Centrifugal model tests increase total stress levels in small models made of natural or reconstituted soil, and allow direct observation of repeated failures. A novel use of a basket centrifuge is described in which slopes can be tested without end effects. When a series of models at various overconsolidation ratios was tested to failure the error in the safety factor predicted by a total stress analysis increased with the overconsolidation ratio. Other centrifuges are discussed and the advantage of large machines with balanced arms and swinging carriages are explained. Soil material behaviour discussed includes heat transfer and leaching. The paper concludes with a review of the present availability of and prospects for centrifugal model tests.