[Gort]

Gman got my brain percolating about 1/32 Forces of Valor models. Opinions vary about FOV AFVs. Perfectionists insist these models are inaccurate, gawky, crudely painted toys with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Others counter that FOV armor are nothing of the sort, that they’re excellent replicas that more than make up for their perceived shortcomings with sheer visceral impact. Personally, I think these models are worthy additions to anybody’s armor collection.

Objections boil down to three: one, FOV AFVs are grossly inaccurate; two, their weathering is gauche at best and execrable at worst; and three, Forces of Valor produces them, which, ipso facto, makes them the trailer trash of modeldom. To which I reply – guilty on all counts ... kind of. Sort of. But they’re better than you think. Much better.

Let’s compare Dragon’s Tiger I against FOVs Tiger I.

Accuracy ...

No question, Dragon’s Tigers are nearly perfect. From commander’s cupola to treads, these masterpieces are absolutely gorgeous – and dead-on accurate. I know, I own one. FOV’s, on the other hand, falls a bit short.

The Forces of Valor Tiger I is a composite of several types, early, mid and late-war. The overall look appears reasonably correct, but the model lacks finesse. It doesn’t convey Dragon’s museum-quality “crispness.” If this were true of all FOV AFVs, I wouldn’t be writing this screed. But FOV’s Tiger I is the exception: Their other AFVs are highly accurate and precise, including the M26 Pershing and Panzer IV Ausf.F , M60A1 Patton and SD Kfz 7/1 half-track. The Bradley is a work of art, too.

Weathering ...

The operative word here is “subtle.” Dragon are past masters of painting and light weathering. To look at a Dragon Tiger 1, you’d think you were viewing the real thing. In fact, Dragon models are so clean, they positively sparkle with that just-driven-off-the-factory-floor look.

Forces of Valor, on the other hand, opt for battle realism. Most of their WWII tanks articulate grungy, muddy, sharp-edged war. FOV purposefully applies copious amounts of black wash, mud, snow and goop to their tanks to enhance battle-bones, pig-stye reality. Uncompromising though it is, this heavy-handed approach effectively mimics realistic combat conditions at their cataclysmic best – something Dragon doesn’t even approach.

In short, Dragon pimps their rides; FOV flings their tanks in the muck and laughs. Take your pick.

FOV just can’t compete ...

I’ll admit, FOV lacks street cred. With Dragon and the like hogging the stage, it’s tough to grab collectors’ attention. Which is why FOV tries ever harder to create the look and feel of real war.

And that’s the trick. Not only must FOV produce accurate AFVs, which, on balance they achieve admirably, they also have to make their product as realistic as possible – in this case rendering their tanks and vehicles in battlefield muck and grime. To enhance the package further (and this is where Dragon fails completely), FOV includes tank commanders, crew, infantry figures, and real-world accessories including tank traps, gas cans, tow straps, antennas, tools, building ruins, and other goodies.

Both manufacturers produce stunning models. One’s clean; one’s battle soiled. Both are waaay cool.

It really boils down to what appeals to you. If you demand perfection right down to the last rivet and weld, Dragon’s your ticket. But Dragon Tigers look more like Rockwell paintings than flesh-‘n’-blood tanks crushing the guts out of enemy bazooka teams. Given enough time and refinement, FOV will catch up with Dragon – and maybe even run them over.

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[Martin Baker]

I think top of the bunch is Minichamps 1/35 tanks & there die-cast witch Dragon are not
Fov look toy like & cheap next to a minichamp tank

[Gort]

Originally Posted by Martin Baker

I think top of the bunch is Minichamps 1/35 tanks & there die-cast witch Dragon are not
Fov look toy like & cheap next to a minichamp tank

Do you own an FOV 1/32 model, Martin? Or are you making your observation based solely on photographs?

[Martin Baker]

Originally Posted by Gort

Do you own an FOV 1/32 model, Martin? Or are you making your observation based solely on photographs?

Ive got twenty FOV tanks & halftracks
Fifteen Minichamps & ten 21century tanks
So the answer No

[hworth18]

I think the Minichamps and Dragon tanks rank a close equal, whereas the Minichamps is all metal and the Dragon is more detailed, but neither can/should be compared to FOV because FOV is not only a different scale (1/32 vs 1/35) but a totally different price range ($30-$40 vs $60 -$100).. The niche that FOV has though is variety of subject which I think appeals to most people that collect them.. FOV makes tanks that most likely won't be made by either Dragon/Minichamps..

[Martin Baker]

The Fov halftracks & jeeps are good for there money

[Gort]

Originally Posted by Martin Baker

The Fov halftracks & jeeps are good for there money

I’d hasten to add that FOV 1/32 tanks are excellent values for their cost, too.

Originally Posted by hworth18

I think the Minichamps and Dragon tanks rank a close equal, whereas the Minichamps is all metal and the Dragon is more detailed, but neither can/should be compared to FOV because FOV is not only a different scale (1/32 vs 1/35) but a totally different price range ($30-$40 vs $60 -$100).

Can’t agree, Harry. Size wise, the scales are close. And price difference doesn't necessarily signify higher quality.

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by Gort

Can’t agree, Harry. Size wise, the scales are close. And price difference doesn't necessarily signify higher quality.

My point is, that if someone paid Minichamps prices and got FOV quality, then Minichamps would go down the tubes real quick.. Typically, if you pay a higher price, you expect better quality.. Now, this doesn't necessarily apply to everything, take Franklin for example, they have raised their prices back to normal and not improved quality, and if something doesn't change there soon, Franklin mat not be able to compete with the current quality of other 1/48 manufacturers.. Secondly, there is a noticeable difference between 1/32 and 1/35th, just compare figures and you'll see what I mean.. 1/35 figures look like 1/32nds little brothers, but if that doesn't bother you, then that's your choice..

[Cardinal]

I have the FoV King Tiger and it's actually very good, especially if one likes the weathered 'gritty' look. Dragon is definitely better with detail but the FoV model is far more solid with plenty of metal . Minichamps are in a 'showroom' class of their own but lack the detailing of Dragon which is truly superb .