Forces of Valor; FOV - Mikes Diecast Tanks and Armour

Forces of Valor
1/32 Diecast Armour, Vehicles, Aircraft, Figures and Dioramas

Forces of Valor is line of 1:32 tanks, vehicles, figures, and dioramas from Unimax, a Hong Kong Company, and distributed by Panache Place in the USA.. Prices range from $20-$40 for tanks, and $36-$72 for dioramas. The line will offers realistic accessories (gas cans, bedrolls, etc.) and great paint and weathering. The armour lineup will includes 2 themes, WWII and Desert Storm:
WWII: US Willys Jeep, US M16 Motor Carriage, British Infantry Tank Mk.II (Matilda), German Schwimmwagen, German Sturmgeshutz III Tank, German Tiger I Tank, German King Tiger Tank
DESERT STORM: US M1036 Humvee, US M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, US M1A1 Abrams Tank, US Marine M60A1 Patton Tank

Forces of Valor, King Tiger, 1:32 Action Series	Forces of Valor, King Tiger, 1:32 Action Series
Forces of Valor, King Tiger, 1:32 Enthusiast Version	Forces of Valor, King Tiger, 1:32 Enthusiast Version
Forces of Valor, Matilda, 1:32 Action Series	Forces of Valor, Matilda, 1:32 Action Series	Forces of Valor, Matilda, 1:32 Action Series
Forces of Valor, Matilda, 1:32 Enthusiast Version	Forces of Valor, Matilda, 1:32 Enthusiast Version	Forces of Valor, Matilda, 1:32 Enthusiast Version
	Forces of Valor, Sherman, 1:32 Action Series	Forces of Valor, Sherman, 1:32 Action Series
	Forces of Valor, Sherman, 1:32 Enthusiast Version	Forces of Valor, Sherman, 1:32 Enthusiast Version
Forces of Valor, Stug III, 1:32 Action Series	Forces of Valor, Stug III, 1:32 Action Series
Forces of Valor, Stug III, 1:32 Enthusiast Version	Forces of Valor, Stug III, 1:32 Enthusiast Version
	Forces of Valor, King Tiger, 1:32 Action Series	Forces of Valor, King Tiger, 1:32 Action Series
	Forces of Valor, King Tiger, 1:32 Enthusiast Version	Forces of Valor, King Tiger, 1:32 Enthusiast Version
Forces of Valor Jeep, 1:32, Action series	Forces of Valor Halftrack, 1:32 Multigun Carrier Action series

For 2004 I am watching my pennies, so you will see a limited number of new releases.....
The Panzer IV Ausf F is very well done. It has one of the best paint and weathering jobs I have seen on an FOV tank. As usual, it features a bunch of accessories. Most incredibly, it has wonderful interior turret detail, visible through the side turret hatches. Careful putting the tools on, however, some of the hooks can break off :-(

The attention to detail continues in the next two tanks. Look at the detail on the Pershing and T-34/85! Beautiful engine details complimented with fairly good interior/hatch detailing.

All in all, I feel the details on the new releases for 2004 (NOT the repaints) are a big improvement over the first releases

Several repaints and some new items have appeared at Target and Toys-R-Us (late 2004). These are "action series" models, but in several instances they sport some very nice paint jobs (for example: the Sherman and the Matilda). Of these, AAVVP1A1 had not been pre-advertised by Unimax. Three other models (Paladin, M113,LAV-25, were given exclusively to another distributor - apparently Target and Toys-R-Us. See the table below for a full listing.

The Matilda is a nice repaint. I like the Grant, but the details are not very sharp, and the weathering is only fair. The hatches open, but there is little interior detail! Very disappointing as compared to T34 and the Pershing! The Panther is also only fair to good. It looks a LOT like the 21st Century Panther, but it has a wee bit more detail (rear engine grill details are better). Again, light weathering and little interior detail (one little peak at the engine!)

FOV armour comes in three types: Enthusiast Version, Action Series and Diorama:

1. Enthusiast version. Top of the line. This will be available to the hobby shops and online stores.. The differences will be a more detailed paint job (more weathered look), more accessories, display tray, wire whip antennas, different package, as compared to the Action series. This version also comes with a nice full color brochure of the series, and a "trading card" with a picture of the tank on the front, and statistic (height, weight, armament, etc.) on the back.
2. Action series. Mass market edition. Differences as noted above. There will be a figure included, some accessories, and will only be sold to mass market retailers. A black 'wash' is applied, but it lacks the subtle weathering of the Enthusiast version.
3. Dioramas (13 total, no planes and no helicopters). This will include the Enthusiast version vehicle and will only in hobby shops and online stores. Modified from Groundpounders FOV message board, post by FOV.

