Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale RAF Curtiss P-40B Tomahawk Fighter – No.112 Squadron, North Africa, October 1941
The eastern whippoorwill is a medium-sized bird within the nightjar family, found primarily in North America. The whippoorwill is commonly heard within its range, but less often seen because of its camouflage. It is named onomatpoeically after its song. Unlike the melodic call of most birds in the wild, a Whippoorwill singing near a house was oftentimes considered an omen of death, or at least of bad luck. As legend goes, a man could rid himself of an aching back if he turned somersaults in time to whippoorwill calls. On the other hand, if a Native American heard a whippoorwill’s called invitation, he or she was advised to decline it.
Such was the fate of the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk fighter, an aircraft rushed into production early on in the Second World War, and meeting with mixed results for several allied nations. First taking to the air in 1938, a scant year before hostilities broke out in Europe, the P-40 design was a modification of the previous Curtiss P-36 Hawk which reduced development time and enabled a rapid entry into production and operational service. The Warhawk was used by most Allied powers during World War II, and remained in front line service until the end of the war. It was the third most-produced American fighter of World War II, after the P-51 and P-47; by November 1944, when production of the P-40 ceased, 13,738 had been built, all at Curtiss-Wright Corporation’s main production facilities in Buffalo, New York.
Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale American Volunteer Group Curtiss P-40B Warhawk Fighter – R.T. Smith, 3rd Pursuit Squadron, China, June 1942
While it wasn’t a complete disaster in aerial combat, it failed at higher altitudes since it lacked a two-speed supercharger, which instantly made it inferior to Luftwaffe fighters such as the Messerschmitt Bf 109 or the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 in high-altitude combat, meaning it was rarely used in operations in Northwest Europe. However, between 1941 and 1944, the P-40 played a critical role with Allied air forces in three major theaters: North Africa, the Southwest Pacific, and China. It also had a significant role in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Alaska and Italy.
Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale USAAC Curtiss P-40B Warhawk Fighter – 78th Pursuit Squadron (18th Pursuit Group), Bellows Field, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, December 7th, 1941
That said, Forces of Valor plans on introducing three different P-40s later this summer, each drawn from a different theatre of action and user nation called upon to fly it. While the P-40 paled in comparison to other Allied front line fighters, it nevertheless served a crucial role in the early to mid stages of the conflict and until such time as more potent fighter aircraft could be designed, fielded and flown against the best that the Axis air forces could send aloft.
The area around Leningrad is one of the most geographically diverse in the world, situated in the southern sub zone of the taiga – a snow covered forest found in the cold subarctic. The subarctic is an area of the Northern Hemisphere that lies just south of the Arctic Circle where forests occupy about 40% of the territory, and swamps a further 10%. There are cliffs in the Gulf of Vyborg and to the north of Lake Ladoga, huge swampy areas to the south, marshy valleys with granite boulders on the Karelian Isthmus, canyons and waterfalls, plains and hills to the south of Neva. By any military measure, the region was not conducive to mobile military operations much less ideal “tank country,” yet it nevertheless served as the backdrop for the first actions of the Tiger I heavy tank — an ill-suited baptism of fire its designers, the architects of the Blitzkrieg and troops picked to employ it would just as soon prefer to forget.
Forces of Valor’s German Initial Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – “100”, schwere Panzerabteilung 502, Leningrad, Russia, February 1943
Schwere Panzerabteilung 502 took the Tiger I into combat for the first time south of Lake Ladoga near Leningrad on September 16th, 1942. On September 22nd, after crossing a causeway, one Tiger became bogged down in the mud, thereby living up to its iconic unit heraldry of an elephant blindly on the march. After several unsuccessful attempts to recover it, the vehicle had to be abandoned, fierce enemy fire deterring the crew from reaching the vehicle. To prevent its capture, a decision was eventually made to destroy the vehicle, which was carried out on September 25th. All in all, a rather ignominious start for what was hoped to be a miracle weapon.
On that same day several new Tigers as well as Panzer IIIs arrived at the front, thereby bringing the unit up to its full armored complement. On January 14th, 1943, Soviet troops disabled and captured one of the battalion’s Tiger tanks near Leningrad during Operation Spark. A second vehicle was captured several days later. Both Tigers were quickly brought to the Kubinka experimental armor facility where they were thoroughly analyzed for strengths and weaknesses. Efforts were then made to develop and organize strategies to counter the tank.
