I thought the same - The Centaur seemed the most interesting version of the Comet line because of this use. I believe the tanks were spare and originally were not going to have engines on D-Day. Just be in the landing ships providing fire support. I’ve even read that it was Churchill who insisted that they had engines fitted, so that they could be used beyond the initial landings.
I didn’t know that about the engines, but it makes a lot of sense - squabbles over which engine to use were a major part of the Cromwell/Cavalier tanks’ problems.
Until the Meteor engine was developed from the Merlin, I think engines were a constant headache for british tanks in WWII.
That’s interesting, I hadn’t heard about the Centaurs lacking engines though it makes sense in the context.
I kinda liked the US idea of just putting a pile of rockets on the landing craft and then unloading after pounding the living [cnsod] out of the enemy with a massive barrage of them.
Acctually the LCT(R) was a British idea, the idea being to create lots of holes on the beach for the troops to use as cover.
Thanks Bish, I didn’t know that either. Always awesome to get an education here.
After a little delay, while I did some basic interior painting (I’ve built the tank with the turret hatches open) and faffed about on other things, I’ve completed the initial build.
The slow setting cement I ordered to ease the track construction still hasn’t arrived. So I’ve ordered an alternative which should arrive in a couple of days. So I’m still to gird my loins for the track assembly.
The top and bottom halves of the main body are still separate so that I can get some of the painting done with the tracks off.
The only real issue I’ve had with the kit so far is the turret fit above the gun mantel. It looks like the cross member didn’t come out of the mold correctly and is a little thin. It didn’t line up with the other half until I persuaded it, and I’ve had to do some inexpert filling and filing to try to correct the problem. The fit around the back of the turret wasn’t brilliant either, but that was corrected very easily with filler. Also I’m not really happy with the fit of the turret top plate. I think I may have another go at tidying that up. It’s a shame as everything else has gone together fine.
I managed to lose a handle on one of the rear covers. It pinged off into room somewhere as I was trying to trim it, and I’m buggered if I can find it. So I’ve made up a replacement with brass wire, and I’m pleased with the result - at least for a first attempt at that sort of thing.
Coming along very nicely, really like how the PE turned out.
Thank you.
I think I’ve actually enjoyed the PR work most. The intake on the roof of the turret was probably the most awkward as it had to bend two ways, but it went into place nicely.
Again, I’m so pleased I got myself a bending jig and good quality glue.
Great job so far! The Valentine is an attractive tank!
Bill
Looking good, especially the PE - nice one!
Thank you both
Over Christmas, I’ve started painting the Valentine.
The basic colours went fine.
Today I’ve started the weathering, with chipping using VMS chipping solutions for the first time.
I think I’ll leave it over night and see what it looks like.
Really like how the chipping came out.
Thank you.
As I said I like that the more that you work on it, the less chipping you get. So getting it wrong should result in less chipping, so you can redo it to add more.
Oh looks cool, great job overall but I really love the rust on the mufflers.
Thank you. The rust was a combination of Vallejo 71.080 Rust and AK Interactice Weathering Pencil Set ~ Rust and Streaking Effects Set 10041