German SD Kfz. 7/1 Half Track & US 105MM (1 Viewer)

[desk11desk12]

I received both of them today.

The SD Kfz. 7/1 Half Track appears to be a true 1/32 (54mm) scale and can easily be used with the new Britains and ONTC figures easily. The Quad machine gun turret rotates 360 degrees but does NOT elevate. The treads look good and they do move well BUT there wasn’t much weathering applied to the vehicle which is typically found with there models. However, for you painters out there this vehicle lends itself nicely to customized weathering. Both painted plastic figures are nice but the scale seems to be between 1/32 and 1/35



US 105mm Howitzer
This piece is beautiful and has much of the same detailing and feature as their new Flak 88. However, I’m disappointed with the scale of the piece, it seems to be more of a 1/32-1/35 hybrid. The length of the gun barrel especially smaller than it should be. It’s too bad because the detailing is superb. The figures are not too impressive either.

Frankly, if you’re in need of 105mm howitzer you’d be better off buying the old Britains 105mm set. I can’t believe I’m saying that because I’m a real FOV fan.



Carlos

 

[Eazy]

The flak vehicle is great. i bought mine last week and it goes really well with the Flak 88. FOV has really toned down their weathering though. This new vehicle looks almost brand new. Compare thm to the first wave of FOV vehicles and there's a world of difference in the weathering.

What's your opinion is this a good or bad thing? In my opinion the best weathering FOV has done was on the deluxe diorama editions that came out with their first wave. The King Tiger, Tiger I and Stug are especially well done.

The new figures with the flak half track are also quite well done, i think the figures are an area where FOV has really improved.

Haven't got the US howitzer yet. I know you didn't give it a great review but i'll still add it to my collection. It looks ok to my untrained eye.

 

[desk11desk12]

You know, I'm going to revise the harsh review I made on the 105MM. After looking at it again days later, I must say the detailing and the nice design features make it worth buying for those of us that are FOV fans.

The figures have good poses but I don't care for face features and the paint job much. I guess what you expect from manufactured plastic. However, some of FOV figures in past are very nice. I do like the figures that come with the new FOV “SD Kfz. 7/1 Half Track”.

105 MM has some very nice feature and once you realize that it comes out of the box in the recoiled position you'll notice it's almost the size of the Britains 105MM. That was a fact I missed initially. The FOV 105MM elevates, and moves latterly attached to small realistic pulleys (nice feature). The howitzer coils and recoils revealing the breech loader that you can place shells into that come with the set. They have even included spend shells with the set for your diorama scene.

I do miss the heavy weathering on these releases that FOV has done on past releases. For the artillery buffs out there, the Britains 105MM (#17459) set remains a worthwhile set to add to your collection especially if you’re a painter and can customize the figures. Treefrog is one of the only dealers that still have this Britains set in stock.

As you can see, I’m not a purist and I do mix “apples and oranges” (metal and plastic) together in the spirit of having fun. Like Michael (sceic2) would say, “I Love this stuff!!!”

Carlos

 

[sceic2]

My sets are in the UPS system and should be here in a couple of days. George at Minute Man had the same comments that Carlos has posted concerning these sets.

I too mix metal and plastic. I, like Carlos, am in it for the fun and the challenge to change dioramas as I get used to them. Although FOV is mass produced, I think they are the best bargin for the buck and have gone the extra mile for detailing and weathering. Too bad they did not do so much weathering on the SD Kfz and 105 (according to George anyway).

 

[Fubar]

As far as weathering , I guess they went from one extreme to the other. My King Tiger, 1st issue was so heavily and poorly weathered the camo was almost covered up.
I paint so, weathering , or repainting vehicles to suit me is not a Problem. I do not have any of these new releases but the quad track has always been a favorite.I guess I'll have to convert and paint a crew!
FubArrRrrRR

 

[desk11desk12]

Gees Fubar,

I continually envy guys like you Alex and others who have weathering talent.

Keep up the good work and pictures coming. The Half Track screems for your talented touch.

Carlos