Small Scale Military Headquarters

Anyone have any of the Enthusiast series STUG III's from FOV? Now that I'm collecting 1:32 as well as 1:18 my Target of course has only modern FOV armor. So I decided to go up a notch and get the enthusiast version online. I found a NIB Ardennes version, which is the one I was hoping for, for $21 on eBay.

My question is, from the pictures there appears to be a battle damaged armor skirt, is there a "clean" one as well or is that it? Also is the 32x STUG IV worth finding? does it look cheap sitting next to the FOV model?

Sorry for the questions, I know my way around 1:18 but I'm just getting my feet wet in the 1:32 pool.

Ive got the Enthusiast edition stug III, and it is awesome, although it does not come with clean skirts, but it still looks cool, and yes it does make the 32x stug look kinda cheap.

The FOV Stug is a Stug III, based off the Panzer III chasis, while the 32x stug is a Stug IV, based off the Panzer IV. You can tell by the number of road wheels, as well as the shape of the tank. Theyare thus different vehicles

In my experience, FOV Enthusiast products often look better next to their 32x counterpart. The FOV vehicles usually tend to have better weathering and often better detail on the mould (for instance, both the FOV Tiger and King Tiger have the zimmermitt moulded on, whereas the same 32x tanks do not.) Other 32x vehicles hold up well.

Still, I guess it is in the eye of the beholder. Although I like the current 32x Stug IV, I'm not as wild about its tan & green paintscheme. I don't have an FOV Stug III, however, I think that my 21c version would not look as good sitting next to it. The 32x Stug IV in the ambush scheme looks much better, but doesn't have the side skirts or opening commander hatch.

I know this is a mouthful, but I hope it all helps

tmanthegreat wrote:I know this is a mouthful, but I hope it all helps

Lol, yeah it helps, thanks guys!

I've always really liked the the PZ III and IV and the STUG III and IV. The late models especially. I built a number of panzer IVs but never got a managed to get a STUG. I remember seeing the 32x Stug IV all over the place when I wasn't collecting 1:32 and while tempted, every one I ever saw seemed to have broken pieces so I passed on them.

I did notice the zimmermitt on the King Tiger. Looking through the FOV selections, the detail is amazing and the extra diorama pieces are great as well. I Picked up a 32x King Tiger but I think I might sell that one and pick up a FoV version. The Pershing looks great as well. I must say though that I do like my 32x PZ IV AUSF.H and my DAK PZ III. They are perfect candidates for some do it yourself weathering.

Now if FOV would only make a Hetzer!

"tman" said it all. ------->>> I'm in for a Hetzer !

Jagdpanzer IV L48(Early..Normandy 12th SS) or Hetzer(Wacht am Rhein, non Panzer Division, maybe in Volksgrenadier markings)

I'd like to see a Merkava

Got this email from FOv today
Please note: item #81206 German Sturmgeschutz
Battle of the Bulge has been RETIRED. We no
longer have any available inventory for this
item.

luftpanzer wrote:Got this email from FOv today
Please note: item #81206 German Sturmgeschutz
Battle of the Bulge has been RETIRED. We no
longer have any available inventory for this
item.

Hmm, I had good timing for once. The price for it will likely go up on eBay now.

I also snagged a Kowel 1944 Panzer IV Ausf.G. I really like that scheme.


On the "wish list" I'd like to see an FOV French Char B and a IS2.

As for Zim on Tigers. Most Tiger Is should have Zim. With the King Tiger
production started early Summer '44 IIRC. That's the back half of the "Zim" period, so a significant portion of the KT's production came after zimmerit was discontinued. So.. naked KTs are cool. Naked early production Panther G's are uncool. Naked Brumbars are uncool. I like my 32X KT just fine, very nice ambush pattern.

David

I found a NIB Ardennes version, which is the one I was hoping for, for $21 on eBay.

Great deal, way to go.

ostketten wrote:Great deal, way to go.

Yeah every once in a while I score. I did pretty well on the Kowel PZ IV as well.

And I wouldn't mind seeing a Renault or Hotchkiss either. As they would say on Monty Python.. And now for something completly different!

I just got my FOV Enthusiast Ardennes Stug III in the mail today and I am very impressed. It's heavy, the whitewash and weathering is incredible and the details and all the extra pieces are top notch. Can't wait for my Kowell PZ IV.

Got it in two days from Oregon via priority mail.

I do hope FOV makes a StuH 42(105L28 armed StuG)

just swap tubes for a one a bit shorter and rounder.

That would be cool. I really want a Hetzer though!