Tamiya 35352 - 1:35 British Infantry Tank Mk.III Valentine Mk.II/IV

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the British Infantry Tank Mk.III Valentine Mk.II/IV

The Valentine was an infantry tank built in greater numbers than any other British armoured vehicle of the war. Compact, low and solidly armoured, it served in North Africa, the Middle East and — after Lend-Lease deliveries — on the Eastern Front. Tamiya 35352 depicts it in the Mk.II and Mk.IV versions, which differed in their powerplant.

The kit is based on new tooling from 2017. It reproduces the characteristically cramped hull, the low turret with the 2-pounder gun and the running gear with its large road wheels on bogies. The tracks are of the link-and-length type, with individual links around the drive and idler wheels and longer runs along the straight sections.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, turret and running gear
• Parts to build either the Mk.II or the Mk.IV version
• Link-and-length tracks (individual links and longer runs)
• Waterslide decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35352
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model length: approx. 155 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (link-and-length tracks)

Please note: the kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

The model is small but carefully engineered — the parts fit beautifully and the instructions clearly guide you through the choice of the Mk.II or Mk.IV version. The link-and-length tracks call for the most patience: the longer runs go together quickly, while the individual links around the wheels are best assembled in stages, letting the cement set slightly so the track takes a natural shape.

British khaki and olive shades are a good choice (e.g. Tamiya XF-51 Khaki Drab or XF-62 Olive Drab), depending on the scheme selected from the instructions, which include the manufacturer's paint codes. A wash brings out rivets, handles and recesses in the armour, while pigments can suggest dust and mud on the track guards. A matt varnish suits the finished vehicle.

Tools required:

• Sprue cutters
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers (for track links)
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out detail
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – Infantry Tank Mk.III Valentine:

The Valentine was developed as a private venture by Vickers, drawing on experience with cruiser tanks. The designers aimed for simplicity and reliability: a low, compact hull, solid armour and proven components. The price was a three-man crew, in which the commander also had to serve the gun.

The main armament was the 2-pounder gun of 40 mm calibre — effective against early-war tanks but quickly outclassed. The Mk.II was powered by an AEC diesel engine, while the Mk.IV used an American GMC engine valued for its reliability. The Valentine proved exceptionally durable mechanically, something particularly appreciated on the Eastern Front.

The tank was built in Britain and Canada and, in total, in greater numbers than any other British tank of the war. More than 2,700 were shipped to the Soviet Union, where they served in tank brigades until the end of hostilities. The Valentine chassis also formed the basis for self-propelled guns, including the Archer tank destroyer.

Original vehicle specifications (Valentine Mk.II/IV):

• Length: approx. 5.41 m
• Combat weight: approx. 16 t
• Crew: 3
• Main armament: 2-pounder (40 mm) gun
• Secondary armament: coaxial machine gun
• Powerplant: Mk.II — AEC diesel engine; Mk.IV — GMC engine
• Top speed: approx. 24 km/h
• Production: the most numerous British tank of the war; over 2,700 supplied to the USSR

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company began in the timber trade and wooden products, releasing its first plastic model kit in 1960. Two years later came its first 1:35 scale tank — a scale that, thanks to Tamiya, became the worldwide standard for armour modelling. The brand is known for precise injection moulds, well-thought-out kit engineering and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, comprises hundreds of releases covering vehicles, guns and figures from around the world. Tamiya instructions are clear, richly illustrated and include paint codes from the company's own range. Alongside model kits, Tamiya offers a full range of accessories: paints, cements, putties, tools and brushes. Today the company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.