9 Best AFV Club Centurion Variants (June 2026) Expert Reviews

The British Centurion is widely considered one of the most influential main battle tanks ever built. Serving from the end of World War II through conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East, it earned a reputation that modelers love to capture on their workbenches. When it comes to 1/35 scale reproductions, AFV Club from Taiwan has become the go-to brand, producing some of the sharpest, most detailed Centurion kits available anywhere.

Our team has spent months researching every AFV Club Centurion variant currently available, comparing detail quality, build complexity, included extras like photo-etched brass and metal barrels, and real builder feedback from forums and review sites. Whether you want a Korean War Mk.3, an Australian Vietnam-era Mk.5/1, or an Israeli Sho’t from the Yom Kippur War, this guide covers all nine kits in the lineup.

In this roundup of the best AFV Club Centurion variants for 2026, we break down each kit by detail level, difficulty, historical era, and what real modelers are saying after building them. If you are looking for the right Centurion model kit for your next project, you are in the right place.

Top 3 AFV Club Centurion Kits for 2026

These three kits stand above the rest based on builder ratings, detail quality, and overall value. Each one represents a different era and theater, so you can pick the one that matches your modeling interests and skill level.

9 Best AFV Club Centurion Variants in 2026

1. AFV Club Israeli Sho’t Kal 1973 – The Definitive IDF Centurion

This kit represents the Israeli-modified Centurion that played a decisive role during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, particularly during the fighting at the Golan Heights. I have seen builders call this “possibly the best model ever seen” and after looking at the parts count and detail level, I understand why. Every reviewer on Amazon gave it 5 out of 5 stars, which is rare for any model kit.

The Sho’t Kal features AFV Club’s signature combination of a metal gun barrel and real metal springs for the suspension system. Rubber tires and tracks are included, which saves you the trouble of building individual track links. The kit captures the Israeli upgrades including the updated engine deck and modified turret storage that distinguish the Sho’t Kal from the standard British Centurion.

What impressed me most about this kit is the builder feedback. Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned how enjoyable the build process is, despite the complexity. One modeler described it as “very detailed and fun to build,” which is exactly what you want from a kit at this level. The parts fit is consistently praised, and the included rubber band-style tracks mean you can focus your energy on painting and weathering rather than assembling hundreds of track links.

At 1.8 pounds with dimensions of 15.43 x 9.88 x 3 inches, this is a substantial box with plenty of plastic inside. The kit represents the Centurion tank that literally saved Israel during the armored battles of 1973, making it a fantastic subject for anyone interested in Middle Eastern military history or IDF armor specifically.

Best Build Experience For

This kit is ideal for modelers who want to build a historically significant IDF Centurion without dealing with workable track links. The rubber band tracks make the build more approachable than some other AFV Club variants, though you still get the full detail treatment with metal barrel and photo-etched parts. It works beautifully as a standalone display piece or as the centerpiece of a Golan Heights diorama.

The 100% five-star rating across 13 reviews tells you this kit consistently delivers satisfaction. Experienced builders will appreciate the detail, while intermediate modelers looking to step up from simpler kits will find the build process rewarding.

What to Watch Out For

Like all AFV Club Centurion kits, the parts count is high and some sub-assemblies involve very small pieces. Take your time with the suspension components, as the real metal springs need careful handling during installation. The instructions are generally clear but you should dry-fit everything before committing with glue.

If you are new to armor modeling, this is not the kit to start with. The complexity level is moderate-to-high, and builders on forums consistently recommend having a few armor builds under your belt before tackling any AFV Club Centurion. That said, the rubber tracks make it slightly more forgiving than the variants with individual track links.

2. AFV Club Centurion MK5/1 Vietnam Version – Australian RAAC Icon

This is the kit that put AFV Club’s Centurion line on the map for many modelers. The Mk.5/1 Vietnam Version represents the Australian Centurions that served with the Royal Australian Armoured Corps during the Vietnam War, complete with the distinctive dozer blade and side-mounted storage typical of those vehicles. With an impressive 4.9 out of 5 star rating across 11 reviews, this kit has proven itself to builders worldwide.

