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Book Review
Video Review included
11
Into the Vally; The Valentine
Into the Vally; The Valentine Tank and Derivatives 1938-1960
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by: Rick Cooper [ CLOVIS899 ]

introduction

Okay, how many of you knew that the Valentine was the only British design to remain in service throughout the war? Alright, some of you are doing quite well. How many of you knew that the Valentine had greater production numbers, over 8,000, than any other British tank design? Okay then, one more. How many of you knew that MMP Books has recently released Dick Taylor’s exhaustive study of the Valentine tank titled, Into the Vally; The Valentine Tank and Derivatives 1938-1960 as part of their Green Series? Okay; if you knew all three you are a real fan of the Valentine. If you didn’t, but you would like to have the definitive Valentine reference, then you should really think about getting a hold of a copy of the book while you can.

into the vally

Taylor has done a first rate job in his new book. He gives us over 190 pages printed on heavy slick paper stock, in A4 format with just about everything you could ever want to know about the Valentine. Be aware that the book also provides information and photographs of the Archer, Bishop, Scorpion, Bridgelayer and DD variants as well. To say the book is well researched is an understatement that doesn’t quite convey the depth of information in Taylor’s labor of love.

The book is extensively illustrated throughout with a good mix of general photos of the vehicle in action, technical drawings and photos, detail photos, spec tables, line drawings, plans, color plates, and a walk around of a restored example. Most of the photos are in black and white but are of very good quality with only a few grainy shots. The section with the restored vehicle are all in color and include a large number of nice close up detail photos.

The book is divided into 8 ‘parts’, or chapters;
1. Design, Development and Production
2. Technical Description
3. Description of gun Tanks Marks
4. Operational Use
5. Painting and Markings
6. Overseas Service
7. Variants
8. Walk Around

In addition to these 8 sections the book also includes a conclusion, a reference and bibliography and a color plate section of 14 different vehicles.

Conclusion

While the book is exhaustive in its technical depth what stands out to me is the value offered to modelers. With several kits of various Valentines available this is an incredible value for the money. You could go out and find 4 or 5 modeler oriented publications that provide information and photographic detail of the Valentine, or you could spend half that and get three times the information with this book. I am going to hazard a guess that in short order this volume will become the ‘go to’ publication on the Valentine that most everyone will point to as ‘THE’ Valentine reference.
SUMMARY
Highs: Great photographic selections throughout, lots of detail shots. Seems to be written with the needs of the modeler in mind.
Lows: None.
Verdict: Go buy this book. I would recommend this publication to anyone with even a passing interest and if you are planning on a well researched and detailed build of a Valentine it is an essential reference.
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: 1:1
  Mfg. ID: 4111, ISBN 978-83-61421-36-8
  Suggested Retail: ~$30.00
  PUBLISHED: Nov 28, 2012
  NATIONALITY: United Kingdom
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.60%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 92.21%

Our Thanks to MMP Books!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Rick Cooper (clovis899)
FROM: CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

I have been modeling for about 30 years now. Once upon a time in another century I owned my own hobby shop; way more work than it was worth. I tip my opti-visor to those who make a real living at it. Mainly build armor these days but I keep working at figures, planes and the occasional ship.

Copyright ©2021 text by Rick Cooper [ CLOVIS899 ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

"Into the Valley"?? The title is "Into the Vally". Sure it can be a typo, but isn't it a word play? "Vally" - short of "Valentine"?
NOV 27, 2012 - 07:17 PM
Yes, it's a word play Pawel, not a typo.
NOV 28, 2012 - 06:18 AM
It's an excellent book, up to Dick Taylor's usual high standards that he set with his three-volume (so far) "Warpaint" series.
NOV 28, 2012 - 10:15 AM
Ken, the typo was on my part This does look like another excellent book by Dick Taylor, thanks for the review Rick & Jim. I'll be sure to pick up a copy
NOV 28, 2012 - 12:21 PM
I did a lot of research on the Valentine at one point and even wrote a small booklet for Darlington Productions a looong time ago (Museum Ordnance Special #10) so I can say with some authority that Dick's book is simply first class. If you are looking for a "bible" on the Valentine, this is it. Not everything is covered in great depth, but just about everything has some coverage. Bloody well done Mr. Taylor! Buy with confidence that your money will not be wasted! Paul
NOV 29, 2012 - 02:29 AM
Four (now) Mike.
NOV 30, 2012 - 06:23 AM
Ah, seen. Quick - get it edited before anyone notices.
NOV 30, 2012 - 06:24 AM
   
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