Although the popular opinion in the collector community seems to be that the Enthusiast edition is the best, I think it depends upon the model. For example, I like the Action Series version of the Bradley better than the Enthusiast. I am not thrilled with the weathering on the Enthusiast. I like BOTH the action and enthusiast versions of the Matilda. They both look good, but in different ways. I can't decide on the Tiger. I think am leaning toward the action grade. I clearly prefer the Enthusiast version of the Sherman!
It also may depend if you are going to do wargaming. If so, you might want the extra accessories you get with the Enthusiast grade. If you are interested in resale, go for the enthusiast grade. I feel these will be best for holding value. If you are really interested in resale, though, keep it in the box.

How do I tell the difference when ordering? The box (if pictured) and the item number

The Box: The Enthusiast box is dark gray/black. The Action series box is a lighter tan/green color. The Enthusiast box is also a bit larger than the Action Series box. The Action series is also sold under the MotorWorks brand at Wal Mart. The MotorWorks box is red with the MotorWorks logo. Also be aware the some 21st Century toys armour is sold by Wal Mart under this logo. Some of the 21st Century models are preassembled, and some are sold as "snap together" models.

Numbers: The Action Series area all designated as part of the "90000" assortment. The Enthusiast version are all part of the "80000" assortment. The actual item number is printed on the front of the Enthusiast box (for example "NO. 81001" for the Matilda). The Actions series features the Assortment number on the front of the box (e.g. "Asst. 91000" for the Matilda) and the item number is listed on the bottom of the box (e.g. "No. 91001" for the Matilda)

Model	Enthusiast Version number	Action Series number
King Tiger	80001	90001
Bradley Fighting Vehicle	80002	90002
Tiger I	80004	90004
M1A1 Abrams	80005	90005
Blackhawk Helicopter	80006	90006
Apache Helicopter	80008	90008
M60A1 Patton	80009	90009
F-14 Tomcat	80010	90010
Tornado	80011	90011
Matilda	81001	91001
Hummer	81002	91002
US halftrack - multigun carriage	81003	91003
Stug III	81006	91006
Sherman M4A3	81007	91007
Schwimmenwagen	82001	92001
US Jeep	82003	92003
US Amphibian	82004	92004

"Buyer beware. A few dealers that I've been in contact with are cleverly wording their ads and conversations which could be deceptive. You might think that you purchased the Enthusiast Series, but instead end up with the Action Series.

Finally, the pricing is very inconsistent. Unimax/Panache Place told me that they do not establish suggested retail pricing. They sell at wholesale to dealers and the resellers can charge whatever they like. For example, KB Toys within the past two weeks raised their prices by $5 for each model in the Action Series. Also, I have seen suggested retail pricing as high as $59.99 for the largest models like the Tiger I Tank in the Enthusiast Series."

Jim also mentions that FOV will be coming out with many more models in the future.

When I first got my FOV tanks, I was a bit taken back. I had heard things like "the HEAVY feel of diecast" and I had seen comparisons to Minichamps. Other ads claimed "85% metal, 15% plastic". When they arrived, I was a bit disappointed at how "light" they felt. Other diecast models of mine felt much heavier...including my Minichamps tanks. In order to look into this I actually took apart my Sherman. Much to my pleasure, I found that the hull and turret appear to be metal. The base of the tank, however, as well as the running wheels, etc., are plastic. In my mind, a bit of a mixed bag, but not too bad....although I am not sure about the "85%, 15% claim" (by weight? by volume?, whatever...). To supplement this, I have added some of the pictures (above) of unpainted FOV tanks, giving a nice indication of the plastic content. Sorry...thumbnails only.

The FOV dioramas are also now available. As noted by Andy of Andy's Tanks and Soldiers: "The Forces of Valor Dioramas finally arrived late in December and are fantastic. These dioramas are a LIMITED EDITION 2004 release, made in small numbers, and will become a true collectable in the Forces of Valor range. The King Tiger and Tiger have a different paint scheme from the Enthusiast Edition. And they come in a display base inside a clear case."

I don't own any...I'm running out of space and money :-), but they sound great!'

Although I do not own an Extreme Metal King Tiger, below is a review from a fellow enthusiast, Dave C.

