FOV vs. 21st Century (2 Viewers)

[treadhead]

Forgive me if somebody covered this subject in a previous thread, but which 1/32 armor models do you prefer: Forces of Valor or 21st Century?

I own both, but I favor FOV. Probably because I like the dirty, grimy, kick-‘em-in-the-can realism. Not that 21st Century doesn’t make some mighty fine models. They do. It’s just that FOV’s weathering looks awfully cool (if not downright authentic), not to mention all those diorama props and add ons. Love those tank commanders and grunts, too.

To me, 21st Century models represent tanks and trucks, etc., that just rolled off the assembly line. Which is nice in its own right, but I really appreciate FOV’s scuzzy, pigpen vehicles.

Anybody?

 

[OzDigger]

FOV is better because they use more metal.

 

[Crossroads]

I like the FOV better as well. I do like that 21st Century covers some areas that Forces of Valor misses. 21st Century offers several versions of the 88 (without crew though) and the Priest just to mention a few. I am looking forward to the new tanks with riders coming out by FOV. But if I had to choose I would have to stick with FOV.

Thanks
Ronnie
www.crossroadsdiecast.com

Forces of Valor Tiger w/Riders

21st Century M7 Priest

 

[sceic2]

I agree with everyone else. I think the FOV amour is much better built and detailed

Now when it comes to 88's, I think it's a tie. I have the FOV version and all three 21st-Century versions and to be honest those 21st-Century 88's are real gems. To me they appear to be about 95 to 100% metal. The paint jobs, although not weathered, sure are very well done. I display each of them towed behind the new 21st-Century Opel blitz trucks (both the wheeled and the tread versions) and the 21st century prime mover. I am waiting very anxiously for the FOV prime mover to tow my FOV 88. I also have the Minichamps 1st edition 88 being towed by the Minichamps prime mover. I think I have become addicted to 88's and their towing vehicles. They look just so cool. I only have one K&C 88 (the most recent) but it still is the champ of my collection. I have one of my 10.5 cm field guns (AK27) being towed by the K&C prime mover and despite the AK color scheme it matches up quite well. But, I digress

I think that the continued improvements in the 21st-Century products will eventually convince me to purchase some armor also. But FOV is still the best value for the money, even with the price increases on the new releases

One more side note, not concerning 88’s, I display my FOV, 21st-Century, and Mini Champs in a 1,500 and a 1,000 CD media storage rack (both are black). I have removed some of the shelves to allow for the antenna on the vehicles. Each cubbyhole can hold one or two vehicles parallel to the viewer and makes for a good display when I don’t have them out on my dioramas. Am I the only one that uses media storage racks? What do you guys use, glass cabinets, dioramas, and bookcases?

 

[desk11desk12]

Hands down, FOV for consistent quality throughout their releases. 21st Century is a bit less consistent and more like a toy. Okay, I said it, don't hate me for saying it, LOL.


There are some notable exceptions like the 8-Ton prime mover, the Opel Blitz, and a few others. The one thing I don't like about FOV is that more often then not, the scale is more 1/35 or almost 1/32 (IMO).

Carlos

 

[kilted vampire]

Ibought a 21st Panzer and some FOV sets. I like the FOV stuff much better. All the above remarks seem appropriate.

 

[ExRanger]

FOV definitly has the edge. Large selection and releastic looking vehicles.
Workable with crew figures. Need to see some new vehicles. Repaints are getting alittle old. Would like to see them produce some German armoured
cars or the motorized artillery. Wespe, Hummel ,Nashorn.
21st Century did a great job on the recent Opels. The 88's with the
different Camo schemes great.Their figures stink. Same crew positions.
Very old. They do have the potenial to progress. They do need to step up and weather some of their vehicles. They do seem to have some interesting
vehicles for 2007. Shermans look good. Time will tell.

 

[treadhead]

I agree with everyone else. I think the FOV amour is much better built and detailed

One more side note, not concerning 88’s, I display my FOV, 21st-Century, and Mini Champs in a 1,500 and a 1,000 CD media storage rack (both are black). I have removed some of the shelves to allow for the antenna on the vehicles. Each cubbyhole can hold one or two vehicles parallel to the viewer and makes for a good display when I don’t have them out on my dioramas. Am I the only one that uses media storage racks? What do you guys use, glass cabinets, dioramas, and bookcases?

Hmmm ... that media display idea sounds terrific.

I’ll bet a dime to a dollar that I’m the only one here who displays his FOVs in their boxes. I know it sounds unconscionable, but I never open my boxes; instead, I sit them on my office wall shelves and call it good. That way the tanks (and boxes) remain MINT, I don’t loose any fiddly bits, no dust collects on the models (except the boxes), and my walls resemble the innards of a hobby store.