AFV Club packed this box with premium extras that other manufacturers would charge extra for. You get a turned metal gun barrel, brass photo-etched screens for the engine deck, real coil springs for the Horstmann suspension, and clear parts for the vision blocks and lights. The level of inclusion here is what makes this one of the best AFV Club Centurion variants for the money.

The kit goes together nicely according to multiple builders, with 87% of reviewers giving it 5 stars. One builder specifically praised the “quality kit, well made” construction while another highlighted the “amazing detail with lots of parts.” The Australian-specific modifications are well captured, including the correct stowage arrangements and fender details that distinguish the RAAC vehicles from their British counterparts.

I found the inclusion of clear parts particularly noteworthy. The vision blocks and headlight lenses add a level of realism that you usually only see in much more expensive kits. Combined with the photo-etched brass engine screens, this kit gives you everything needed for a competition-quality build straight from the box.

Best Build Experience For

This is the ideal kit for modelers who want to build a Vietnam War diorama or have a specific interest in Australian military history. The combination of premium included parts and strong builder feedback makes it one of the safest choices in the AFV Club Centurion lineup. It also works well for modelers transitioning from Tamiya kits to something with more detail and complexity.

The 1.2-pound weight keeps it manageable on the workbench, and the box dimensions of 11.81 x 1.97 x 7.87 inches suggest a well-organized parts layout. You get waterslide decals, vinyl track options, and the full photo-etched fret, making this a genuinely complete package.

What to Watch Out For

Multiple reviewers warn that this is “not for the faint of heart or beginners.” The sheer number of small pieces demands patience and steady hands. If you are used to simpler kits where most parts are large and obvious, the parts density here will be a significant step up.

The difficulty level means you should plan for a longer build time than average. Builders on forums describe AFV Club Centurion kits as requiring “tons of patience” but producing results that make the effort worthwhile. Have a good set of modeling tools, liquid cement, and tweezers ready before you start.

3. AFV Club IDF Centurion Shot Kal Dalet with Battering Ram – Ultimate Detail

This is the kit for builders who want maximum detail and are not afraid of a challenge. The Shot Kal Dalet with Battering Ram represents the late-model Israeli Centurion with the distinctive armor upgrades and the famous “battering ram” used in urban combat. Every single reviewer gave it 5 out of 5 stars, and the praise focuses on one thing above all else: the incredible injection molding quality.

Builders describe this as “one of the sharpest looking models” they have encountered, with “recessed surface details everywhere” and injection quality that matches Tamiya at their best. The weld lines on the hull are perfectly rendered, and the mold lines are remarkably easy to remove, which is not something you hear about most kits in this price range.

The amount of parts in this box is what really sets it apart. One builder noted that “hand building each detail from 2-5 pieces felt really cool,” which gives you an idea of the engineering philosophy here. AFV Club did not take shortcuts. Each hatch, stowage bin, and turret detail is broken down into multiple parts for maximum fidelity to the real vehicle.

The included photo-etched parts add another layer of detail to the already impressive plastic components. At 2 pounds, this is one of the heavier kits in the lineup, reflecting the extra sprues and parts count. The Dalet variant with its additional armor and specific Israeli modifications makes this the most detailed IDF Centurion kit AFV Club produces.

Best Build Experience For

This kit is purpose-built for experienced armor modelers who want a showpiece for their collection. If you enjoy complex builds where every sub-assembly is a mini-project in itself, this is your kit. The battering ram detail alone makes it a conversation piece, and the late-war Israeli configuration opens up interesting weathering and painting possibilities.

The Shot Kal Dalet is also perfect for modelers planning a Yom Kippur War or Lebanon diorama. The combination of the armor upgrades, battering ram, and detailed stowage options gives you a vehicle that tells a story all on its own. Just plan for a substantial time investment.

What to Watch Out For

The complexity is real. One reviewer described it as “very complicated and time consuming” and specifically warned that it is “not for those who hate assembling 6+ pieces for a hatch.” If you prefer simpler builds where things go together quickly, this kit will test your patience.

The instruction sheets for complex AFV Club kits can sometimes be less than intuitive. Study each step carefully before cutting parts from the sprue, and always dry-fit before gluing. The plastic quality is excellent but the small parts count means one wrong move can derail an entire sub-assembly.

