I've bought some 1/72 kits of the ESCI/Italeri Valentine Mk. I. The kit feauture a tapered barrel with a separate nozzle. I would like to replace this. I have found some images of Valentines showing a sectioned barrel but I am unsure if they show a Mk. I Valentine.

Examples of sectioned barrels on possible Mk I's:http://www.wwiivehicles.com/unitedkingdom/infantry/valentine-mk-i.asp

As I udnerstand it early 2 pounder gun barrels were tapered. Is it possible to replace the plastic barrel from the kit with a aftermarket sectioned barrel (designed for a Matilda) and still get a correct Mk. I version? When did the production switch from using tapered barrels to sectioned?

This is the kit:http://henk.fox3000.com/infantry.htm

What I want to replace the barrel with:

Thanks for any help!

/Daniel

Daniel

Sorry, I don't know the answer to your barrel problem, but I do know that the turret on the ESCI 1/72 Valentine is well undersize. Suited me well as I needed a 1/76 turret for the Fujimi Valentine whose turret is also undersized!

Chris

Chris, could it be that it's only incorrect for the large turret version?

"Another weakness was the small crew compartment and the turret for only two men. A larger turret with a loader position added was used in some of the 2-pounder versions, but the position had to be removed again in variants with larger guns." -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine_tank#Variants

/Daniel

...the 'stepped' barrel is the Mk.X, I've seen pictures of Valentine II's fitted with both styles of gun, but I've not come across a picture of a Valentine I with the Mk.X 'stepped' barrel.

I have to say that my references on the Valentine are a bit thin but hopefully more info will be offered by others if I'm off track.

Thanks Les, good to get that confirmation!

/Daniel

The turret should be the same width as the hull. The Fujimi hull is 1/76 and the Fujimi turret is about 1/81

The ESCI turret matched the Fujimi hull and makes a 1/76 model.

The 6pdr and 75mm turrets were the same width but longer.

I don't know if anybody makes a 1/72 turret but it isn't too difficult to build a new one. I cut the turret sides in half and made them longer and put a piece of plastic between the two halves to make the turret right on my model. You need to make a new turret roof and make the gun mounting wider as well. It was quite an east job actually.

I've not seen a picture of the 'stepped' barrel on a Valentine Mk 1 either only on later turrets with the pistol port.

Thanks Nicholas, I am aware of that problem.

/Daniel