Quality of FOV 1/72 tanks

Tshintl · Post by **Tshintl** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 6:57 pm

I've thoroughly examined the FOV 1/72 tanks and have several comments. I will use the Sherman tank as an example as that's the one I played with the most.

My overall impression about the Sherman is that it's nice, but not on the same level and quality as Dragon Armor (even though Dragon Armor has yet to make a Sherman, you can still compare the overall tanks from each company). The FOV Sherman is larger than the Corgi Sherman, and about the same size as the Matchbox Collectables diecast 1/72 Sherman (see pictures below).

The painting is about average. For example, there was paint overspray on the top of the turret from when the commander was painted. The commanders face was not painted, though the hands were slightly. About half of the tools on the tank were painted, while the others had the same base color as the tank itself. There are ammo boxes on the front of the tank, but none were painted. Weathering was almost nonexistant. The tank markings were nice, but the paint level itself could be easily matched by a 12 year old modeler.

The detail is good, but again not as nice as Dragon Armor. The tow cable is cast onto the hull of the tank and not seperate like Dragon Armor. The open hatch doors are plastic, not securely attached and can easily come off (good luck finding it). There is a very noticeable mold line from where the commanders arm was glued/attached to the main body.

The mine roller is easily detachable. I took it off in all of 3 seconds once I realized the roller swings all the way up and down while attached to the tank. The rollers are connected on either side of the tank with plastic pins that fit into holes on the side of the tank (see picture). There are two bars that are connected to the rollers that slide into slots on the front of the tank (see picture).

Overall for the price, the tank isn't bad. But once Dragon Armor releases their Sherman, there will be no comparison and FOV will have to up their quality or settle with being a distant second.

grockwood · Post by **grockwood** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 7:20 pm

Just looking at the photos, I would say the bogie(sp) wheels, return rollers and idler wheel are all too large. The Matchbox Sherman looks more accurate to me.

smh_1021 · Post by **smh_1021** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 7:28 pm

Just my $.02 ....

But, something just looks very out-of-proportion to me on the FOV
Sherman. The thickness of the hull looks to be too small compared to the track/wheel assembly. Maybe I am just a lil' unfamiliar with the particular version of the Sherman being represented - and, I apologize, but I just don't know how else to describe the problem.

Sgt. Stryker · Post by **Sgt. Stryker** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 10:41 am

I think FOV has dubious quality in general, eventhough most of the second release in 2004 of 1/32 vehicles is good for the price.
At 1/72 scale, I wouldn't expect much. Mass produced M4s and T34s of average quality at $8 a piece are OK with me, but for PZ Vs and VIs, I would rather spend $12 on Dragon products.

Bravo_26 · Post by **Bravo_26** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 1:19 pm

What about the rolling tracks and operable suspension of the FOV tanks? That's worth a lot to me! For $8.00 a pop you can't beat that! CDC, Dragon & Matchbox Collectibles are simply static models. If FOV didn't spend so much on working pieces I'm sure they could/would have spent more on paint & details. Plus, they come with FIGS!

Just my .02

Tshintl · Post by **Tshintl** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 2:59 pm

Bravo_26 wrote:Plus, they come with FIGS!

The figure isn't all that. I was rather annoyed when I found that there was overspray on the top of the tank from where the figure had been painted. I also didn't like that the face wasn't painted at all (at least on mine), though the hand was. There was also a very noticeable seam where the left arm was glued/attached to the main body of the figure. It sort of looks like it's supposed to swivel, but it doesn't

You can't beat it for the price, that's for sure. But there is ALOT you can do to improve it. I'll agree that the moving tracks are nice, but since I'm not going to be driving it around my house it doesn't really matter that much.

GI GENE · Post by **GI GENE** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 6:04 pm

Thanks for the pictures, I think FOV could of left off the figures since they don't look so great.

Bravo_26 · Post by **Bravo_26** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 9:35 pm

C'mon Tshintl, you really expect us to believe you're not going to drive your tanks all over the house like the rest of us? LOL!

Tshintl · Post by **Tshintl** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 10:25 pm

Bravo_26 wrote:C'mon Tshintl, you really expect us to believe you're not going to drive your tanks all over the house like the rest of us? LOL!

