Small Scale Military Headquarters

Found a package on my front porch today that contained a surprise - the new Forces of Valor MV-22 Osprey! Snapped some quick pictures from my phone and have included a review below. Enjoy

In flight mode.


Landing mode.


Rear ramp & interior detail.


Cockpit closeup.


Deploying troops.


Scale comparison with 1:72 CH-47 Chinook & M1 Abrams tank.


The model is a very good rendition of the MV-22. I'm sure there are inaccuracies (as always seems to be the case with the FOV models) but I do think it gets the overall look of the aircraft correct. It is about 50% or more plastic in construction, but still feels solid. In terms of function, the rotors rotate smoothly, though not in unison. The rear ramp opens with the lower portion going down and the upper folding into the roof of the fuselage. It has pieces to display the landing gear up and down. The cockpit is pretty well detailed and includes the pilot and copilot figures. The interior of the cargo bay is highly detailed with passenger seats and wiring and framing detailed on the walls. I do like the look of the FOV 1:72 scale modern soldier figures running out the rear ramp

Paint applications and QC - at least on my example - are good. I was wary of this as some of my latest FOV purchases have had QC defects like glue stains, misaligned markings, smudges, etc. My Osprey model is largely defect free. Only real complaint with the paint job is that the "Marines" stenciling is not to be found. All the other labeling is there, including the national insignia and squadron number, but not the "Marines" logo that adorns USMC aircraft. Not sure why that would be left off...

Overall, I am quite happy with the FOV MV-22 Osprey. Its large, detailed, and functional - plus its more affordable than the Air Force 1 premium model. With affordability, one sacrifices some quality, but overall, the FOV model is good enough for me

TMANTHEGREAT:

Thanks for the review. I've got one on preorder, so it should be here in August. My enthusiasm for the FOV version cooled when I heard about it's Hunchback of Notre Dame modification.
It wouldn't be an FOV aircraft without some screw up.....the legend continues.

Nice pics and review. I do like the cockpit and ramp detail. Wish I collected modern stuff.

Great review as always Tman.

What's the reference to Hunchback of Notre Dame?

Very cool.

AFERGUSON:

FOV increased the wing hump (the hump area between the forward wing and the upper fuselage behind the cockpit) on the production model after it had the correct smaller hump on the preproduction model...."if it ain't broke, don't fix it', but FOV fixed it, and now it's broke.

i didn't notice the hump, i can see that it's slightlly too large but not all that bad.

The AF1 Osprey has problems too and at a higher price tag. It's well under scale, has bad screw holes and other complaints. A bit better in outline though. The tail on the FOV bends down a bit whereas it should be level. But i think the FOV is the better of the 2, not even considering price tag.

Let's face it, it's very rare a prebuilt model doesnt have some flaws. But as long as the model has the 'look of the thing' i'm pretty much happy.

My FOV Osprey came with screw hole covers on the bottom but from the comments in the forum below, it seems some didn't? Most of my covers were loose and i had to white glue them in place but they were present.

http://tdhp.fr.yuku.com/topic/17197/MV22-Osprey?page=6

AFERGUSON:

The problem is that the wing was fine on the preproduction model, but FOV screwed it up on the production model.
I didn't cancel my preorder, but FOV should have left well enough alone.

not the first time a manufacturer has changed something that was correct to something that's wrong. Hobby Master's done it a couple of times. Such is life.

Thanks for posting that link to the Diecast Hanger Pub's review/comparison. I had been tempted to get the AF1 version in addition to my FOV example, however, I think I'll stick with the FOV version. I know it has its flaws, but after seeing good pictures of the AF1 version, FOV's looks nearly as good - and has the in-flight display options and great interior. Mine has all the screw covers as well. The folding wings and props feature on the AF1 version is neat, but just all that much more to be fragile and break... All in all, FOV made a really good attempt at the aircraft, particularly when compared to some of their other 1:72 scale offerings.

According to Hobby Bunker there is an FOV 54mm Osprey available for $80. Is that correct? 54mm? (1/32?) Really? All the above is regarding a 1/72, right? If there is a 54mm Osprey, I'm definitely in!

no, 54mm Osprey by FOV......it's 1/72

Nice shots! No photos yet of the CH-53E is there?

Rats! I figured as much...

nothing yet for the CH-53E that i've seen anywhere.