FOV Flak 88 (1 Viewer)

[Reichpapers]

I don't have one (yet), and the FOV site doesn't say, but it looks like it's the Flak 37.

What made you choose the 37 over the 36? I haven't found any resources that expalin the true differences between them. From the look of the chassis, they use the Sonderanhänger 202 as the 201 had the single front wheels.

 

[OzDigger]

Rp, I have several reference books on WWII artillery, the best reference for this being 'German Artillery of World War Two' by Ian Hogg.

I chose the type 37 because it entered production in 1939, and the weapon certainly isn't the later 41 that had a different shield, mount etc.

There were in fact only minor differences between the type 36 and the type 37, the later had an improved preditor firing system and a two piece barrel liner. Therefore to most people, models of the type 36 and 37 will look much the same, but I believe the later type was produced in larger numbers and therefore the most likely to be encountered in the field. The new predictor would have been fitted to the earlier type 36, so combinations of the various types were not uncommon I guess.

Please note that I haven't seen the actual model and have based my 'best guess' on the three images on the FOV website and the fact that model manufacturers tend to favour later prototype productions.

 

[Reichpapers]

I'm trying to keep track of my models by their correct nomenclature, so finding out if it is a 36 or 37 is important...here are some pics that may help:

 

[Fubar]

I've heard how well painted and detailed the actual 88 is, but how well detailed and painted are the figures?

The figures are well detailed and painted but are , like most of the FOV a bit more 1/35 .The figs are very similar in poses to the Tamiya 1/35 kit figs that have been available for over 30 years{I built that kit back in 1973 when I was 13 }, but they are very decent.

The SDKFZ7 is also very nice, a bit fragile { I managed to break off a side mirror almost instantly taking it out of the box}so be careful and again the 2 figs are about 1/32 and very nice.I'm considering repainting that one or at least converting some crewmen and adding lots of camo foliage.

I like'em!

FubArrRRrR

 

[OzDigger]

Thanks for the pics Rp, FOV have really surpassed themselves this time. After a good look at the pics I'd say the FOV model is actually a type 36.

 

[OzDigger]

I already have the 1/32 21st Century and the 1/35 Minichamps versions and I'm now wondering if the FOV piece is actually worth the extra money they are after. It is now available in Australia but with the extra freight etc to downunder the price is equivalent to US $75 making it much less than the K & C set but perhaps a bit steep for something that's mass produced.

Here's a quick assessment of the FOV from what I've read:

For
* More moving parts than just about any other model in its class, complete with actual winding crank handles etc.

* Several crew members with good detail and finish.



Against
* Apparently built in 1/35 scale making it smaller than the 21 C issue.

* Crew members also smaller, being 1/35 scale, but they match most of the previous German panzer crews in the FOV range.

The Minichamps versions don't have any crew, but most people stick some Tamiya guys on them. While the 21st C version may as well not come with a crew considering their figures are average at best.

What do you guys think, anything to add?

 

[Reichpapers]

I had the 21st Century version too. There is no comparison. I gave it to my wife to give to a cooworkers kids. The rounds the 21st Century flak crew carry look like way too small. They look like 9mm rounds in comparison to 8mm Mauser. My barrel was warped too, but that may just be the exception. The shield on the FOV is made of metal, not plastic. The barrel recoils, the crank actually winds up the barrel. The legs lock down rather than just flop loosely on the 21st. The scale for the figures is close...I can't tell if there is a difference.

 

[desk11desk12]

I had the 21st Century version too. There is no comparison. I gave it to my wife to give to a cooworkers kids. The rounds the 21st Century flak crew carry look like way too small. They look like 9mm rounds in comparison to 8mm Mauser. My barrel was warped too, but that may just be the exception. The shield on the FOV is made of metal, not plastic. The barrel recoils, the crank actually winds up the barrel. The legs lock down rather than just flop loosely on the 21st. The scale for the figures is close...I can't tell if there is a difference.

The 88 is a wonderful model and is a dramatic improvement over the 21st century but its definitely 1/35 scale NOT 1/32. Too bad, because if they made it a true 1/32 scale model, there may have been crossover sales from 1/32 metal guys and maybe even a few 1/30 collectors.