4. AFV Club Centurion MK 3 Korean War – Classic British Armor

The Centurion Mk.3 was the workhorse of British armored forces during the Korean War, powered by the Rolls-Royce Meteor 4B V-12 gasoline engine producing 650 horsepower. This 2019 release from AFV Club captures that specific variant with all the features Korean War modelers need, and it comes with a bonus that few other kits in the lineup include: two tank crew figures.

Opening this box reveals it is packed to the brim with sprues. Builders report that AFV Club even includes extra sprues to add one or two additional parts, which speaks to the thoroughness of the engineering. The kit includes a metal gun barrel, metal-sprung suspension, a rubber mantlet cover, flexible tracks, and photo-etched brass parts. The decal sheet covers several Korean War marking options plus a Hong Kong-based tank.

The fit is excellent according to builders, with one reviewer stating it is an “excellent choice for a Centurion model.” The included crew figures add immediate visual interest to the finished build and save you the trouble of sourcing aftermarket figures separately. For anyone building a Korean War diorama, having the correct markings and crew figures in one box is a real advantage.

At 700 grams with dimensions of 15.75 x 9.84 x 3.15 inches, this is a generous kit. The flexible tracks are a welcome inclusion that balances detail with buildability. The 2019 release date means the molds are relatively fresh, which shows in the sharpness of the surface details and the quality of the injection work throughout.

Best Build Experience For

Korean War modelers will find this the most compelling AFV Club Centurion variant available. The combination of correct period markings, crew figures, and the Mk.3-specific details like the 20-pounder gun makes it the definitive kit for this theater. It is also a strong choice for British Army modelers who want a pre-L7 gun Centurion with historically accurate features.

The flexible tracks make this one of the more builder-friendly options in the AFV Club Centurion range, though the overall complexity still demands experience. If you want an AFV Club Centurion that balances detail with a slightly more manageable build, the Mk.3 is worth serious consideration.

What to Watch Out For

The review count is low at just 2 reviews, so there is less community feedback to draw from compared to the top-rated kits. However, both reviews are positive, with the fit and detail quality receiving specific praise. The kit still requires substantial modeling experience.

The decals for Korean War tanks are a great inclusion, but be aware that some of the marking options may require specific paint schemes. Research your chosen subject vehicle before starting the build to ensure you get the colors and markings right.

5. AFV Club Centurion Mk 5 Tank Kit w/Dozer – The Diorama Builder’s Choice

The Centurion Mk.5 with Dozer is a standout variant because the dozer blade completely changes the character of the finished model. This is the kit that Armorama reviewed back in 2009, calling it “superb” and noting it contains all the parts needed for the Vietnam-era Australian RAAC version. A single reviewer on Amazon gave it 5 stars, praising AFV Club as producing “some of the best models on the market.”

The dozer blade assembly is what makes this kit special. Instead of a standard gun tank, you end up with an engineering vehicle that tells a different story on the shelf. The blade can be displayed raised or lowered, giving you options for how to present the finished build. This opens up diorama possibilities that a standard Centurion simply cannot match.

The parts are mounted on sprue trees with the quality you expect from AFV Club. The kit includes materials across aluminum, metal, plastic, and rubber, reflecting the multi-media approach that AFV Club takes with their premium releases. Assembly and painting are required, so bring your full toolkit including glue, paints, and finishing supplies.

With part number FV35106, this kit has been in the AFV Club catalog for years and has earned its place as a proven design. The engineering is mature, meaning the molds have been refined and any initial issues have been addressed through previous production runs.

Best Build Experience For

Diorama builders should look at this kit first. The dozer blade variant naturally fits into scene-based displays, whether you are recreating a Vietnam-era firebase, a Korean War engineering operation, or a generic Cold War maintenance scene. The blade gives the model a unique silhouette that stands out in any collection.

Modelers who already have standard Centurion variants in their collection will appreciate having something visually different. The dozer-equipped version adds variety without requiring you to learn a completely different kit family, since the base Centurion engineering is shared across the AFV Club range.

What to Watch Out For

The dozer blade assembly adds complexity on top of an already detailed kit. The blade mechanism involves multiple small parts that need careful alignment to look correct in the finished build. Take extra time with the hydraulic ram details and mounting hardware.

