This is a Big Ed set which contains three Eduard PE sets for the new tooled Tamiya Valentine Mk.II /IV kit.

In the Big Ed sets the following sets:

Eduard PE Set 36 359 Details Set

• 1x Photo Etch Sheet
• 1x Instruction sheet

Eduard PE Set 36 360 Desert Fenders Set

• 1x Photo Etch Sheet
• 1x Instruction sheet

Eduard PE Set 36 361 Cannister Holder set

• 1 x Small Colored Photo Etch sheet
• 1x Photo Etch Sheet
• 1x Instruction sheet

Construction

1. Detail Set 36359 - This set was pretty straight forward to build with a few areas of caution for the builder. These were as follows A- Parts 19 and 20 are easily formed the wrong way to please be care and review the instructions while forming. Parts 1 and 2 can be formed around the kit parts B4 and B3 to ensure correct shape and form. The rear slots in the tank hull for attaching the parts 1 and 2 do need to be opened out a little for assembly. Ensure to remember to use kit part C11 (Spare track) when assembling the parts 32 and 38. The instructions also fail to show that you need to remove the clamps molded on to kit part C46 (Shovel). The other thing to remember is that the part 31 holds both C46 and C47. Also remove the molded clamp from part C47. Please note you will not need the parts 23, 24, 25 and 26 as these are replaced by parts in set 36 360 (next)
2. Desert Fenders set 36360 – This set I must admit I did find difficult to assembly, with that said if you plan the build it can be made a lot easier. I assembled the fenders by placing the tank hull on its side and attaching the parts 8, 9, 11, and 10 on to the PE Fenders then letting them set before the rest of the assembly. This way I ensures the parts lined up with the kit parts already assembled. Once the fenders where set I attached them to the hull after which I attached the four fender ends. The Fender ends parts 12, 13, 14 and 15 were formed around the equivalent kit parts to ensure the correct fit. Also I recommend you attached the tracks before the fenders as they may need some adjustment to fit correctly.
3. Cannister Holder set 36361 – This was a very easy build with the only issue I found being that the provided optional colored PE straps parts 6, 7, 8 and 9 did not have the slot in the buckles which you need to assembly them as per the instructions so I opted to use the straps attached to the holder body and paint them myself. Please note that you need to leave off the two grab handles on the rear of the tank hull to be able to install the Cannister holder correctly.

Summary

This is a fantastic set for adding a lot of great additional details to this already very detailed kit from Tamiya. I would recommend this set to everyone who has or is going to get this kit and want to build the British Desert Version of the Valentine.

Thanks go to Eduard for providing this set to review and IPMS USA for allowing me to review it for them.