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Infantry Tank Mk.III, Valentine Mk.I - MiniArt 35116


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Infantry Tank Mk.III, Valentine Mk.I

MiniArt 35116

The first model of the Valentine (350 were built), it was not sent out due to problems from rushed production.

The tank had a riveted hull, was powered by AEC A189 135 hp petrol engine and equipped with a 2-pdr. gun and a coaxial Besa machine gun.

Its two-man turret forced the commander to also act as the gun-loader. (Wiki)

Need to start another build today, it's Build Club and I can't get at my paint gear for another few days so....

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Workspace ready - it's 1:15pm and I'm waiting for the guys to arrive shortly..... I was going to do the Austin Tilly but?

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So, here we go! And kicking off with the Drivers compartment which held no scary parts, only basic clean-up.

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This kit come with the Transmission and Radiarors so a little extra work can be added, fiddly but not difficult.

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Constantly test fitting parts and this construction to the hull to ensure it all has a snug fit.

The radiator fit is delicate.

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Time will-out if this part of the build fits well into the body of the vehicle as the upper hull is slightly warped.

However, It can be fixed.

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This is my 3rd MIB Build and 4th this year.

Unfortunately, due to domestic issues I can't get at any of my painting kit for at least a week and I can't go a whole week without 'getting a fix'.

I shall see how far I get as this coming week, for me, will be a very busy one.

Next Time: The Running Gear and perhaps the Indy-Track

Edited by Shermaniac
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Bit more detailed than mine innit! :winkgrin:

I don't suppose the big fuel tank for the left fender is included in this kit is it.....If so is there any chance you could measure it for me? :hmmm:

Here you go Sarge

Here are the dimensions of the Auxilliary Fuel Drum in mm with as much basic detail as I can

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This picture (not great, sorry) shows the end plate of the Auxiliary Fuel Drum and is shown pointed part to the bottom

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Some nice detail inside this one, be a shame to close it all away from sight. Are you using the included figures as well?

The Transmission detail is a 'nice to have' but may prove problematic later on which is why I won't glue it it yet. I need to ensure the upper hull will fit properly and currently it is slightly warped which brings it's own issues - we'll see!

Not sure yet about the figures Col, I may do but I have a huge build following this one for the Russian Wheels & Tracks SiG so may not have the time.

It's possible that I may get to the figures at a later date.

Edited by Shermaniac
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Running Gear



Not that much movement today so far



Rear hull plates A6 (the angled plate) & A5 (mis-labelled as A6 in section 14)


Nice snug fit too!



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Main Drice sprockets assembled and rear hull plate is actually part A5


Also made sure the Transmission pack still fits



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Right side bogies fitted, manipulation of parts B5 is needed for a good fit


The Pink 'Ultra Quick' bottle in the background is Nailene Acrylic Nail Glue from the cosmetics rack at my local ASDA (It's CA Glue) - about £3 and it comes with a brush applicator



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The bogies do rock back & fore and the small part B11 which holds the 2 smaller roadwheels is not yet fixed in place




Next Time: Remaining Running Gear & Indy Track


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I almost wish I wasn't seeing this.....Because now I not only know that my Bishop is missing quite a few rivets, but exaxtly how many and where! :doh:

Coming along very nicely and really does look a good kit....Is all that gubbins interfering with the fit at all? :hmmm:

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Running Gear (2), Upper Hull & Turret



The Road-Wheels (tyre section) does need some sanding down on the inside.



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A change of direction and moving on to the turret with the detailed gun.



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Numbering some 21 parts, this is a very detailed unit which is largely unseen.


(Apologies for the poor picture quality)



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The Hull top has been tightly taped down when adding detail due to the warped part.



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Front fittings being added with a decision on the Drivers compartment pending, the finer parts will come later.



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Stowage Bins and Engine Vents (work needed on raised injector marks on underside) added.



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At least the hull is sitting well and, in general, it is going together very well. Looks worse than it is!


The Turret roof is incomplete and not yet glued.



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A Review so far......


  • The plastic is very soft.
  • A lot of parts need cleaning up.
  • Some of the 'fit' of parts is problematic, but not insurmountable
  • Some use of filler is neccessary but not excessive


Next Time: More fixtures and fittings and to start assembling part of the track


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