LOL, Shhh, don't tell anyone.

hawkonevoodoo · Post by **hawkonevoodoo** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 3:23 pm

Personally, I think for their first effort at 1/72, FOV did a pretty good job. The rough texture of the Shermans body looks more realistic than I have seen elsewhere. I don't remember ever seeing the WWII tanks with perfectly smooth skin. As for the figures, I look at their 1/32, which I think are pretty good, so I have all the confidence they will improve as new releases come out.
As for the Sherman, I can't for the life of me, figure out why anyone would want to take the rollers off. If you want a Sherman without the rollers buy a Matchbox version. The rollers are what makes this model unique and collectable.
I was in contact with FOV in Hong Kong and made them aware of this and an other forum and they said they will be reading what the collectors have to say. This is a whole lot more than Dragon has ever done. Email Dragon and see what type of response you receive, the standard old line, "thank you, watch our websire for exciting news." This seems to be the answer to just about any inquiry.
FOV said they want people to email with any praise or complaints, suggestions. This the person to contact, so rather than just sitting here and talking or complaining about the product, email them and let them know. This is the only way you can help with any future products, they seem to be genuinely interested in hearing from us.
Email: candydong@unimax.com.hk (yes this is for real.)

Tshintl · Post by **Tshintl** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 10:58 pm

fovcollector wrote:so rather than just sitting here and talking or complaining about the product, email them and let them know.

People have every right to talk, complain, give their opinion, a review, or whatever without contacting the manufacturer. All that could ever be accomplished by contacting FOV now is how they do things next year. Seems to me people are more concerned with what they're doing right now, especially considering they haven't been out that long.

If the topic is about future products then what you're saying makes sense. Speak out now or don't complain when next years products come out, that's common sense.

I'm going to send this email address to dozens of people that play with these, wargame with these, and keep them in the packaging to collect them. If this helps FOV with getting feedback on what to do different in the future then great. But it has little to do with what this topic is about now.

hardboy · Post by **hardboy** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 12:30 am

you guys are spoiled.

WGP Klaus · Post by **WGP Klaus** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 5:26 am

Hell!! I'm just happy that companies like Dragon and FOV are keeping me busy trying to keep up, thus keeping my mind of the 1:18 dry spell

As far as quality goes, I'm happy with FOV's efforts and considering the price point, you're getting excellent detail to dollar ratio, in my opinion.

hawkonevoodoo · Post by **hawkonevoodoo** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 6:04 am

Tshintl wrote:
fovcollector wrote:so rather than just sitting here and talking or complaining about the product, email them and let them know.
People have every right to talk, complain, give their opinion, a review, or whatever without contacting the manufacturer. All that could ever be accomplished by contacting FOV now is how they do things next year. Seems to me people are more concerned with what they're doing right now, especially considering they haven't been out that long.

If the topic is about future products then what you're saying makes sense. Speak out now or don't complain when next years products come out, that's common sense.

I'm going to send this email address to dozens of people that play with these, wargame with these, and keep them in the packaging to collect them. If this helps FOV with getting feedback on what to do different in the future then great. But it has little to do with what this topic is about now.

I totally agree, everyone has the right to complain, that's a given. Of course this is all about getting change in the future, you can't change the past. Complain all you want here but at least take a few minutes to complain to someone that can do something about it. Complaining to me and everyone here isn't going to change a thing. Yes there are things that can improved and packaging could be a problem for some and not for others. People using this forum to express their opinion is great, that's the whole purpose of it. It helps us all get a general idea of what a product is before we buy it, and this is great.
If we want these problems solved in the future then we have to take the time to do something about it. It's not that hard of a job to take a couple of minutes to email some one to help correct problems. The big problem is, whether or not you agree, the majority of people would rather complain and bash a product than take the time to do something about it.
It's not just FOV but email Dragon and Corgi if you have a comment, good or bad. If they are any type of company they will want to hear from the consumer. Some of these companies sit and scratch their heads wondering why some item isn't selling when the whole thing could be fixed if people took the time to tell them what was wrong in the first place.
The vast majority of people would rather sit back and have others do all the work for them. If this is the case here we'll be complaining about the same things this time next year.
Personally, I feel you have to earn the right to complain and you can do this by emailing and then complain away. Buying the product doesn't give someone the right to complain our ears off, all it does is give you something to complain about.
This is just my opinion which I'm entitled to have because I have taken the time to email FOV, Dragon and Corgi, both good and bad. You may or may not agree with me and that is fine by me.
This is the last you will hear from me on this subject, I've had my say and there is no sense beating it to death.