The SDKFZ7 is nice but needs the skillful hands of artist that can weather them more. This vehicle INMO seems to be true 1/32 scale.

Carlos

 

[OzDigger]

I had the 21st Century version too. There is no comparison. I gave it to my wife to give to a cooworkers kids. The rounds the 21st Century flak crew carry look like way too small. They look like 9mm rounds in comparison to 8mm Mauser. My barrel was warped too, but that may just be the exception. The shield on the FOV is made of metal, not plastic. The barrel recoils, the crank actually winds up the barrel. The legs lock down rather than just flop loosely on the 21st. The scale for the figures is close...I can't tell if there is a difference.

Thanks Rp, you've made it clear to me that the FOV version is worth the extra money. I wasn't sure there for a while, and actually had left it off my last fortnightly 'hobby order', well there's always next time

I do like my Minichamps version and as with most Minichamps stuff the detail is great. However Minichamps models just don't look like they've been in a war - more like show room or factory fresh condition. Some collectors like that look, and some don't.

As for the scale issue. Frankly I haven't noticed that my FOV Panzer guys look out of place compared to the other FOV figures. It's only when you put them side by side that it's really obvious. Of course the upside is that the smaller guys seem to be based on old Tamiya poses and in fact look more detailed than the larger figures.

As we no doubt have learned by now, no military range is perfect. However I've yet to find a manufacturer in the 1/30 to 1/32 arena that can match FOV for quality v price.

 

[Firebat]

I wish we could get some continuity of scale, all of these different sizes make things very complex Firebat

 

[sceic2]

When you first get the 88, remember it is fragile and needs to be removed from the packaging with care. By-the-way, I really like the new way that FOV has packaged the 88 and the 105. Boxes with plastic lids, the plastic wire tie-downs are still there but far fewer in number than other models. It is like the Minichamps model in that it is very breakable if handled wrong. The detailing on both the 88 and the 105 is amazing and they are well worth their purchase price. I have the K&C (newer version), the 21st century, and the first release Minichamps and I appreciate each of them. If I were to rank order them, the FOV would be in a close tie with the Minichamps.

 

[OzDigger]

Thanks for you input Michael. It's great to see FOV have had at least cut down on those **** wire ties.

Can you confirm that the FOV 88 mm is in fact the same size (scale) as the Minichamps version?

 

[sceic2]

Thanks for you input Michael. It's great to see FOV have had at least cut down on those **** wire ties. Can you confirm that the FOV 88 mm is in fact the same size (scale) as the Minichamps version?

When I place the Minichamps (version one) 88 next to the 21st Century 88 and the FOV 88, the FOV is larger in all three dimensions than the Minichamps and it is, to me anyway, not 1:35 but 1:32. I did not get out the calipers and micrometers and do a scale check, but it is larger.

 

[Hockoy]

I just bought the 88 at a show. I amvery pleased with the model and figures, however.... I found the faceplate with the stats on it hard to put on.

 

[sceic2]

I just bought the 88 at a show. I amvery pleased with the model and figures, however.... I found the faceplate with the stats on it hard to put on.

Don't feel alone, I still have not yet attached mine. I have it just loose in the position it should be. I am very weary of the small plastic attachments and breaking them.

 

[OzDigger]

When I place the Minichamps (version one) 88 next to the 21st Century 88 and the FOV 88, the FOV is larger in all three dimensions than the Minichamps and it is, to me anyway, not 1:35 but 1:32. I did not get out the calipers and micrometers and do a scale check, but it is larger.

Thanks Michael, thats great news that the new FOV 88 mm does measure up

 

[Reichpapers]

I had a hard time fitting the shield also. The bottom mount broke off where it was glued. I had to reglue it, then I put the mount on carefully.

 

[Hockoy]

Heres a pic of a diorama I made with my 88.

so sry for the pic quality. My digital camera sux

 

[sceic2]

Nice job. Looks like that Sherman is about to disrupt somebody's day.