FOV M5A1 Stuart is out

blurx7 · Post by **blurx7** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 3:49 pm

Found at a Target in Michigan today, so if you were looking forward to this one it's time to make that trip to Target.
It is in the Action grade so there is no weathering, but otherwise seems a nice piece, and exactly like the pic on website. Came with one figure and little else.

ostketten · Post by **ostketten** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 4:59 am

Found at a Target in Michigan today, so if you were looking forward to this one it's time to make that trip to Target.

I will definitely be keeping an eye out for this one, thanks for the heads up.

blurx7 · Post by **blurx7** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 3:48 pm

Just a follow up. I am comparing this model now to the 21st C version of the same vehicle.
The FOV unit seems vastly superior to me. The detail is much better on the FOV unit, being metal rather than plastic. All the hatches work better, though the rear hatch over the engine is not functional, where the 21st version is. Scale seems slightly larger than the 21st version. Not a lot but slightly. Paint is better on the 21st version, but this is only the Action grade of FOV so I would expect them to do a much better job later. The figure accompanying the FOV tank is better, and actually fits into one of the hatches. I would certainly recommend this one over the earlier version.

Flak Happy · Post by **Flak Happy** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 4:04 pm

Does anyone have pics besides the one available online?

demonclaw · Post by **demonclaw** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 9:57 pm

blurx7 wrote:Just a follow up. I am comparing this model now to the 21st C version of the same vehicle.
The FOV unit seems vastly superior to me. The detail is much better on the FOV unit, being metal rather than plastic. All the hatches work better, though the rear hatch over the engine is not functional, where the 21st version is. Scale seems slightly larger than the 21st version. Not a lot but slightly. Paint is better on the 21st version, but this is only the Action grade of FOV so I would expect them to do a much better job later. The figure accompanying the FOV tank is better, and actually fits into one of the hatches. I would certainly recommend this one over the earlier version.

This is the case with all 21c and FOV tanks/vehicles , FOV really puts a lot of effort into their models to make them look as real as possible while 21c's are toy like , but we also have to pay a lot more for the FOV ones .

Rowsdower · Post by **Rowsdower** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 8:00 pm

Is the only difference between the two FOV versions weathering and accessories? Or is the collectors version a different mold with more detailing or whatever? I'm new to 1/32 and the only FOV I have in the AMTRAC.

And I'm guessing you can only get the collectors models from BadCat or other online retailors?

If the differences aren't huge, just diorama pieces or whatever I'd just weather them myself.

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:23 pm

The FOV "Action Grade" and "Enthusiast Grade" vehicles and aircraft are the same. The main difference is the weathering, which is present on the Enthusiast grade vehicles and less so (or missing entirely) on the action grade vehicles and planes. That holds for all the scales. Some of the vehicles also come with fewer accessories in the action grade. The action grade vehicles and aircraft are generally sold at the large retailers (TRU & Target) while the Enthusiast grade versions go to the small retailers.

There are exceptions to the rule, however. I recently bought an FOV Kingtiger tank, Tiger tank, and SDK-251 Kannonwagen at Target that were weathered just as much as their "Enthusiast Grade" versions and which came with the same accessories. Where you can get some vehicles also differs. For example, you can get the same tanks at both Target and TRU, but only TRU has the 1:32 scale P-51s, Spitfires, and the 1:48 Helicopters. Only Target has the 1:72 aircraft, tanks, and figure packs, as well as the "Historical Legends" packages. Well-stocked small retailers will have everything in the enthusiast grade in all the scales.

Hope this helps

Light.Inf.Scout · Post by **Light.Inf.Scout** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 5:54 am

My Target has the same old crap it has had for months...just like Wal Mart. I need to move. LOL

Rowsdower · Post by **Rowsdower** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 9:25 am

tmanthegreat wrote: Hope this helps

Thanks TMan that pretty much sums it up. With the current XD slump I am just now venturing into 1:32 and remembered seeing some cool FOV stuff at Target. I will have to check it out!

ostketten · Post by **ostketten** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 11:06 am

I am just now venturing into 1:32

Ah Luke!! You've come over to the dark side

But seriously, I think you will find the FOV 1/32 stuff is very nice, especially the enthusiast grade, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Rowsdower · Post by **Rowsdower** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 4:57 pm

ostketten wrote: Ah Luke!! You've come over to the dark side

It does sort of feel like that! It looks good, can't wait till payday!

