Centaur Mk I (A27L)
The Centaur Mk I was a British cruiser tank of the Second World War and an important member of the A27 family that also produced the better-known Cromwell. Armed with the 6-pounder gun, it combined a compact, purposeful profile with the high-mobility cruiser-tank concept. This detailed model captures the early Centaur’s distinctive form for historical collections, layouts and tabletop scenes.
Historical Role
Developed to provide British armoured formations with a fast cruiser tank, the Centaur Mk I used the Nuffield Liberty engine while the more powerful Rolls-Royce Meteor was being brought into production. Performance and reliability limitations meant that many Centaurs were retained in Britain for training rather than serving as front-line gun tanks. Nevertheless, the type played an important role in preparing crews and advancing the A27 design family.
Distinctive Appearance
The Centaur Mk I shares the low, angular silhouette associated with early Cromwell-family tanks. Notable features include its box-like hull, five large road wheels on each side, broad tracks, squared turret and prominent 6-pounder gun. The stepped front hull, side-mounted stowage and engine-deck arrangement create a recognisably British wartime appearance.
Variant Differences
The Centaur was closely related to the Cromwell but retained the Liberty engine rather than the Cromwell’s Meteor powerplant. The Mk I carried the 6-pounder gun used on early A27 vehicles, rather than the 75 mm weapon fitted to later Cromwell marks. Externally, the two types could appear very similar, with identification often relying on engine-deck and exhaust details. The Centaur existed because Liberty-powered production could proceed while Meteor availability remained limited.
Modelling Uses
Ideal for British armoured training scenes, wartime dioramas, model railways, wargaming displays and collectors, this model can represent an early A27 vehicle in factory-fresh, operational or weathered condition.
Fun Fact
The “L” in A27L identified the Liberty-powered Centaur, while the Meteor-engined Cromwell was designated A27M.
Available Scales
1:87, 1:76, 1:72, 1:48 and 1:35.
Finish Options
Cleaned Resin Grey, Grey Primed - Ready for Painting, and Historical Base Colour.
Very small details may vary slightly depending on the scale selected.
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