Not to mention if I ever want to sell the things, they’re in BRAND NEW condition.

Though, truth be known, somewhere down the line I’m going to de-box and display the livin’ ding-dongs out of these models – just like scei2 suggests.

And I’ve gotta agree, Eric, Crossroads and sceic2 – those 21st Century 88's are the bee’s knees. Maybe given a little more time, the 21st Century boys will produce product that equals, or maybe even surpasses, FOV. Eh ... strike that. Not a chance (heh-heh).

 

[sceic2]

It would drive me more insane than I already am to keep everything in its original box. I like to play with my stuff and to not be able to handle it directly and feel its texture and weight would be just crazy

 

[binder001]

FOV is better because they use more metal.

Your excitement over the metal fades rapidly if you do ANY conversion or detailing! Metal models are a ROYAL PAIN to work on (personal opnion). My tools and experience work better on platic.

I am in the middle of rebuilding a 21C M7 "Priest" to Alamein-vintage. That required removal of part of the pulpit, changing the transmission cover, changing the bogies to "Lee type" and cutting down the folding side armor pieces. The metal is tough on grinder bits and drill bits.

Fortunately, here in the US I have found PLASTIC M7s. The kit version sold at Wal Mart has a plastic upper hull instead of metal - easier to cut, sand and patch, so my next one will be much easier!

So plastic versus metal preference depends on what you want to do with the vehicle.

Gary

 

[Pwade]

FOV, hands down. I have 2 FOV tanks, a T-72 and a King Tiger. I also have a 21 Ct. King Tiger and Jagdtiger. Comparing the two King Tigers, the FOV is way better, in my opinion. I just bought the Dragon 1/35 Tiger I, Eastern Front, very nice, but all plastic. I got it at Monkey Depot for $42.00 + $7.00 shipping. Still too high a price IMHO. I mainly collect 1/72 tanks. In this area Dragon beats FOV handily.

 

[Eazy]

I much prefer FOV to 21st but I think they are catching FOV up.
The 21st Jagdtiger is excellent and I quite like the figures they released last year- the Russians and the Japanese. They were pretty good for the price.
I heard somewhere 21st will be doing some Japanese armour too so that would be good.

 

[TLP]

I am again odd man out. I prefer 21st over FOV. FOV stuff is fragile. Dont get me wrong its nice and I like it a lot but the addition of weathering and all the brakeable pieces for added detail just dont seem worth it? 21st has a better selection great pricing easy to find. I will continue to buy both that is for sure. I guess thats the best thing about them they mix really well.

Like everyone else I am waiting on FOV figure sets that match the figures that come with the tanks etc?

 

[Fubar]

Overall I would say the fov are probably better. But, at $15.00 each the 21st have a lot of potential. I've posted this before, but I blackoutline everything, every nut, bolt rivet, grab handle , seam etc. When thats dry I weather them and they turn out very nice. I like the Mobilwagen in particular. Now, I just need to spend more time doing these, I must have 20 that need this process but overall for the $$$ invested, they come out very nice.

Fub

 

[desk11desk12]

Overall I would say the fov are probably better. But, at $15.00 each the 21st have a lot of potential. I've posted this before, but I blackoutline everything, every nut, bolt rivet, grab handle , seam etc. When thats dry I weather them and they turn out very nice. I like the Mobilwagen in particular. Now, I just need to spend more time doing these, I must have 20 that need this process but overall for the $$$ invested, they come out very nice.

Fub

Fubar,

Wait until you see that new 21st Century 150mm Long Tom that's coming out in July or August. You'll love it. I did when I saw it in person at the West Coaster. You're weathering techiques will go along way with those babies.

Carlos

 

[Fubar]

Carlos, Yes I saw the pix along with the Firefly and the King Tiger with the Porsche turret. Very nice items. I'll grab them when available.Get to them someday!

Fub

 

[woodenwarriors]

Here are the 88s in convoy. They are great I like both FOV and 21st they are both great.
Charlie

 

[modwalls]

My two cents worth says FOV over 21st. I feel they must be deboxed to be enjoyed. I wish 21st would make more GI figs and Gerrys in Conte like action poses. Better still, I wish FOV and 21st would stop producing figs, and the two companys made all their armour to go with Conte and TSSD. But I'm a dreamer. Mike.

 

[woodenwarriors]

doesnt hurt to dream. I am just glad that all of the companies are producing great figures I love them all.
Have Fun
Charlie

 

[desk11desk12]

Here are the 88s in convoy. They are great I like both FOV and 21st they are both great.
Charlie

Nice scene Charlie. Both the 21st Century and FOV 88's are great!

Carlos