Valentine kits.

[dromia]

I have areal soft spot for the Vickers Armstrong Valentine tank.

 

I am no great AFV modeller and usually prefer the 1/48th scale.

 

The ancient Bandai and its reboxings is all I can find in 1/48 scale, despite its age I enjoyed the kit but it did take some work mainly in part preparation. Kits are scarce though and seem to cost a lot when they do turn up.

 

So if I want more Valentines then 1/35 seems to be my only option. There seems to be a plethora of choices out there in this scale.

 

I like 1/76/72 but they are getting a bit too fiddly for my ageing fumbling fingers and dimming eyes but open to suggestions in this scale too.

 

However I don't really have any knowledge/experience of all the different manufacturers and their offerings.

 

I like simple kits with good engineering and few parts, accuracy is fine so long as it looks the parts I am no rivet counter.

 

Looking at desert examples at the moment.

 

Any suggestions on good references with good, of the period, photos would also be appreciated. I have Dick Taylor's "Into the Vally".

 

Looking forward to any information that may be forthcoming.

[Graham Boak]

For a simple 1/72 kit look to the PSC Valentine, available as a single kit (reinforcement is their description) or a set of three.   Capable of multiple versions.  Current availability of these can be found on their website: their full name is Plastic Soldier Company.

[dromia]

Thank you looks good. Only the three kit option available at present, will definitely spring for the single "reinforcement" option when back in stock.

[Troy Smith]

1 hour ago, dromia said:

The ancient Bandai and its reboxings is all I can find in 1/48 scale, despite its age I enjoyed the kit but it did take some work mainly in part preparation. Kits are scarce though and seem to cost a lot when they do turn up.

Try telephoning Parabellum models in Birmingham.

Edit - or email, but can take time to reply.

The website is hopeless and no longer used.

They used to have bagged Frog Fuman reissues of the Bandai kit.

Not the easiest of places to order from, they also did an etch set for the kit.

They were THE place for 1/48 armour.

1 hour ago, dromia said:

 

So if I want more Valentines then 1/35 seems to be my only option. There seems to be a plethora of choices out there in this scale.

 

There are resin 1/48 Valentines,  I got a full kit of a bridgelayer off ebay.

http://friendshipmodels.co.uk/epages/927b314c-3d48-4f6e-9263-90c86771b2e6.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/927b314c-3d48-4f6e-9263-90c86771b2e6/Categories/"1/48th scale"/"1/48th scale Full kits"

 

 

There is a 3D printed Valentine here

https://mdminis.co.uk/product/valentine-mkx-british/

 

Which is not that pricey.  They have an interesting range,  but what they are like I don't know

 

HTH 

 

[JackG]

Is the plan is to build several tanks, or preference is 1/48 to match your aircraft builds?  If neither I  would suggest considering the Tamiya 1/35 scale as they are well known to be straight forward builds and have good detail.  The lone boxing includes has one desert  marking.   Take a look at the instructions here to judge the construction steps:

 

https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/7/7/1/1019771-26-instructions.pdf

[dcrfan]

Do have a look at the 1/56 Rubicon kit. Lots of options.

 

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/rubicon-models-280098-valentine-ix-x-xi--1503491

[dromia]

Thank you for the replies.

 

The resin does look good but I try and avoid the stuff if I can due to the dust do the kits need a lot of filing/sanding.

 

Anyone have experience of th 3D printed option, I have been burnt punting on such unknowns before.

 

I just like 1/48th scale AFVs for their size and relative simplicity. To me it is the perfect AFV scale but obviously the market doesn't share my view.

 

I am aware of the Tamiya quality as I have built a few of their 1/48th scale offerings and will have no problem in buying their 1/35 version.

 

Just curious about all the other choices out there and their pros and cons.

[Troy Smith]

37 minutes ago, dromia said:

The resin does look good but I try and avoid the stuff if I can due to the dust do the kits need a lot of filing/sanding.

I'd need to recheck, but IIRC the Valentine bridge layer didn't look like it would need much clean up, but would need to look again to be sure.

 

I don't know about the 3D printed ones,  but they do an extensive range,  I've been meaning to start a thread to see if anyone on here has anything by them.

[Bullbasket]

I have the Frog 1/48th scale Valentine, along with the etched set from Parabellum, plus a set of replacement tracks, which I believe are resin. (The kit ones are rubbish). The kit is rather good with quite a bit of detail, and of course, the etched set makes up for any deficiencies. If you can lay your hands on one, I can recommend it.

 

John.

[Kingsman]

There must be a possibility of Tamiya doing a 1/48 Valentine at some point.  They already do the Crusader and Matilda.

