The Mark 11 was the last minor upgrade with the Thermal Observation and Gunnery System (TOGS) replacing the searchlight. Further minor upgrades led to the Mark 10, which was the recipient of the Stillbrew up-armour package, which resulted in a much-altered turret profile and improved protection, particularly at the front. The result was one of the most impressive tanks of its day, and when it reached trial service in small numbers in 1959 they began ironing out the wrinkles, which resulted in a steady increase in all-up weight as well as capability.Īs the design progressed beyond initial service with the Mark 2, further upgrades give rise of the Mark 3, then skipped Mark 4 to reach the final production variant, the Mark 5, which carried NBC gear in the form of an over-pressure system, and a more powerful engine. It was a development of the highly successful Centurion tank, and continued the work done by the Centurion in addressing the reputation for apparent under-armoured and under-armed WWII British tanks, shaking it conclusively once it reached service. All in all, an excellent kit to build.The Chieftain tank was Britain's first main battle tank to have composite armour added, in the shape of the well-known, but not so well known about Chobham armour. It was much easier to start at the end of the instructions and work my way backwards. This was certainly the case with the machine guns that mount inside the side sponsons. This is because you may find it easier to build the assemblies in a different order than how they show it in the instructions. I have found with Takom models that it is a good idea to understand the assemblies before you actually build them. The tracks actually work if you can do it. In hindsight, I probably should have just glued them since this is for static display anyway. Anyone who has built this will know what I mean. It was very difficult to balance all the road wheels straight in order to bring the two sides of the track assemblies together. A couple of cons that come to mind are really more challenges than they are negatives. They painted up really well and look very realistic. They snap right together and for the most part seem to stay together. Another thing I really liked are the tracks. The grenade shield on top is a nice addition. Very realistic for the time period and well engineered for how all the parts come together. Some of the pros include outstanding detail.
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