Hobby Master 1:72 Ground Power Series HG3503
ROF Centurion Diecast Model
British Army, Suez Canal, Operation Musketeer 1956 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| ROF Centurion | | 3.75" | | 1.75" |
In October of 1956 an Anglo-French invasion of the Egyptian Suez Canal region was launched when the Egpytian Government decided to nationalize it. This waterway was a vital link for international shipping and made it easier for the British to maintain their interests in the region. The action was called "Operation Musketeer" and coincided with an Israeli armor push into the Sinai. Leading the British tanks was Captain Pratley whose job it was to support the 40 and 42 Commandoes. The invasion began October 31st and the 6th RTR (Royal Tank Regiment) landed west of the canal in support of the Royal Marines and by noon managed to link up with French paratroopers moving from the east. The British and French troops met pockets of stiff resistance where they called upon the the 6th RTR and French tanks to route the Egyptian defenders. The Suez Canal was captured in a relatively short period but the Egyptians had managed to sink several ships and other obstacles making the canal unusable. Under pressure from possible Russian military intervention, an oil embargo by Saudi Arabia, lack of support from other Commonwealth countries and a threat by the US to devalue the British Pound the British declared a ceasefire without telling the Israeli or French Governments. This unilateral action by Britain eventually lead to France withdrawing from NATO and both Britain and France withdrew their troops by the end of 1956. Ultimately this damaged the prestige of Britain and France and increased Arab hostilities toward them. President Nasser of Egypt came out of the conflict with greater power and respect by other Arab nations and ultimately retained control of the canal.
Delivered in 1949, the British Centurion Tank was also purchased by the Australian Army and the armed forces of many other nations. The Centurion first entered combat in 1950 during the Korean War. Its standard 105mm L7 main gun was supplemented by a heavy caliber anti-aircraft gun, a coaxial gun and ananti-infantry gun. Powered by a V12 Rolls Royce Meteor petrol engine and weighing in at over 50 tons, the Centurion's road speed was an impressive 34 Kilometers per hour. Its success was primarily due to its thick armor-equal to the heaviest infantry tanks-and cross-country performance superior to even the early cruiser tanks. © Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale Centurion tank is constructed with a blend of diecast metal and plastic, with plastic used to achieve maximum detail and a discreet internal weight added for a heavy feel. The 360 degree rotating turret is made from finely detailed plastic and has a pivoting metal cannon. Side-mounted equipment storage boxes, spare track, smoke grenade launchers and machine gun are separately attached. The lower portion of the hull is constructed in metal, and the plastic top portion features a detailed front driver's hatch and side-mounted tools. The unique externally-mounted Horstmann suspension is clearly seen inside the tracks and on the bottom of the model.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Ground Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles.
Hobby Master "1:72 Ground Power Series" diecast vehicles feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- 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.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