"The model comes in a wooden box, with rope handles at each end. The box lid is secured by clips and identifies the contents as a King Tiger of the 502 SS Schwere Abteilung. The model comes assembled but has 2 trays of bits to be fitted by its new owner.

To fit the bits, the turret has to be removed from the hull. The turret top has to be separated from the bottom of the turret, so the 88mm rounds can be installed inside the turret. The top of the hull has to be separated from the lower hull to install more 88mm rounds. During this process you will start to notice that this model does not contain as much metal as the Extreme Metal Range name tag indicates. You will also notice that there are a lot of bit that can be broken off during the firm handling required to disassemble the model.

The track guards come in 5 pieces per side and these should not be fitted until after you have fitted the bits inside and put the tank back together. These track guards will drive you crazy., they just keep falling off. You must remember that you paid a lot of money for this tank or you will chuck it out the window in frustration while fitting these bits. To top it all, they are made of plastic.

The Forces of Valour book supplied with the model has a highlights section which gives you a good idea how much metal the model contains. It says that this masterpiece is complimented with die cast construction of the most important elements. It then tell you that the metal tracks, turret, gun barrel, shells, tank traps and oil drums are cast metal. Nothing else appears to be metal.

Well, the drums and tank traps loose items, not on the model, and only the shells in the turret are metal. Only the main turret casting is metal, all the hatches and interior detail are still plastic. One starts to think that this should be an advertised as an Extremely Plastic model, with a few bits of metal thrown in. It is this lack of metal that really disappoints me the most , and with hind sight I would not have paid out 225 English pounds for this model.

The tank does not have the anti magnetic coat finish and has no markings at all. It is only the box that indicates it is from SS 502. I have read that very late king tigers did not have anti magnetic paste applied. This would seem correct, as SS 502 was the new name given to SS 102 late in the water. The model is a limited addition of 2000 and an A4 certificate comes with it. I just wonder if there will be another 2000 next year with a new paint job.

All the tank hatches open and the inside of the model has lots of bits inside. You can spilt the hull and turret to study the detail, but once you have done this once I do not think you will be keen to do it again. The problem with the interior detail is that the moulding is more toy quality than model quality.

There is a tank commander figure supplied and he looks good . However, his crew has deserted him and he is taking the tank to war on his own. For 225 pounds I expect a full crew or at least one in each hatch.

When the tank is fully assembled and sitting on your shelf it does look good. The metal tracks look especially good and lay very well. However, it looks like a big plastic model and not a metal one.

In conclusion, Not enough metal for my liking, poor interior mouldings and too high a price tag. It does look good on the shelf but does not with stand close scrutiny. Personally I would invest in the Minichamps 1:32 scale king tiger and save a lot of money."

The second release was a re-release of the King Tiger. Several of the problems have been fixed (according to other collectors), and the external detailing is better.

Always a fan of the Tiger 1, my “wait” began in 2003 when it was announced that a possible Tiger 1 was to be released in 1:16 scale by Unimax…a few months later it was unveiled that the release would be a King Tiger. I purchased the first release King Tiger in 2004 and although happy with my panzer, was a bit disappointed as the actual release did not look as detailed as the prototype pictures. Also it was “over weathered”, with the fenders having too much mudding ' effect that takes away from some of the finer details. I Still was hoped Unimax would one day release a Tiger 1.

The wait is over and well worth it. Tiger 222 is an outstanding model, with even better weathering (not over-done) and more authentic details than the previous release 1:16 King Tiger. The removable engine and interior is spot on and all the hatches, including the escape hatch open.

The Tank includes a 1:16 scale replica of Michael Wittmann, and numbered collector card. Also comes with diecast oil drums, and tank traps, a rotating turret, elevating gun and a layer of distressed zimmerit anti-magnetic mine paste.

Accessories such as the tow cables are very well produced using wire with molded sleeves and ends. Unimax has learned much from their first releases and have stepped up the scale accuracy to a new level with this model. Compare the this model Tiger 1 to the late version Tiger 1 illustrated in the book, Germany's Tiger Tanks: D.W. to Tiger I by Thomas L. Jentz & Hilary L. Doyle, and you will see that very few details have been missed on this outstanding version and what is missing can be easily added. (Spare antenna mast holder tube and mesh grill covers come to mind)

Although gone is the wooden packing crate, it has been replaced with a very nice presentation packaging that takes up much less storage room and includes a fine history booklet of the Villers Bocage battle.

Do not miss out on this first release, as this Tiger will definitely escalate in value. Very well done Unimax."

