in terms of fit and detail (not so much accuracy), is this a good kit?

Looks good when it's finished, but the fit of parts need care. Particularly the upper to lower hull and the track links. Just don't expect it to go together like Tamiya.

Here's the MkXI version

And the MkIII


Both were made a few years ago so not the quality I'd make now

Funny enough Tamiya mag is doing a 2 part build on this starting this month needs a fair few rivets adding if your that way inclined Accurate Armour also do correct turrets ect for it

The suspension units are particularly bad for having huge sink holes and a dearth of detail to boot. Overall the kit is relatively accurate in dimension, but a lot of the detail is either simplified or not there at all. Pity as the Valentine lends itself to a truly bewildering array of special vehicles if you are willing to do the work. Still, its the only game in town and if you want a Valentine you have to roll up your sleeves and do the work.

Being someone who does his own casting when needed, I intend to do things once and then cast as many as I need to get the job done. Of course, that isn't even on the horizon as of yet.

BTW Anyone know of a store that still has the Mk X/XIs in stock?

Thanks,

Paul

Paul,

Just found this :
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2588&item=5927929056&rd=1

It's wierd seeing people bid for this kit on e-bay for $14.49 when you can get it at hobbyterra.com for 10.95!!

http://www.hobbyterra.com/product.asp?idProduct=308

Except it's unavailable from them. That's why I was looking for soneone who had them in stock. $15 is still really inexpensive, so I'd not complain at that price.

If the price is OK for you, check these guys out. Usually, if it says "IN Stock", then it's in stock.

http://www.militaryhobbies.com/product.cfm?ProductID=2

I know Military Hobbies and they are pretty good, but I actually just bought the Mk XI from Chris (the guy on Ebay). He relisted the kit for a Buy Now price of $14 (which is less than the MH price of US$20) and although I have to pay for shipping, I would pay for shipping from MH plus since they are in my area, I would have to pay 15% tax on their significantly higher price.

In fact their currency conversion is based upon what I am sure they had to pay for the kit when they imported it, but the Cdn Dollar has gotten significantly better against the US$ lately, so the US price of $20 now works out to Cdn$24.43 versus the listed Cdn price of $31.99. That a big difference, just on the exchange.

Neither of which can hold a candle to US$14 which works out to just Cdn$17.15.

Thanks anyway, though,

Paul