A handful of additional Tiger Is were issued to the unit in February 1943, replacing several vehicles lost in combat. On April 1st, 1943, a second and third company were formed. Thirty one Tigers were shipped to the unit in mid to late May 1943, which brought the battalion up to full strength. In June 1943, due to a change in the organization of heavy tank battalions, the 1st company was completely outfitted with Tiger Is, rather than a mix of Tigers and Panzer IIIs.
The battalion participated in engagements on the Eastern Front during 1943 and 1944. The unit operated around Lake Ladoga from July to September 1943 and Newel, near Belarus during November and December 1943 covering the retreat of German forces from the Leningrad area. The 502nd held Narva, Estonia from February to April 1944. The 502nd fought in Pleskau in April and May 1944, then around Dunaburg, Latvia in July.
The battalion only received a few Tiger IIs. The last 13 Tiger IIs built were picked up directly at the factory by crews of the 3rd Company of the 510th and the 3rd company of the 502nd on March 31st, 1945.The 502nd received the lion’s share of the final batch produced – eight vehicles it then took into combat on April 1st, 1945. In hindsight, schwere Panzerabteilung 502 was both one of the first and, as it turns out, one of the very last heavy tank battalions formed during the second world war to take the Tigerwaffe into battle.
Forces of Valor’s German Initial Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – “100”, schwere Panzerabteilung 502, Leningrad, Russia, February 1943, is expected to rumble into battle this September, terrain and overwhelming numbers of enemy forces permitting.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – “Alwin”, “121”, schwere Panzerabteilung 501, Deutsches Afrika Korps, Tunisia, 1943 [Bonus Maybach HL 210 TRM P45 Engine]. Things are possibly pointing to a June/July release here in North America
Its never easy to report disappointing news but it now appears as if the latest Forces of Valor shipment we were expecting to arrive in May has been postponed until late June, perhaps July depending upon a number of factors. No official reason was given for the latest delay although its clear the manufacturer, despite reassurances to the contrary, is still experiencing issues getting product completed and out-the-door on a regular basis. Its not apparent if the latest postponement is due to COVID, which is now ravaging the port city of Shanghai and elsewhere, an overly optimistic production schedule, or the need to ship a full container of assorted goods rather than taking them piecemeal as they come off the line to lessen transport costs. Bear in mind that it is still very expensive to ship product overseas as compared with years past, so a combination of factors could very well be leading to the latest delay. When it does finally arrive, the shipment is expected to include several recently released products that include their second issue Sturmtiger, initial release Tiger I, and its metal tracks, three items that are out-of-stock at our distributor as well as through us. And with demand still outstripping supply, it could be a case where the follow-on shipment gets snapped up almost immediately, meaning little if anything is available for the upcoming holiday season.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M4A3(75) Sherman Medium Tank with VVSS Suspension – Training Vehicle, C Company, 10th Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division, New York, 1943 [Bonus Ford GAA V-8 Engine]
The good news, if we can call it that, is that it now seems likely that this shipment will contain their second issue Tiger I tank (shown above), second issue M4 Sherman tank, and quite possibly a trio of 1:72 scale Spitfires that appear on the manufacturer’s web site but are not yet available in the marketplace, although this could still be speculation since the manufacturer is claiming near-term availability. Moreover, a handful of back ordered items are supposed to be included, such as their 1:700 scale USS Missouri battleship and USS Enterprise aircraft carrier, that haven’t been available for an extended period of time due to re-tooling. We had hoped that Forces of Valor would be in more plentiful supply in 2022. While they are working in earnest to alleviate delays, it now appears as if product will still be trickling in for the duration of the year.
Update: Earlier today, we received a news blast from Waltersons indicating they are now accepting orders for the three 1:72 scale Spitfires we alluded to in this blog post. Additional images for each of the Spitfires were uploaded to their web site, many of which can now be viewed on our own site, so we can only presume that they are far enough along as to be included in the late June/early July shipment bound for our distributor. We too are accepting pre-orders for these aircraft. Like the previous releases in this series, each features a poseable display stand, simulated section of runway, detailed engine and seated pilot figure.
Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale RAF Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXe Fighter – MK 210, Gustav Lundquist, “Tolly Hello”, USAAF Test Section, Long Range Experimental, Wright Field, Ohio, 1944
Slowly, ever so slowly, Waltersons, the new caretakers of the Forces of Valor brand, has been shedding light on their 2022 line up. To date, images and information have largely centered around their 1:32 scale military vehicles, which many consider their bread-and-butter range, then, now and likely well into the future. Earlier today, however, they finally peeled back the curtain on several of their upcoming 1:72 scale aircraft, another category that has seen success since its re-invigoration late last year.
