British Valentine Mk. II/IV by Tamiya
Here goes my second post.
I have been obsessed recently with World War 2 British equipment. My last post was a Hurricane so I thought it appropriate to represent the ground forces this time. I chose the Valentine because I have been trying to build the most numerous tank from every major power during the second world war. By some accounts the Valentine was the most produced British tank although the majority seem to have been shipped to the Soviet Union.
This 1/35 scale kit from Tamiya was great to build. I used all parts from the box and had no issues with the build or painting. The only issue that I had was the silvering of the decals on the turret even though I used the appropriate setting fluids. Regardless of that fact, I am very happy with the rest. The paints for the base color were Tamiya XF-57 and XF-59. The pin wash is AK Streaking Grime.
Nicely done, Joel. The tank looks good and the figs are well done too.
Nice work. That figure is really impressive.
Interestingly, the Valentine tank saved Moscow in December 1941. The British tanks that had been supplied since the German invasion were the overwhelming majority of tanks employed by the Soviet forces for the December 8 counter-offensive that pushed the Germans back and began the German defeat in the USSR. I was surprised to discover this, since it has been little-known - probably part of the post-war Soviet and now Russian attempt to play down the importance of support the Lend-Lease from the West that the USSR received in the war.
Zvezda has been offering some items the past several years identified as Lend Lease - M4A2, M4A3 76(W), M3 Armoured Scout Car, Dodge WC-51 (Beep), and Dodge WC-52. The M4A2 had a really iffy turret, but the quality seems to me to have improved over the years. The Zvezda Soviet developed Yak-9s look to me to be outstanding. For the past 2+ years, Zvezda aircraft and the WC-51 kits that I ordered through Jadar Hobby in Warsaw came with an anti-war sticker attached, but the WC-52 lacked this - don't know who actually applied the stickers.
That is very interesting. I did not know how much it played a role on the Eastern front.
Beautiful work on this Valentine, Joel @winterModeller
Presented on a nice base as well.
Joel, this is a striking build and photo series. Did you apply a gloss coating before you did the decals? If not, adding that step should help next time, especially on a textured surface like this turret. You might also want to add a gloss coat after the decals dry to help hide the edges, if you aren't used to doing that, then weathering and final coating with matte or egg-shell. Nevertheless, if you hadn't mentioned it, your photos certainly don't emphasize any silvering, and your finished effect is excellent. Congratulations!
Thank you. I did apply a gloss coat first and applied the decals before the flat coat. I just think the extreme rough texture was what got me. I have never applied a decal to a surface that rough so I will need more practice. I will try your suggestion of the second gloss coat next time.
Very neat Joel. Nicely done 👍
Hey Joel (@wintermodeller)
Your Valentine looks fantastic, and the crew look awesome too 🙂 I'm guessing the decal issue on the turret is mainly because of the rough nature of the surface in that area, which can't be helped. But other than that, you have done a brilliant job! Did you do the diorama too! It really makes the tank pop (or bang) 😀
Thank you very much. Yes I did do the diorama base too. I have been buying cheap picture frames from a local crafts store and then filling them with plaster after removing the glass. It seems to turn out very well for such an easy process. The background picture is a computer monitor. I am still experimenting with different lighting sources.
Thats very clever mate. I’ve seen the picture frame idea on a YouTube video and I’m yet to attempt one myself. Great idea using the computer display as a backdrop too 😎😎😎
Looks great. I love the subtle weathering.
Nicely finished Valentine, Joel, set off by that great base and background.
Great job, Joel!
A beautiful build along with a nice background and setting. @wintermodeller