Those tiny things in life: Forces of Valor Challenger 2

The next in the lineup is the Forces OF Valor 1/32 Challenger 2. It is the version used in Basra 2003 in the invasion of Iraq. I got this also more than 6 years ago and just open it up recently. I prefer the looks of this Challenger than Abrams since it has more rounded look and futuristic look. On the box, it is written Enthusiast Edition, which after I read in the web means that this is a limited edition item.

The models come with standard FOV black base with the name plate. It also comes with a small diorama of sand bags, and several boxes and drums. All standard of FOV accessories. It also has the standard tank commander figure. The tank commander figure was molded and painted in detail. You can see that the tank commander is British J. It also has some kind of tarp rolled cover that is placed around the tank and also removable.

Name Plate

Boxe and Drums

Sand bags, Jerry cans and drums

Rolled tarp

Full tank commander view

Tank commander in commander cupolas

The tank has standard feature, full working road wheels suspension, 360 degree rotating turret, elevating gun barrel, working gun travel lock, opening turret cupolas, and opening driver’s cupolas. The tracks are also free rolling in parallel. So if you roll 1 side of the tracks, the other side will move also together.

Locked Gun travel lock

Turret in rotation

Hidden Driver's Hatch

The size of the tank is massive; it is far larger than the M1A1 Abrams. I tried to put it on my Liberation of Kuwait diorama and I would not fit. It is just too big. Also the black base provided is too small to hold the entire tank, so I have to put the tank in travelling situation with the turret facing backwards and the barred locked for travelling to fit it in my acrylic box.

Upper view in travelling condition

Locked gun barrel

Forward facing turret

inside the glass cage

The tank as usual was made of 80% die cast with only the machine guns, side skirts, fuel tanks and smaller accessories made of plastic and soft rubber. The tank track was also made of soft rubber. The front reactive armor also made of plastic.

Front Reactive Armor

Front Turret

Side skirt with simulated plastic cover

Rear drive wheel

The 'Ass' of the tank

The tank itself has nice details. The paint is also good with subtle weathering in several places. The tank accessories and other details are also shown clearly. But I also found several paint problems that are visible. There is a paint scrape mark on the right upper skirts and some paint mark on the turret top. But not really a big problem for me J. Since this is basically a massed produced item so this small paint problem is not a problem.

Paint scrape

Paint drops

So far I only have 3 of FOV tanks and I have reviewed them all. Since the price of this things are rising so high now I may not buy more and stick with these all. scroll down to see more pic of the tanks...