Valentine Tank 'Harry I' (1/72 kitbash)

[B4en]

This is based on German photos of 'Harry I', knocked out (or broken down) and abandoned in the desert. The main body of this model is the old Italeri Valentine, with appropriate scratched up changes to stowage boxes etc., improved rivets, and with early type sand skirts added. The turret was adapted from a cheapo Armourfast Valentine kit, with much detailing and rivets added. I think the Armourfast turret gets the basic shape and size better than the Italeri one does. The rivets (or bolts?) really are that prominent if you take a look at some photos of the real thing.

[Impisi]

nice

[JamesPerrin]

You are doing us with so these excellent armour builds. How do you do your Caunter schemes?

[iggie]

Excellent work again

[B4en]

Cheers chaps, and apologies for the poor photo quality. I should have taken some fresh ones rather than try sharpening up already size-reduced images.

How do you do your Caunter schemes?

As you can see I'm a convert to the Starmer colours, or as near as I can get by mixing them on the fly. Should probably buy some ready made for better accuracy, or at least to use as reference! I always start with an all over base coat of sand yellow, then when it's dry mark out a few points to aim for with a pencil on edges/corners. Then brush in the lighter greenish colour, a few more pencil mark guides, and brush in the dark slate last. Finally some touching up where necessary and maybe a filter wash or two to adjust the colours. It seems like more work than necessary to try masking so many knobbly surfaces on this scale, and period photos show caunter was not always perfectly applied so occasional wobbles or bends should not matter too much.

I do use a magnifying visor, which makes things much easier, and good quality brushes.

[X12A]

I do like the old Valentine and a top representation you've done here.

Incidentally, there's Duplx Drive version of one of these on the seabed in Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex.

[B4en]

Incidentally, there's Duplx Drive version of one of these on the seabed in Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex.

Thanks X12A, you almost make me want to take up diving!

[X12A]

Incidentally, there's Duplx Drive version of one of these on the seabed in Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex.

Thanks X12A, you almost make me want to take up diving!

It's actually not that far from the very first British designed submarine, the A1, either!

[ShaunW]

It's certainly a treat seeing your builds of armoured vehicles from the early war period, Ben. That is a great looking Valentine.