This kit uses vinyl rubber band tracks rather than individual link tracks, which is a plus for build speed but may not satisfy modelers who want maximum track detail. If individual track links matter to you, consider sourcing an aftermarket track set to complement the kit.

6. AFV Club IDF Centurion Shot Mk.5 Six Day War – 1967 Classic

This kit covers the early IDF Centurion configuration used during the 1967 Six Day War, offering modelers the chance to build either the Shot Mk.5 1960 version or the Shot Mk.5/1 1967 variant. The dual-build option makes this a versatile choice for anyone interested in early Israeli armor, covering the period before the major upgrades that produced the Sho’t Kal.

AFV Club includes the standard suite of premium extras: photo-etched detail parts, a metal gun barrel, and metal springs for the suspension. The vinyl rubber band tracks keep the build accessible while still delivering a good-looking finished product. The kit also includes rubber tires for the road wheels, which adds to the realistic appearance.

Builder feedback highlights the “great attention to detail” and “minimal cleanup required” on the parts. The Six Day War version is specifically called out as “worth buying” by reviewers, with one noting it makes a “great addition for special photo diorama scene.” The 69% five-star rating shows most builders are happy with the results.

However, the rating is pulled down by some negative reviews citing turret fitting issues. The 31% two-star rating is unusual for an AFV Club kit and something to be aware of. The issues appear to center on small parts alignment on the turret rather than fundamental design problems.

Best Build Experience For

Israeli armor enthusiasts who specifically want a Six Day War-era Centurion will find this the right kit. The early configuration with the original turret details and storage arrangements captures a distinct period in IDF history. Modelers building a multi-vehicle IDF collection can pair this with the Sho’t Kal for a before-and-after comparison of Israeli Centurion upgrades.

The vinyl tracks make this one of the more approachable AFV Club Centurion builds. If you want IDF Centurion detail without the time investment of individual track links, this kit strikes a good balance between detail and buildability.

What to Watch Out For

Pay extra attention to the turret assembly. Several builders reported fitting issues in this area, so dry-fitting is essential before committing to glue. The small parts on the turret require careful handling and precise alignment to avoid the problems some reviewers experienced.

The plastic quality is generally good but some builders noted that small parts need extra care during removal from the sprue. Use a sharp nippers and clean up attachment points carefully to avoid damaging nearby detail.

7. AFV Club Centurion Mk I British Main Battle Tank – The Original

The Centurion Mk.1 is where the whole story began. This was the first production version of the Centurion, entering service at the very end of World War II and equipped with the 17-pounder gun. AFV Club’s kit captures this historically significant variant with dedicated Mk.1 parts including the correct side skirts, rear fender, and exhaust louver that distinguish it from later marks.

The standout feature is the metal 17-pounder barrel, which gives the main gun the proper weight and that crisp, turned-metal appearance that plastic barrels simply cannot match. You also get a choice of secondary armament: either the 20mm Polsten cannon or the 7.92mm BESA machine gun, letting you customize your build to match a specific reference vehicle.

All hatches can be positioned open or closed, which is a nice touch for modelers who want to show off the interior detail or add crew figures. The storage boxes on both the turret and hull are faithfully reproduced, and the dedicated Mk.1-specific parts mean you are getting a purpose-engineered kit rather than a repurposed later variant with some parts omitted.

While there are no customer reviews yet for this kit, the AFV Club Centurion family has a well-established reputation for quality. The engineering across the range is consistent, and this Mk.1 kit benefits from the same mold-making expertise that earned the other variants their high ratings.

Best Build Experience For

World War II and early Cold War modelers will find this the most compelling AFV Club Centurion variant. The 17-pounder gun marks this as the original configuration, making it perfect for late-WWII “what if” scenarios or immediate post-war British Army displays. The choice of secondary armament gives you research-driven building options.

Collectors who want to show the evolution of the Centurion design should start here. Building the Mk.1 alongside later variants like the Mk.3 or Mk.5 creates a visual timeline of British tank development that few other model subjects can match.

What to Watch Out For

Without customer reviews, there is limited real-world feedback on fit and ease of assembly. Based on the AFV Club Centurion family track record, expect a high parts count and moderate-to-high complexity. The 1/35 scale with dimensions of 11 x 3.94 x 3.35 inches puts this squarely in the standard size range for the Centurion series.

