Valentine Mark VI Closeup Part 3

The final part of our look at the Valentine focuses on the turret. The Valentine Mark I, II, IV, VI, and VII had a two-man turret, fitted with a 2 pdr. gun with a 7.92 mm Besa machine gun mounted coaxially to the right. The overall construction of the turret can be seen here, with four main pieces (turret front, sides, and rear) bolted together. The front of the turret is cast, with large external trunnions. Several casting marks can be seen on the mantlet, and the stepped construction of the gunner's sighting aperture is also visible.

This view of the right side of the mantlet shows the gun profile; notice that there is no step in the barrel, unlike that featured in the VM/DML kit's gun. To the right of the mantlet can be seen the aperture for a 2 inch bomb thrower. More casting marks are visible on this side of the mantlet, which has a very complex shape.

Looking down on the top front of the turret, one can see the large slots cut in the front above the mantlet. The countersunk holes to either side of the slots are for lift rings; two more holes are in the counterweight at the rear of the turret. The bolted construction of the turret roof, along with the gunner's periscope to the left, and a sheet metal rain protector for the turret ventilation system in the center, can all be seen here.

The "turret ventilation system" consists of a number of holes drilled into the armour plate of the turret roof. Those can be seen in this photo. To the left is a metal sighting vane for the commander which lines up with his periscope when the turret is buttoned up. Behind the ventilator can be seen a hinge, which is part of an assembly which can keep the turret hatch standing in a partially upright position if so desired.

The right side of the turret is dominated by a large pistol port (not present on the left side). The port is screwed onto the turret side, and casting marks are visible on the housing for the port. This photograph also shows the profile of the turret rear very well (the unusual lip on the turret rear protects more holes for turret ventilation). At the extreme rear of the turret, the mount for the Number 11 Wireless Set antenna can be seen. This included provisions for folding the antenna down when not in use, to protect it from enemy fire or environmental hazards. Barely visible at the bottom of the turret rear is a small square plate. This covers an aperture through which a cable ran to the back of the antenna mount. When pulled from inside, the antenna would fold down.

Although dark, this photo shows more details of the antenna mount. At the end of the arm projecting out back can be seen a hole where the cable attached. The insulated base for the antenna (not present) was quite large.

This stowage bin, with its stamped lid, is a uniquely Canadian fitting. This is one of the few places on the tank showing real signs of neglect, with the bottom having rusted out. To the left of the stowage bin can barely be seen bolts on the fender where spare track links would have been strapped down, running perpendicular to the fender.

Our final view is right up the rear of the tank. The entire rear of the hull opens up for access to the engine and transmission. The small door at the bottom folds down, while the main section opens to either side of the vehicle. There are two handles on each door, as well as bumper on each. A single taillight can be seen to the right, and details of the fender attachments to the rear hull are also visible. The rear of the fenders should also have rubber ends, but they are missing on this tank.

The only readily available kit of the Valentine in 1/35 scale right now is that put out by VM (also seen in boxes from DML, RPM, and TOGA). A number of variants are available, including a Mark I. Anybody contemplating this kit is well-advised to hunt down Phil Dyer's article on correcting this kit from Military Modelling vol. 28, No. 12 (AFV Modelling Special 1998), which includes some good period photos, an excellent set of plans, and a number of drawings showing how to correct the kit. Paul Roberts' title in Darlington Press' Museum Ordnance Special series (Number 10) is also an invaluable resource, and features photos of the same vehicle shown on these pages; this book is still available direct from the publisher (see link below). If you are actually contemplating putting an interior in this kit, then Mike Kendall's page on AFV Interiors is indispensable. Well, that's it for now. I hope that these photos help you to build a better Valentine!