FOV Extreme Metal Tiger Tank - 2nd release

Review by Mark E.

More than just a repaint

The Forces of Valor 1/16 Extreme Metal “Final Battle” Tiger 1 is much more than just a repaint of the previous release #222 Wittmann Villers Bocage Tiger 1.

The top deck and rear have been completely retooled and molded to capture all the detail of a Late Production Command Version Tiger 1, complete with the FuG 8 “crow’s foot” star aerial, spare star antenna tube on the rear, and even the extension rod holder on the right side of the hull.

Also added to this release is the right side spare antenna tube on that was missing from the #222 Villers Bocage version.

In regards to the new camouflage paint job, Unimax has once again recreated a very stunning version, and as with most FOV subjects, a good mix of weathering, that makes the tank look very authentic.

Rather than focusing on the demise of SS Hauptsturmfuhrer Michael Wittmann in a field near the road to Caen-Cintheaux, this release depicts a famous photo taken of Wittmann when he was promoted and given command of the 101st SS Panzer Battalion after his success at Villers-Bocage. Included in this release are five extremely well tooled and painted figures that depict that moment in time. Add a display base and some shrubs and you have a great diorama in the making.

I highly recommend this final release of a most detailed (and very limited) historic weapons system. Next on the FOV horizon is a 1/16 M4A3 Sherman.

The FOV lineup will feature several new models, as well as repaints of some of the existing models. FOV also plans in coming out with a 1:16 King Tiger, part of their new "Extreme Metal Series". This model will be HIGHLY detailed, including interior details, working suspension and metal treads! It will come boxed in an wooden box which looks like an ammo crate. Expected retail price is about $200. In 2005, FOV plans to come out with at least 2 more models, the Tiger I and the M1A2 Abrams!

According to Onsite Diecast, Unimax plans to release the following models in the 2004 Forces of Valor lineup:

Model	Number
German Jagdpanther Normandy	80012
German Panzer IV Ausf G Normandy	80014
Iraqi T-72 Operation Iraqi Freedom	80015
U.S. M26 Pershing Battle of North Africa, Germany, Italy	80016
U.S. M109 Paladin Operation Iraqi Freedom	80017
German King Tiger Battle of the Bulge	80201
U.S. M2A2 Bradley Operation Iraqi Freedom	80202
German Tiger 1 Russian Front	80204
U.S. M1A1 Abrams Operation Iraqi Freedom	80205
German Panzer IV Ausf F Battle of the Bulge	81008
U.S. Marine LAV-25 Operation Iraqi Freedom	81009
German Sd.Kfz 251/1 Russian Front	81010
U.S. M113 Armored Personnel Carrier Operation Iraqi Freedom	81011
Russian T34/76? or 85? Russian Front	81012
U.S. M1025 Humvee Operation Iraqi Freedom	81202
U.S. M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage Battle of the Bulge	81203
German Stug III Ausf G Battle of the Bulge	81206
U.S. M4A3 Sherman Battle of the Bulge	81207
German Sd.Kfz 251/9 Normandy	81210
German Kubelwagen Normandy	82005
German Motorcycle KS750 w/Side Car Russian Front	82006
German Schwimmwagen Type 166 Battle of the Bulge	82201
U.S. Willys Jeep Battle of the Bulge	82203
U.S. UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Operation Iraqi Freedom	84206
U.S. AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopter Operation Iraqi Freedom	84208

Several repaints and some new items have appeared at Target and Toys-R-Us (late 2004). These are "action series" models, but in several instances they sport some very nice paint jobs (for example: the Sherman and the Matilda). Of these, AAVVP1A1 had not been pre-advertised by Unimax. Three other models (Paladin, M113,LAV-25, were given exclusively to another distributor - apparently Target, and perhaps Toys-R-Us. Follow this link up to a small gallery of pictures. Information collected from the Small Scale HQ message board, and personal observation.

I will not be buying very many of the new releases due to a lack of space, and a desire to save money :-)
I will gladly post others pictures, space allowing!