The choice between the Polsten cannon and BESA machine gun means you should research your intended subject before starting. Some vehicles carried one or the other at different times, so having a reference photo of your target vehicle will help you make the correct choice.

8. AFV Club Centurion Mk.5 AVRE – The Engineering Specialist

The AVRE, or Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers, is one of the most distinctive Centurion variants ever produced. Instead of the standard 105mm or 20-pounder gun, this version carries the L9A1 165mm demolition gun designed to destroy fortifications at close range. AFV Club’s kit reproduces this specialist vehicle with exclusive parts including a canvas cover for the gun, the internal structure of the L9A1’s breech, and both metal and plastic 165mm HESH (High Explosive Squash Head) rounds.

What makes this kit special is the level of engineering specific to the AVRE variant. AFV Club did not simply swap gun barrels on an existing Mk.5 kit. They created new tooling for the AVRE-exclusive features, including the unique fender-mounted equipment, the canvas cover, and the detailed demolition charge storage arrangements. The new photo-etch fret is also AVRE-specific, meaning you get detail parts designed for this variant rather than generic Centurion brass.

The four decal options give you marking choices for different Royal Engineer units and time periods. This flexibility lets you model the AVRE as it appeared during different phases of its service life, from the 1950s through its operational deployments.

While no customer reviews exist yet, the 16 product images on Amazon show an incredibly detailed kit with sharp molding and comprehensive parts breakdown. The model year 1951 listed in the specifications corresponds to when the Centurion AVRE first entered service.

Best Build Experience For

Modelers with a specific interest in Royal Engineer vehicles will find this a must-have kit. The AVRE is a rare subject in 1/35 scale, and AFV Club’s version appears to be the most detailed option available. The unique 165mm gun gives the finished model an unmistakable silhouette that draws attention on any display shelf.

Diorama builders focusing on engineering operations, bridge-laying scenes, or fortification assaults will benefit from this kit. The AVRE was designed for close-support combat, making it a natural fit for dramatic scene-based displays.

What to Watch Out For

The 6-week shipping time means this is not a kit for builders in a hurry. Plan your purchase well in advance of when you want to start building. The lack of customer reviews also means you will be among the first to build this kit, which can be exciting but also means less community guidance is available.

The AVRE-specific parts add another layer of complexity to an already detailed Centurion kit. The internal structure of the L9A1 gun and the canvas cover assembly will require careful work. Budget extra time for these sub-assemblies.

9. AFV Club British Army Centurion Mk.5/1 4.RTR Line Legion – Regimental Specific

The 4th Royal Tank Regiment “Line Legion” variant offers modelers a British Army Centurion Mk.5/1 with specific regimental markings from 1962. The kit promises a highly detailed transmission system and a more realistic appearance compared to earlier toolings. However, this is the one kit in the AFV Club Centurion lineup that comes with significant builder warnings.

The sole Amazon review paints a frustrating picture. The builder describes the kit as “more complex with more parts than necessary” with “attachment points are poor to impossible” and “instructions are maddeningly unclear.” Perhaps most concerning is the note that the plastic quality can cause stress marks or breakage when cutting small parts from the sprue. These are unusual complaints for an AFV Club kit.

The regimental markings for the 4th Royal Tank Regiment are the main draw here. If you are building a collection of British Army Centurions with specific unit markings, this kit provides the decals and configuration for the Line Legion. The detailed transmission system, while adding complexity, does offer modelers who open up the lower hull something special to show.

The dimensions of 11.02 x 3.74 x 3.35 inches are standard for the AFV Club Centurion range, so the finished model will sit comfortably alongside your other variants. The green color designation in the specifications aligns with the standard British Army olive drab scheme.

Best Build Experience For

This kit is really only recommended for experienced modelers who specifically need the 4th Royal Tank Regiment markings or want every variant in the AFV Club Centurion collection. The detailed transmission system is a draw for builders who like to show internal details, but the build experience issues reported by the sole reviewer are significant enough to warrant caution.