Three images were posted to their web site, all based upon the next WWII-era aircraft to see the light of day: the legendary Supermarine Spitfire. While only two images were uploaded for each model, it appears as if the trio are pretty far along and will likely get the green light to fly into collector cabinets this summer. Like its predecessors, these new introductions will come with simulated slivers of landing bases and a pose-able display stand that has set it apart from the competition. You can also expect a highly detailed engine, seated pilot figure, and opening cockpit. The Spitfire will likely be followed up by the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, another iconic WWII-era aircraft that severed several user nations well throughout the conflict.
Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale RAF Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXe Fighter – EN315/ZX-6, Squadron Leader Stanislaw Skalski, No.145 Squadron, Polish Fighting Team, La Fouconnerie, Tunisia, April 1943
We’ve opened the pre-order window for the Spitfires but bear in mind it may be several more months before they arrive and are ready for shipping. In the meantime, enjoy their latest creations.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Initial Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – “100”, schwere Panzerabteilung 502, Russia, February 1943 [Bonus Maybach HL 210 TRM P45 Engine]
As stocks of their first Tiger I tank continue to draw down, and the release date for their second vehicle draws nigh, Forces of Valor decided to unveil images of its third Tiger iteration – an initial production tank that served with schwere Panzerabteilung 502, then deployed to Leningrad, Russia, during February 1943.
When the first production Tigers rolled out of the Henschel factory in late 1942, they were immediately sent to the training grounds at Fallingbostel to equip schwere Panzerabteilung 502 (502nd Heavy Tank Battalion). After just three days of training, the unit was sent to reinforce the German forces laying siege to Leningrad even though the tanks had teething problems and were still proving unreliable. Upon arrival at Mga, close to the front, they were ordered up to the front line where they would soon see combat.
These first nine Tigers had a unique appearance which differed markedly from later Tigers. To begin with, they had no fenders nor storage boxes on the hull sides. Further, their mudguards at the front and rear of the vehicle did not project beyond the hull side. They were also issued with “mirrored” tracks, i.e. the right and left tracks were different, unlike those of any other German tank. The crews disliked the inconvenience of this arrangement and eventually put just a single type of track on each Tiger. Finally, the initial production Tigers featured ammunition stowage racks conspicuously affixed to the sides of the turret, which would eventually be moved to the rear of the turret in later versions to reduce the vehicle’s profile and make them less of an obvious target to enemy gunners.
A total of nine Tigers were sent to this battalion, filling out its 1st company, before events in North Africa diverted additional Tiger production to the Mediterranean theater. The 502nd fought in forests and swamps south of Leningrad and achieved only limited success. Technical problems with the tanks caused as much trouble as the terrain, and so the more reliable Tigers were given the best components thus leaving the remaining vehicles in an even more precarious position.
On January 18th, 1943, a breakthrough by the Soviets cost the unit five Tigers, including numbers “121” and “100” (seen here), which were captured intact because they had bogged down in the swamps around Leningrad. Only two of the original nine Tigers remained serviceable by February, although their ranks were bolstered by three new vehicles still rolling off of the production line.
So why is this release so important if the vehicle turned out to be such a disappointment? Simply put, because it helps to trace the evolution of the Tiger tank series, from its earliest beginnings in the hands of inexperienced crews to its nightmarish engagements when commanded by tank aces such as Michael Wittmann. Unlike Unimax, who was content to simply repackage the same vehicle over and over again in different liveries and unit insignia, Waltersons is making a concerted effort to distinguish the differences of each variant, all of which helped to make each iteration unique in its own right. While it was feared by Allied warfighters throughout the latter half of World War II, its rushed production to regain momentum on the battlefield meant that the vehicle had to overcome a slew of mechanical obstacles before it could indeed live up to its fateful name and become a legendary war machine.
Look for the third vehicle in Forces of Valor’s Tiger I tank series to rear its head sometime this fall.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – “100”, schwere Panzerabteilung 505, Kursk, Russia, July 1943 [Model Kit]
Let’s face it. Some of us like to purchase a pre-assembled replica straight out of the box while others prefer to make ’em. Personally, I gave up on modelling in my teens when I realized I didn’t have the expertise, tools or time to build what was clearly being advertised. Nearly fifty years later, poor eye sight, lack of patience and other demands on my time means I’d prefer to ogle the finished product by tearing open the shrink wrap rather than trying to cobble one together.