[John Tapsell]

Hi Dromia,

You asked about 3d kits so this is a slightly on-topic and slightly off-topic response

 

Have a look at Rubicon models. They produce a range of very nice AFVs in 1/56 scale (wargaming 28mm scale). That range includes two Valentine kits - an 'early' with several options in the box and a 'late', also with several options. They are really nice traditional little kits with plenty of potential for extra detailing and small dioramas if that's your thing: https://rubiconmodels.co.uk/

 

Osiris Models offer an Archer and a Valentine Bridgelayer in various scales. They are 3d-printed kits and the print quality of their stuff is top notch - I've just finished the Osiris A11 Matilda I in 1/48 scale (see below).

The Valentine Bridgelayer looks worth a punt (I'm sorely tempted as it fits with a recurring theme in my modelling activities), but the CAD renders for the Archer show the fighting compartment walls looking very thick, which would make me wary of buying it.
https://www.osirismodels.co.uk/products/british-wwii-valentine-bridgelayer-made-to-order-check-lead-times?variant=49928561426698

 

Some things to be aware of with 3d printing :
Firstly, I'm a purchaser of physical 3d kits rather than someone who has my own printer and uses files downloaded and/or purchased and I'm presenting my comments from that perspective.

1) The WWII range from Osiris is produced under licence and is primarily for the wargames community so there are some simplifications to aid printing and tolerate regular handling on the gaming table. That said, The Matilda below was eminently buildable with some excellent detailing.
2) You can choose from a range of scales when you order (make sure you choose the correct one for your needs ). Also be aware that up or downscaling the original file may result in detail being chunkier (upscaling) or very thin (downscaling) if the designer hasn't created different resolution files - the approach will vary from one designer/supplier to another (some are better at accommodating scale variations than others).
3) For the rest of the Osiris range I would check visually the CAD renders on their website before buying. Some of the kits are outstanding, whilst others contain obvious dimensional errors.

4) More generally, I have my suspicions that many 3d-printed models (not just Osiris) are based on readily available plans and the 'plans' themselves are often the weak link. It doesn't matter how good the designer is at converting drawings into a 3d rendition of the subject matter if the plans are inaccurate to start with. If the plans are good, the 3d kits are generally good. If the plans are dodgy, the kits often reflect those errors.

5) Building 3D kits generally needs a different approach in that they are often supplied with a lot of printing support 'trees' attached. These are not difficult to remove but the sheer number of trees can be daunting.
6) The kits are usually printed with most of the surface detail already in place, so there are a lot fewer parts.

7) The printing resin takes detail really well but can be brittle. Take care removing those trees and during painting/weathering or you can easily lose or break smaller detailed parts.

8- There are two basic ways of purchasing 3D kits. Some companies and websites will sell you the STL file and you can then print the kit yourself if you have a suitable 3d printer. However, you may find you need the necessary skills to add the printing support trees because the designer will not always include these. Other companies (like Osiris for example), will sell you the physical printed model. Some companies allow you the option to buy either the STL file or the printed model. Make sure you understand what you are buying!

9) There is a lot of 3d printed wargaming stuff on the market roughly equating to 1/48 scale (usually in 28mm or sometimes classified as 1/56 scale). Gamers tend not to be so wedded to constant scale as we static modellers are. Thus, some 28mm manufacturers will produce their vehicles in 1/56, whilst others will use 1/50 or even 1/48 because they prefer their vehicles to have greater table presence (and some manufacturers use different scales across their range, which is really confusing!). Some wargame vehicles are top notch for detail and scale accuracy, whilst others are cartoonish renditions of the vehicles they are meant to portray - shop around and choose carefully.

The images below are both Osiris 1/48 scale prints. The Matilda is more basic (just four parts and no detail on the inner faces of the front idler wheels for example), reflecting its wargaming heritage. The Fox is a bit more sophisicated (several more parts). The second Fox image also shows how some of the kit was delivered inside an integral resin cage. Also note on the Matilda components image that there are still two very thin printing 'micro webs' attached to the back of the headlamp (you need to watch for these as you clean up any model as it's easy to miss them completely).

 

 

Edited January 2 by John Tapsell

[sardaukar]

The Italeri (Esci) Valentine in 1/72 is a nice kit, there is also a Bishop using the same body sprues, however not so easy to get hold of these days, Ebay or one of the second hand kit resellers is your best bet unless Italeri resissue it. Fujimi did a 1/76 too.

 

I'll second the Rubicon kits if you dont mind the 1/56 scale, it also has options for various marks, the Rubicon transfer sheet has a load of options too.

