[stalag8611]

My wife and I are snowbirds and just located the Target near Hilton Head Island,SC. I probably wouldn't go near a store the size of Target, but comments on the site regarding FOV models made me curious.

I found three models and at $10.99 each brought all three home.

Hurricane (white), (95429)

Mitsubishi Zero (95032)

F4U-1D Corsair VMF 323 (95428)

The Hurricane is probably the poorest example of the three: Over done inking, inconsistant inking, especially on the elevators, and an open seam directly behind the cockpit. The weathering is a bit too much and the shape of the nose seems odd to me. There's a coice of wheels up or down. I'm returning it and checking it against other copies on the self.

The Zero compares favorably to the Corgi I have, but since the pooch is 800 miles from here its a little too far to do a noseto-nose comparison. The red ink lines on the flaps look strange, but I assume the manufacture got it right. Wheels fixed down. I'm happy with the model

The Corsdair is the best of the litter. The pilot needs to lose about 50 pounds, the open cown flaps appear to my eye to be open too wide. One nice touch is the ability to remove hatches on the upper wings and see the ammo belts. Nice touch.The prop could do with better decals, otherwise it compares well with the two Corgis I own. Wheels up or down.

Now I'm looking forward to finding other issues, especially the B-25 and B-26.
Do yourselves a favor and take the plunge.

[HotTrap429]

Good review stalag. For $10.99, I think we expect way too much.

I have the Zero and it puts my more expensive Corgi to shame. Compared to my Dragon Zero - it's a draw. I can't compare it to a Witty Zero anymore because I got rid of the only Witty Zero I ever bought because it gave me a bad reaction.

I have two of the FoV Corsairs. The one you mentioned (I love these markings) and a VF-84 version (that I will be customizing). I agree with your review. It's not the best model I own, but it's definately not the worst either.

Get the P-40! It's a beauty and the only 1/72 scale B/C version in diecast.

I've preordered the B-25 and B-26. Try Badcat Aviation - they're on sale.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by HotTrap429

Good review stalag. For $10.99, I think we expect way too much.

I have the Zero and it puts my more expensive Corgi to shame. Compared to my Dragon Zero - it's a draw. I can't compare it to a Witty Zero anymore because I got rid of the only Witty Zero I ever bought because it gave me a bad reaction.

Agreed on all points, HotTrap. I would even go as far as stating..I dare say...that FOV's Zero is superior to even Dragon's pathertic attempt. Just take a look at the landing wheel covers on the FOV - the 'curved shape' detail of the inner wheel covers was captured faithfully by FOV in correct form. By far the best and most definitive model of the Zero, imho. None of the Zeros mady by Witty, Corgi and Dragon...I'm sorry to say came even close.

[djjeffhall]

Stalag,
Hey there.

You are seeing first hand the leap forward that FOV has made this year. The Hurricane is a mould from last year, (or the year before?) and part of their inital line. It's okay, but really sloppy as you noted.

The Zero is from this years batch and it's really pretty. Keep looking and you might come across the Pearl Harbor P-40 which is, in my humble opinion, the best of the bunch.

[Louie]

yep got the Zero and love it added my own weathering and man that did the trick even the pilot is molded and painted well. The P-40 rocks for an early model and the engine detail is the best for a 1/72 warbird hands down I beg anyone to compare. Will pre-order the B-26 for sure thanks for the intel!

[stalag8611]

Originally Posted by djjeffhall

Stalag,
Hey there.

You are seeing first hand the leap forward that FOV has made this year. The Hurricane is a mould from last year, (or the year before?) and part of their inital line. It's okay, but really sloppy as you noted.

The Zero is from this years batch and it's really pretty. Keep looking and you might come across the Pearl Harbor P-40 which is, in my humble opinion, the best of the bunch.

I returned the white Hurricane to the local Target today and was amazed to see that in a three day time span the number of FOV's left on display was down to two from ten: one Hurricane (95029) and the Me-262 (95033). The Me-262 box had a broken hanger and was probably missed because it was at the bottom of the display. Lucky for me. That is one nice model, maybe even an outstanding example of what 1:72 issues should look like. So, between the Zero, the VMF 323 Corsair and Me-262 I'd say that FOV certainly has some winners in its hanger. I can hardly wait for the B-26.

[djjeffhall]

Stalag,
Hey there.

Congrats on finding the ME-262. Another of the newer planes and its a fabulous one at that.

I have to say it, but I'm holding out until I see the B-26 and B-25 in person. (Or at least catch some good reviews here on the forum.) As much as I like the 1:72 scale fighters, their bigger birds (1:32 scale) leave much to be desired. Am I mixing apples and oranges? Yeah, kind of, but FOV shows no signs of limiting their production so I feel its safe to wait.

[flyXwire]

It would sure be nice if FOV could spit out one of these in regular grey and dark green livery. They just need to produce a mold for the 'floatplanes' and viola - Rufe!

[1250ships]

Last week was in a nearby Target with the SO and saw they had several rows of planes but I couldn't look at them then. Had to waiting until today to get back over there solo. I found several P-40s (which I already have), two SE Asia Hurricanes, the Austrian Stuka, the France 1940 Stuka, and the white Hurricane. I picked up the white Hurricane as it is a carrier based plane and a good fit for my collection. I also got the 1940 Stuka as it looked OK for $10.99.

If there is interest I'll take some pictures of both of them. The Hurricane has some very heavy weathering on it. If I had paid $30 for it I might be upset but for the price I'm happy with it. The Stuka is a big clunkier in places than my Corgi Stuka but since I like the early war aircraft and Corgi doesn't have one for May 1940 I picked it up.

Today was a big diecast spending day as I also won two Corgis on Ebay.