1:35 Valentine Tank Empty 2 Gal Can Rack (With Strap Details, Without Cans)

Lithokraft 1:35 — empty rack for two-gallon cans for the Valentine tank

This is a small add-on set for modelers, not a model of the vehicle. To a build of the Valentine infantry tank in 1:35 scale it adds a rack for sheet-metal two-gallon cans and, according to the manufacturer, it also carries modeled straps. The cans themselves are not in the package, the rack is empty, and for the build that is a material difference.

The real subject

The Valentine was a British infantry tank introduced from 1940, built at Vickers-Armstrongs and further in Canada. It was among the most numerous British tanks of the Second World War, it fought in North Africa and a large part of production went to the Soviet Union under Lend-Lease. British vehicles of the period carried water and fuel in sheet-metal two-gallon cans, which slid into racks mounted on the side and were secured with a strap. It is details like these that give away period crew practice most on a finished model.

Building and painting tips

First separate the parts gently from the print supports and level the mating faces with a file or a sanding sponge; sand resin wet and with respiratory protection. Degrease the faces before gluing and make the joint with cyanoacrylate glue, because ordinary cement for plastic does not dissolve resin. A thin coat of primer follows, as paint holds badly on resin without it. The straps come out well if you go over them with a dark wash after the base color and lift the edges with a dry brush.

Who the set is for

• modelers who are finishing British vehicles in 1:35 scale
• builds of the Valentine in its North African or Soviet version
• dioramas where the cans and the straps are within close view
• more advanced modelers used to working with resin

This is an add-on set, not a complete model. The base kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.