[sardaukar]

I just remembered I have these from a couple of years back

 

Left to right we have, Italeri, Plastic Soldier Company (PSC) and Armour Fast all in 1/72. Armour fast I'd leave to war gaming but the PSC offerings build up nice and it does have the option of various marks if I remember although some details are a bit basic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ray_W]

I recently built the Tamiya 1/35 Valentine kit with Echelon decals and loved it. Typical Tamiya, a vice-less kit that comes up beautiful in a desert scheme:

 

 

Still has a little bit of work to do for a diorama setting I will complete this year.

 

Ray

[dromia]

16 hours ago, Bullbasket said:

I have the Frog 1/48th scale Valentine, along with the etched set from Parabellum, plus a set of replacement tracks, which I believe are resin. (The kit ones are rubbish). The kit is rather good with quite a bit of detail, and of course, the etched set makes up for any deficiencies. If you can lay your hands on one, I can recommend it.

 

John.

That is a re-box of the Bandai kit which I have.

 

It was also boxed by Fuman.

 

According to Scalemates.

 

I am always on the look out for all boxings as I liked the kit, sanding and scraping aside. No disgrace at its age.

[dromia]

John Tapsell. Thank you for the 3D printing information, insight and advice.

 

No way will I ever be printing my own files, anything to do with computers and the internet is an anathema to me.

 

 Placed orders with Osiris (Bridge layer) and Rubicon so we'll see how they go.

[Graham Boak]

I didn't know of Osiris, so I may give them a try too (although probably not Valentines).  Shame about the limited scale on Rubicon, I'm glad that was mentioned as I'd missed it but it would go towards explaining the higher prices.

[dromia]

I am glad that there are more options in my preferred 1/48th or close scales.

 

This week will see if some of them live up to their online promise.

 

Out of curiosity and completeness I am wondering if anyone can offer opinions and insight on the various different manufacturers Valentine offerings in 1/35th scale?

[Seahawk]

On 1/2/2025 at 9:10 PM, sardaukar said:

The Italeri (Esci) Valentine in 1/72 is a nice kit, there is also a Bishop using the same body sprues, however not so easy to get hold of these days, Ebay or one of the second hand kit resellers is your best bet unless Italeri resissue it. Fujimi did a 1/76 too.

 

 

I'm a fan of the aged but basically accurate ESCI/Italeri Valentines.  The Fujimi 1/76 Valentine, should you ever find one, has a laughably undersized turret.

[dromia]

Just got lucky by the sounds of it, ebay had ESCI and Italeri Valentines and a ESCI Bishop + 50 soldiers, what I am going to do with them lord alone knows.

[gamevender]

I'll add my recommendation to the Rubicon kit. Its a nice balance between detail and ease of assembly and is "almost" 1/48 scale. Plus you get parts to built multiple variants in each kit. The way they do their one or two piece suspension/track assemblies is really amazing. Here's mine so you can see for yourself. Only thing added was the fuel line from the auxiliary tank. 

 

[JackG]

On 1/5/2025 at 7:03 AM, dromia said:

Out of curiosity and completeness I am wondering if anyone can offer opinions and insight on the various different manufacturers Valentine offerings in 1/35th scale?

 

Basically three brand choices to choose from if looking at a desert Valentine. 

 

Tamiya - already discussed

AFV Club - Mk II has more detail but is released with the initial pattern road wheels but can be replaced with the proper early version from Accurate Armour set no.A069

MiniArt - slightly more easier to build than AFV and it too has more detail than Tamiya.  Several dimensional issues that can be found in this comparison review:

https://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/valentine/valentine2.html

 

Dragon had boxed a Valentine III but is not up to todays standard.   In fact many other companies have used the same sprues from the now defunct VM brand.

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/dragon-9024-valentine-mkiii--185601

 

 

 

[dromia]

Thank you.

[Graham Boak]

On 1/5/2025 at 10:13 PM, Seahawk said:

 

I'm a fan of the aged but basically accurate ESCI/Italeri Valentines.  The Fujimi 1/76 Valentine, should you ever find one, has a laughably undersized turret.

Agreed, but you can now substitute one of the optional PSC turrets.  If you can find a Fujimi one, and if anyone on Britmodellèr has bought the PSC.  Not perfect, but (almost certainly) better than the original.

[Seahawk]

23 hours ago, Graham Boak said:

Agreed, but you can now substitute one of the optional PSC turrets.  If you can find a Fujimi one, and if anyone on Britmodellèr has bought the PSC.  Not perfect, but (almost certainly) better than the original.

Agreed.  Been there, done that.  I’ve an Esci hull for each of the 3 PSC turrets.  The latter are a bit crude and caricaturised but serviceable.