oldwolf]

So, ir bulb replaces muzzle flash? Is there any other place for the ir bulb? A place that still provides 9 mm set back or greater and doesn't look hideous? I like muzzle flashes and want to keep that.

[761st]

Looking forward to seeing it in the field.

[Rubicon99]

Paint, weathering and IR bulb added to new barrel. Its ready to hit the field.

[761st]

I am late to the party. Great build documentary! Amazing end results!

[Rubicon99]

UPDATE.

Installed the RichJohnson “L7 105mm” main gun. This is a machines aluminum barrel and much better looking then my “stop gap” hand build L7 barrel. Still needs to be painted and the IR bulb installed.

Here are a few photos. I also posted a short video of the barrel undergoing a basic function test on my Instagram @ Fsttanks

[Rubicon99]

Can you let me know which metal bearings bag to order from AAF? They don't disclose how many bearings in each of their bags? Or does it have the right amounts for the type of tank they are intended.
I can go to the manual of the tank to see how many bearings are included. I can't get the bag for the Centurion since it is new so no parts are available yet.
Are all bearings the same sizes?
Is it better to get them from Ebay? I would like to get from AAF (if the price is reasonable) and ask them to put the bag inside the tank box for me before they ship the tank out.
You mentioned before that we need 28. So I just want to get enough or more for future use. I don't want to get less :-)

I buy mine from SemiJoes on EBay. Buy the set for the Tamiya Pershing or M51/M4 and you will have plenty.