If you are determined to build this variant, approach it with patience and expect to spend extra time on fitting and clean-up. Having experience with other AFV Club Centurion kits first will help you navigate the unclear instructions since you will already understand the general assembly sequence.

What to Watch Out For

The plastic quality is the primary concern. The reviewer specifically warned that “you can stress or break small parts just by cutting them off the sprue.” This means you need the sharpest possible nippers and should consider using a modeling saw for removal rather than standard cutting pliers.

Study the instructions carefully before each step and look for online build logs or forum posts from other modelers who have tackled this kit. Having reference photos of the assembly process from other builders can help you navigate the unclear instruction sheets. Consider buying aftermarket photo-etch and track sets if you want to elevate the final result beyond the basic kit.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right AFV Club Centurion Kits?

With nine different AFV Club Centurion variants on the market, picking the right one comes down to three main factors: your skill level, the historical period you want to model, and the features that matter most to you. Here is what our team recommends based on builder feedback and our own research.

Skill Level Matters More Than You Think

AFV Club Centurion kits are not beginner-friendly. Forum discussions on Reddit and FineScale Modeler consistently confirm that these kits demand modeling experience. If you are new to armor modeling, start with a simpler kit from another manufacturer and work your way up. For your first AFV Club Centurion, the Sho’t Kal 1973 (B001IYBYIE) or the Mk.3 Korean War (B07S21RJQ1) offer the best balance of detail and buildability because they use rubber band tracks instead of individual track links.

Intermediate builders should look at the Mk.5/1 Vietnam (B001EAQNZQ) or the Six Day War Shot Mk.5 (B003BWAO4Q). Both offer rich detail with vinyl tracks that keep the build manageable. Advanced builders seeking a challenge should target the Shot Kal Dalet with Battering Ram (B00P76IQL2), which rewards patience with the most detailed result in the lineup.

Choose Your Historical Theater

Each kit represents a specific conflict and era, so match the kit to your interests. The Mk.1 (B081VLTMJD) covers late WWII and immediate post-war British service. The Mk.3 Korean War (B07S21RJQ1) is specific to the 1950-53 conflict. The Mk.5/1 Vietnam (B001EAQNZQ) represents Australian service in Southeast Asia. The three IDF variants span from the 1960s through 1973, covering the Six Day War and Yom Kippur War. The AVRE (B0B62LZ39K) and 4.RTR (B0963FB1NV) represent British Cold War service.

Key Features to Compare

Across the AFV Club Centurion range, most kits include a metal gun barrel, photo-etched detail parts, and some form of sprung suspension. The main differences come down to track type (vinyl band vs. individual links), inclusion of crew figures, and variant-specific parts like the dozer blade or AVRE demolition gun. Check the parts list carefully before purchasing to make sure you are getting the features you want.

Modelers on the Kitmaker and FineScale forums confirm that AFV Club is “still one of the best makers of 1/35 kits” and their Centurion line represents some of the finest injection-molded armor kits available. The Taiwan-based manufacturer consistently delivers sharp molding, accurate proportions, and thoughtful engineering across the entire range.

Essential Tools and Supplies

Regardless of which AFV Club Centurion variant you choose, you will need a good set of modeling tools. Sharp side cutters for clean sprue removal, a hobby knife for cleanup, liquid cement for plastic-to-plastic bonds, cyanoacrylate for photo-etched parts, and tweezers for handling small pieces are all essential. Paints, brushes, and weathering supplies are sold separately with all AFV Club kits.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on AFV Club Centurion Kits

After reviewing all nine AFV Club Centurion variants, the Israeli Sho’t Kal 1973 stands out as the best overall choice with its perfect 5.0 rating and approachable rubber track design. The Centurion MK5/1 Vietnam Version earns our best value pick with its premium included parts and excellent builder feedback. For those seeking maximum detail regardless of build time, the Shot Kal Dalet with Battering Ram delivers injection-molded quality that rivals anything else on the market.

AFV Club has earned its reputation as one of the top makers of 1/35 scale armor kits, and their Centurion line showcases exactly why. From the original Mk.1 with its 17-pounder gun to the specialist AVRE with its 165mm demolition weapon, this range covers the full sweep of Centurion service history. Pick the variant that matches your era, skill level, and patience, and you will end up with a build worth displaying.