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 9:40 pm

I found a lone FOV M-5 Stuart at a Target in Fresno (well actually Clovis) Ca. today

Upon seeing it in person, I couldn't resist picking it up! I like the diecast "heft" to it as well as the greater level of detail and sculpting on the tank's hull than on the 21c version. It is a much better piece than the FOV Grants & Lees that have come out recently. I also picked up an FOV M3 Halftrack with the Stuart, which is also a very nice piece.

Both of these vehicles hold up to their 21c counterparts in comparison, though the FOV halftrack does not have the opening engines and seat storage compartments like the 21c version. The old 21c Stuart, however, really holds its own against the FOV version, save that I like the stiff gun on the FOV turret and the overall hull sculpting better.

MIGMADMAVIS · Post by **MIGMADMAVIS** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 9:43 pm

could you please post a picture of it , I wanted to see what it looks like up close. That would be great

-Tobin

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 11:42 pm

Here you all go

These three pictures should provide an adequate comparison of the S1 32x M-5 and the new FOV M-5 tanks. All origional crew figures and accessories have been included. Please pardon the "weathering" on the 32x tank - it is one of my favorites from that line and has seen alot of action, even traveling around the world with me a couple of times

As you can see, both tanks look pretty accurate, but the FOV tank seems to have the edge in overall quality of detail. However, I really like the fact that on the 32x tank, you can remove the turret and properly place the figures inside the vehicle. Each tank is different enough that you can display both side-by-side and still have some variety

ostketten · Post by **ostketten** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 5:47 am

Thanks for posting the pics T, I think the new Stuart looks awesome, the big yellow lettering really sets it apart and looks great in my opinion. Any idea if this an historically correct scheme?? Thanks again for the nice pics.

blurx7 · Post by **blurx7** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 9:02 am

Nice pics!
Anyone know if either model has the edge in accuracy regarding the skirting over the treads displayed in the 21st C model but not on the FOV unit?

Flak Happy · Post by **Flak Happy** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 9:04 am

Wow! nice! Thanks Tman, Even for just being an action grade piece it still looks pretty good.

All I have now is the M5 "Jungle Fever" from the the Final Step playset. Not really impressed with it

it was just too toyish.

Hanomag · Post by **Hanomag** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 1:06 pm

If I recall right...the skirts were dust/sand shields used in North Africa as a large dust cloud following you tends to give you away. I imagine both were common sights to see even in France. I'll do a little more research tonight when I have time (as I have a few books on US Light Tanks). I have a picture of a US Hummer in painted Woodland Camo in Iraq....seems 60 years later and we still can standardize too well.

-H

ostketten · Post by **ostketten** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 5:34 pm

Well, I lucked out and found the new FOV Stuart at a local Target store, they had one (and only one) in a big stack of the same stuff that has been in this store for months. Anyway, I'm really happy with it, I like the white "stenciled" lettering on the sides and especially the big yellow "C-34" which I think really stands out, all in all I am very pleased with it, and with tax and everything it was just a tad over $20, not a bad deal in my estimation. Also picked up an action grade M3A2 woodland camo Bradley that I did not already have, for $24.95 plus tax. All things considered a fairly productive outing.

MIGMADMAVIS · Post by **MIGMADMAVIS** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 6:03 pm

Nice pics t-man, I hope ill find that sometime soon,

ostketten · Post by **ostketten** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 3:19 pm

Soviet Lend-Lease M3

Can't remember the exact date, but after a certain time I believe the Russians stopped accepting M3's, the Russian troops in the field were not very complimentary of this tank, derisively referring to it as "a coffin for 7 brothers"

grockwood · Post by **grockwood** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 3:41 pm

Most US tanks from the M3 Lee to the M26 Pershing came from the factory with the shields. They crews usually removed them the first time they had to work on the tracks.

Rowsdower · Post by **Rowsdower** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 3:45 pm

I checked out the new vehicles at Target. After getting my first enthusiast piece I don't think I'd be happy with the action line. I think it's worth the extra money.

Just my five cents!

ostketten · Post by **ostketten** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 7:03 pm

After getting my first enthusiast piece I don't think I'd be happy with the action line. I think it's worth the extra money.

I tend to agree in principle, the problem for me is that the Target stores in my AO primarily carry the Action grade, so I'm basically stuck with whatever the local retailers have on the shelf, or buy online and pay considerably more. There is a Hobbytown USA store in a town near me, but the prices are not much better than online, and in some cases they are more, even when you factor in the shipping. The few TRU stores around here aren't much better, and while they do carry the Enthusiast line, the selection is very spotty and haphazard.