Desert Storm/Iraqi Freedom
Number	Tank	Release
81302	M1036 HUMVEE, Kuwait, 1991	April 2005
80209	M60 Patton, Kuwait, 1991	Feb 2005
83006	U.S. 3rd Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade, Baghdad, 2003 - Figures	Feb 2005
84306	UH-6DG Pave Hawk Helicopter, Persian Gulf, 1991	July 2005
80019	U.K. Challenger tank, Barsa, 2003	July 2005
83207	1st Marine Division, Kuwait, 1991 - Figures	Feb 2005
84208	AH-64D Apache Longbow, Iraq, 2003	July 2005
2005 WWII 1:32 Land Vehicles
82206	German KS750 Zundapp SideCar, Poland, 1944	Oct 2005
82301	Schwimmwagen Type 166, France, 1944	April 2005
81306	Stug III, Eastern Front, 1943	Oct 2005
80217	Panzer IV Ausf. F, Eastern Front, 1943	Oct 2005
80214	Panzer IV Ausf. G, Kowel, 1944	Oct 2005
80218	Russian T-34 M85, Leningrad, 1944	July 2005
80304	Tiger I, Eastern Front, 1943	July 2005
80301	King Tiger, Germandy, 1945	Oct 2005
81301	Matilda, Tobruk, 1943	April 2005
81011	U.K. M3 Grant, North Africa, 1942	July 2005
82205	Kubelwagen, Normandy, 1944	July 2005
81014	M3A1 Halftrack, Normandy, 1944	July 2005
81310	251/1 Hanomag, Normandy, 1944	Oct 2005
81407	U.K. M4A3 Sherman, Italy, 1943	Oct 2005
80026	German Panther, Normandy, 1944	July 2005
80027	German Wirbelwind, Normandy, 1944	July 2005
2005 1:35 Modern Vehicles
81202	U.S. M1025 Humvee (New Paint Scheme)	? 2005
81011	U.S. M113 Armored Personal Carrier	? 2005
81009	U.S. Marine LAV-25 Piranha	? 2005
2005 1:72 Scale Vehicles
Number	Tank	Release
85005	M1A1 Abrams, Baghdad, 2003	April 2005
85002	M3A2 Bradley, Baghdad, 2003	April 2005
85015	Iraqi T-32, Baghdad, 2003	April 2005
85019	U.K. Challenger, Baghdad, 2003	April 2005
85024	M4A3 Sherman, Normandy, 1944	April 2005
85004	Tiger I, Normandy, 1944	April 2005
85201	King Tiger, Normandy, 1944	April 2005
85003	U.K. Churchill, Normandy, 1944	April 2005
2005 1:72 Scale Soldiers
Number	Tank	Release
83099	U.S. 101st Airborne, Baghdad, 2003	April 2005
83096	German Panzer Grenadier, Normandy, 1944	April 2005
83097	U.S. Ranger, Normandy, 1944	April 2005
83098	U.K. Red Devils, Normandy, 1944	April 2005

Forces of Valor, Bradley Fighting Vehicle, 1:32 Action Series	Forces of Valor, Hummer, 1:32 Action Series	Forces of Valor, M1A1 Abrams, 1:32 Action Series
Forces of Valor, M1A1 Abrams, 1:32 Action Series	Forces of Valor, M60A1 Patton with reactive armour, 1:32 Action Series	Forces of Valor, M60A1 Patton with reactive armour, 1:32 Action Series

Panzer IV Ausf. F #80017	Panzer IV Ausf. F #80017	Panzer IV Ausf. F #80017
Panzer IV Ausf. F #80017 Note the turret interior	2004 release, rear of box

Pershing #80016	Pershing #80016	Pershing #80016	Pershing #80016
Pershing #80016	Pershing #80016		T34/85 #81012
T34/85 #81012	T34/85 #81012	T34/85 #81012	T34/85 #81012

FOV Matilda #91201	FOV Matilda #91201	FOV Matilda #91201
FOV Sherman #91307	FOV Sherman #91307	Rear of Box showing "exclusive" re-release

Matilda, Tobruk #81301	Matilda, Tobruk #81301	Matilda, Tobruk #81301	Matilda, Tobruk #81301
M3 Grant #81011	M3 Grant #81011	M3 Grant #81011	M3 Grant #81011
	Panther #80026	Panther #80026	Panther #80026

Model	Number	Description	Seen at:
90305	M1A1	3 color desert camo	Target
90302	Bradley	NATO Woodland Camo	Target
90022	MLRS
90021	M109A6 Paladin	Light tan	eBay, Toys-R-Us
90090	AAVP7A1	Light tan	eBay, Toys-R-Us
91012	LAV-25	Woodland Camo	eBay
91013	M-901 ITV	Desert	Toys-R-US
91201	Matilda	Brown/Yellow/Green	Target
91202	M1025 Hummer	Woodland Camo	Target
91204	M-16 Halftrack	Winter-white	Target, Toys-R-Us
91307	Sherman	green and brown camo	Target