Review of FOV 1:32 P-39

donnieboy · Post by **donnieboy** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 7:44 pm

I started this review of the FOV P-39 as a new thread because, with all due respect to Rowsdower (whose avatars I really like and who evidently shares my love for Mystery Science Theatre 3000), I must disagree with his highly-negative evaluation of this model. He must have gotten a lemon because my specimen is beautiful (like Jagpanther's pictures). The paint job is fine, the fit and finish are great, and the overall appearance is very realistic. Those ghastly rivets that ruined FOV's earlier 1:32 planes are gone, and the undersurface has only two screw holes (still two too many, I realize). The tricycle landing gear can be displayed up or down, and the gear doors work nicely. It comes with accurately-detailed cowling guns as well as the centerline 37mm cannon. It has two 20mm cannon in underwing gondolas, and a snap-in centerline fuel tank, and an accurate antenna mast and pitot tube. The pilot figure looks fine to me. The only caveat in my book is that the engine cover panels are kind of tricky to snap into place. You have to ease them over the protruding exhaust stacks. The canopy is nicely-done and the paint job looks okay to me. Displayed next to my Corgi 1:32 Mustangs, I'd say the FOV Airacobra compares favorably. Bottom line:Aces all around and a great model!
I got mine at Burbank's House of Hobbies, BTW. They've got plenty!

Rowsdower · Post by **Rowsdower** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 9:44 am

Well luckily I didn't buy one, I was able to see all the nasty bits right there in the store. That one is a lemon no doubt but as I said I couldn't compare it to others since he only has the one. I am glad to see that there are good examples out there and that you got one, I love the Airacobra and FOV did a fine job with their model. My beef is with the shoddy quality control that lets a $40+ model with as many problems as the one I inspected make it out of the factory.

hworth18 · Post by **hworth18** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 11:35 am

Well,
I think we need to see more pics so we can make an educated decision..

donnieboy · Post by **donnieboy** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 7:32 pm

Hey Rowsdower: Right you are. No one should have to put up with shoddy workmanship in a model, especially when you're paying close to sixty bucks. However, I do think you got stuck with a turkey. I went back and looked at my FOV Airacobra closely, and stand by my original assertions. There are no gaps between the wings and fuselage on mine, and the paint job is beautiful. I also dragged a second FOV P-39 out of the shipping carton, and it had no discernible defects either. Its fit and finish were just fine. BTW, I forgot to mention this model also has nicely-detailed landing lights and wingroot air intakes. Moreover, it comes with two crew members:the pilot, an another officer holding a flight jacket.
Regarding Harry Worth's suggestion for pictorial evidence, I have neither a digital camera nor the expertise to post pictures, so you'll either have to rely on Jagpanther's fine pictures in the other P-39 thread, or just break down and buy one. You could always try Toys-R-Us or Target and see if they have one to inspect first.

Rowsdower · Post by **Rowsdower** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 7:54 pm

donnieboy wrote:Hey Rowsdower: Right you are. No one should have to put up with shoddy workmanship in a model, especially when you're paying close to sixty bucks. However, I do think you got stuck with a turkey. I went back and looked at my FOV Airacobra closely, and stand by my original assertions. There are no gaps between the wings and fuselage on mine, and the paint job is beautiful. I also dragged a second FOV P-39 out of the shipping carton, and it had no discernible defects either. Its fit and finish were just fine. BTW, I forgot to mention this model also has nicely-detailed landing lights and wingroot air intakes. Moreover, it comes with two crew members:the pilot, an another officer holding a flight jacket.
Regarding Harry Worth's suggestion for pictorial evidence, I have neither a digital camera nor the expertise to post pictures, so you'll either have to rely on Jagpanther's fine pictures in the other P-39 thread, or just break down and buy one. You could always try Toys-R-Us or Target and see if they have one to inspect first.

Well I can't wait to get my hands on one that doesn't look like a two year old put it together! I will have to see if the shop owner, a really cool guy btw, can get another one in. As I said the model is really nice, the intakes in the wing roots, the landing gear and the engine are nicely done, as are the figures. I did wonder about the engine panels so I was glad to read your description. I suppose I will just have to make do with my MRC/Easymodel 1:72 Airacobra for now.

B24guy · Post by **B24guy** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:42 pm

Can someone please tell me where I can get a FOV P-39? I really want one, and any help would be great. Thanks.

Jagdpanther · Post by **Jagdpanther** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:17 am

B24guy wrote:Can someone please tell me where I can get a FOV P-39? I really want one, and any help would be great. Thanks.

Hobby Town his where I got my so your best bet his to look there. I dont really no anybody else that would have them.

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