1:48 FOV Apache Longbow

Rowsdower · Post by **Rowsdower** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 5:32 pm

I have one sitting here but before I open it I was wondering what others had to say. Is is worth keeping or not? Forgot to add that it's the Enthusiast version.

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 8:23 pm

I've only seen it boxed - there's one at my local TRU that has been tempting me for some time now...

It seems to have the same basic overall features as the earlier FOV Apache, save that this time they corrected the cockpit doors, which now open individually and on the correct side. That greatly improves the model. The sculpt detail and weathering also look good, and I like the "sharkmouth" noseart. It looks like the engines also open.

However, there's a few small points about the model (from what I've seen in the box) that have prevented me from getting it thus far. First off, its the Longbow variant of the Apache, and I really don't care for the radar mast. Secondly, within the cockpit, the armored glass between the pilot and gunner positions is simply painted black and is not clear. Thirdly, the hinges on the engine doors are a little large. Fourthly, the scale - too big to go with the 1:72 modern armor and too small to go with the 1:32 modern armor. I do have 1:48 scaled armor, but its all WWII.

Still, it is overall a nice model and I would say that if you have one, its worth keeping

Rowsdower · Post by **Rowsdower** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 9:14 pm

Thanks for the info! I was mainly concerned with any glaring faults or QC problems. The sharkmouth is a nice touch.

I am "trying" to stick to collecting only 1:72 aircraft and 1:32 armor and aircraft but my local hobby shop always has something sitting on the shelf to tempt me such as 1:72 Dragon and MRC armor and a 1:48 Armour Dauntless.

This one I couldn't pass up however.

olifant · Post by **olifant** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 6:39 pm

I never quite understood why FOV choose to make their Blackhawk and Apache in 1/48th scale. I know it fits their boxes and is similar in size to the 1/32 AC, but it doesn't fit in with their overall scale scheme.

I would like to see these both in 1/32. I have the lousy Testor's model version of the New Ray Apache that I painted detail on and I wish I had a better replacement. FOV, do you hear me?

Rowsdower · Post by **Rowsdower** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 8:46 pm

olifant wrote:I never quite understood why FOV choose to make their Blackhawk and Apache in 1/48th scale. I know it fits their boxes and is similar in size to the 1/32 AC, but it doesn't fit in with their overall scale scheme.

I would like to see these both in 1/32. I have the lousy Testor's model version of the New Ray Apache that I painted detail on and I wish I had a better replacement. FOV, do you hear me?

I also thought it was a very odd decision on their part. Their Apache would look great in 1:32! Not to mention go with my 1:32 collection.

Rowsdower · Post by **Rowsdower** » Thu Nov 15, 2007 4:50 pm

Ok, I took the Apache out of the box and set it up and I must say that I am pretty pleased with it. There is some weird sticky stuff

on the sponsons next to the cockpit that I will have to hit with some goo gone and the missile clusters and rocket pods didn't fit into the pylons very well. Other than that, it looks really bad-ass, especially when "flying" on the stand blowing up insurgents.

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 12:17 am

I picked up the FOV Apache Longbow that had been sitting at one of my local TRUs for some time now, no thanks in part to this thread

Has anyone else ever seen the Apache Longbow at TRU?

I'm a bit puzzled by the way it was packaged, however. The Apache is the Enthusiast Longbow version, complete with all accessories, display stand, the trading card, and baseplate labeled "3rd Infantry Division Iraq 2003." Funny thing is that the helicopter was in the standard action grade box, labeled for the AH-64A Apache, Kuwait 1991. Odd, but it appears this may have been either a re-inserted return, or perhaps a mispackaging on Unimax's part. I've never seen any other Apache Longbow at any of the TRUs in my area, only plenty of the action-grade AH-64As.

Someone's loss and my gain, I guess

Rowsdower · Post by **Rowsdower** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 10:33 pm

tmanthegreat wrote:I picked up the FOV Apache Longbow that had been sitting at one of my local TRUs for some time now, no thanks in part to this thread

Has anyone else ever seen the Apache Longbow at TRU?

I'm a bit puzzled by the way it was packaged, however. The Apache is the Enthusiast Longbow version, complete with all accessories, display stand, the trading card, and baseplate labeled "3rd Infantry Division Iraq 2003." Funny thing is that the helicopter was in the standard action grade box, labeled for the AH-64A Apache, Kuwait 1991. Odd, but it appears this may have been either a re-inserted return, or perhaps a mispackaging on Unimax's part. I've never seen any other Apache Longbow at any of the TRUs in my area, only plenty of the action-grade AH-64As.

Someone's loss and my gain, I guess

I haven't seen anything in TRU but the Gulf War A either. The enthusuast vehicle in a action box thing seems to happen from time to time. Happened with my King Tiger from Target. No card or extra accessories but the full Enthusiast weathering job on that one.

Nice catch!

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 11:36 pm

On closer inspection of the box, which was heavily worn, I think my Apache may have been re-inserted and returned by someone, as I could see where someone had cut the tape and then put new tape over on the box flaps. Why they would want the AH-64A model, with its inaccuracies and non-weathered paintscheme, over the Longbow is beyond me, but to each their own. The complete Apache Longbow was in the box with no defects and all the parts. I think I did get a nice catch

Rowsdower · Post by **Rowsdower** » Sun Nov 18, 2007 10:03 pm

tmanthegreat wrote:On closer inspection of the box, which was heavily worn, I think my Apache may have been re-inserted and returned by someone, as I could see where someone had cut the tape and then put new tape over on the box flaps. Why they would want the AH-64A model, with its inaccuracies and non-weathered paintscheme, over the Longbow is beyond me, but to each their own. The complete Apache Longbow was in the box with no defects and all the parts. I think I did get a nice catch

I dunno man, people are crazy! I've seen some weird stuff since I've gotten into the game.

It's always sweet to luck out like that though!