A Trio of Valentines +++FINISHED+++

[825]

I wanted to take part in this as I enjoyed the previous MTO GB. But I've been making other things, been busy at work and had a sojourn away from the modelling table due to a well earned holiday. So this morning rashly I thought let's do something!  Now I'm not the fastest builder in the world so that means an aircraft with its canopy, props and undercart as well the inevitable seams and sanding is out of the question. And as for a ship, my last effort is still sitting part made in a cupboard somewhere, not even the shelf of doom. 

 

A quick look look at the stash revealed this box which I only bought last week, and galvanised by the searching for sunken Valentines on the recent BBC Jurassic coast special made me think. Let's go and build these. 

 

 

In the box are 6 sprues enough to make three tanks. There are alternative parts to make three didfferent versions, a MkII, a MkIII and/or a MkIX. There are also three different commander figures on each sprue and at the end there will be multiple bodies, turrets and sets of tracks left over for the eager scratchbuilder or converter.

 

 

My plan is to make one of each version. I know the MkII and MkIII were used in the Westrn Desert and as far as I can see so was the MkIX and  it was also used in Italy, so should be fine. Let me know if I'm wrong and I'll adjust Marks accordingly. The moulding is beautifully crisp and there's load of detail, although the part count is not enormously high, given the variants and options in the box. 

 

Instructions however, are fairly basic but adequate. 

 

 

 

So off we go. 

Edited August 24, 2018 by 825

[825]

Started at a quarter past 5 and by 6 o'clock here we have:

 

one Valentine MkII ready for some further detailing and a coat of paint. All fits together beautifully. No filler needed am done only the sprue gates needing trimmed and sanded 

 

 

at this rate there will be time to do the Lloyd Carriers and 6 pounders I got at the same time.

[Ozzy]

You definitely get value for money, with these 1/72 kits.

[825]

12 hours ago, Ozzy said:

You definitely get value for money, with these 1/72 kits.

They are really good quality, lots of options and you get three kits for £16. This company have got the balance right between kits for war gaming and good detail for modellers.

 

Here's the MkII with some more paint on. Might need another coat and then I'll start on the tracks before finishing off. 

 

 

I decided to paint the parts for the MkIII and MkIX on the sprue for a couple of reasons. Once assembled its hard to get behind the wheels and tracks, as well (I think as I haven't yet done it) properly paint the upper tracks. The other reason is they're now colour coded so I can build them side by side without getting parts mixed up. Nad this will speed things up a little. 

 

 

 

The detail and moulding quality is excellent. 

[825]

Here we have an almost finished MkII and the hulls of the Mks III and IX.

 

 

And an hour later we have two more tanks. 

 

 

 

Obviously need a bit of touching up before adding on the storage and hatches. Not 100% sure whether to have them closed up or the hatches open with figures.  Will see what inspiration tomorrow brings.  All went together lovely apart from the turret for the MkIII which needed a fair amount of fettling before it popped into its hole. 

[825]

A completed MkIII and an almost complete MkII and a MkIX

 

 

[Ozzy]

Very nice builds,

[825]

Crew added and hatches on. All three finished and ready for the gallery.