Fortunately, Waltersons, the new caretakers of the Forces of Valor brand, sees things from both sides of the ledger, offering their customers both finished products as well as build ups, all designed to cater to a wider audience than their predecessors ever envisaged. In fact, earlier today, the manufacturer finally posted images of their first ever 1:32 scale tank: an early production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E heavy tank. The pictures clearly show how much metal content is included in the kit, as well as the detail that goes into each and every tank they make, be they finished vehicles or model kits. Presently, no price has been announced for their first kit nor has a definitive release date been provided.
Forces of Valor’s 1:48 scale USMC Bell AH-1W “Whiskey” Super Cobra Attack Helicopter – “Never Forget”, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, Camp Pendleton, California, March 2012
We recognize that a great many of you are frustrated that they cannot obtain the latest Forces of Valor products here in North America when said products may be available in other parts of the world for months on end. Frankly, we’re just as frustrated, perhaps even more. We’ve heard, on more than one occasion, how a shipment was expected to arrive by such-and-such date, only to learn that the shipment has been delayed for one reason or another and rescheduled to arrive at a later date. Part of this is simply due to COVID and the effects it has had on the global supply chain. Manufacturers have been decimated by sick outs and, in turn, have had to deal with rising costs, and naturally enough, had to endure delays in getting raw materials to their facility so that they could be hammered into finished goods.
That said, we have also been confronted with a number of other issues that have nothing to do with the pandemic and never seem to work themselves out in either a convincing or acceptable manner. Some things we are unable to discuss because it roils egos and generally upsets the delicate equilibrium that exists between the manufacturer, distributor and retailer, who all play a part in getting the product through the supply channel and into the waiting arms of the collector. The last time we commented in a public manner, the manufacturer took us to task on Facebook, essentially attempting to wash their hands of the problem by blaming another entity on a distant shore. We took it in stride, even though on a point by point basis, we were absolutely correct and others silently agreed.
Which leads me to our latest Forces of Valor update, or the lack thereof. We were told to expect the latest shipment in late January and then early February. That delivery date has now morphed into late February and could even slide into early March. We’re not sure why we are continually being told one thing one minute then something entirely different the next. It leaves us scratching our heads wondering who to believe and where to place our trust. Granted these are private companies that aren’t obligated to explain away all of the delays and therefore have no shareholders to answer to, quarterly reports to file or stock prices to follow if they were a public company. Still, it continually leaves a bad taste in my mouth and I’m sure it has an equally unpalatable effect on others as well. The good news, if we can point to a silver lining in this gun metal grey cloud looming overhead, is that a pair of 1:48 scale Cobra helicopters are supposed to be included in this shipment, when it was originally pegged for March or even April. Of course, this news too could change but this is the latest information we are being offered in lieu of missing another target date. Its a bright spot to be sure and hopefully points to other fruitful announcements in the not-too-distant future.
So, to sum up, please be patient as we continually await the arrival of this oft-delayed shipment. We certainly have learned the meaning of patience. At the end of the day, the manufacturer makes a truly remarkable product that collectors have learned to covet and proudly display for all the world to see. They just have to wait an eternity to receive it, something we wish would finally be addressed to everyone’s satisfaction so that we and others could say you could put credence in what is being said from everyone in the supply chain. Remember, one step forwards…
There were never very many Tiger tanks, less than 1,400 total. They were huge (German crews scornfully called them “furniture vans”), high maintenance, a gas-guzzler even by tank standards, and were more often out of commission due to mechanical failure than damage in combat. And, after its North African debut in a battle near Robaa, Tunisia, a Feb. 5th, 1943, New York Times article stated the Tiger “failed to impress military observers here.” According to those observers “a few well-placed shots even from a light anti-tank rifle” could immobilize it. That article for home consumption literally papered over the truth. Allied troops were scared to death of the Tiger.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – “121”, schwere Panzerabteilung 501, Deutsches Afrika Korps, Tunisia, 1943 [Bonus Maybach HL 210 TRM P45 Engine]
There was one very good reason for that fear: they didn’t have a weapon powerful enough to stop it. The reasons for that boiled down to differences in tank doctrine and philosophy based on tradition, prejudice, and circumstance. Despite a World War I flirtation with (other countries’) tanks, in practical terms the US Army was a latecomer to tank warfare, not fielding a mechanized armor corps until 1940, and was prejudicially influenced by horse cavalry advocates led by Chief of Cavalry Maj. Gen. John K. Herr (whose office was not disbanded until 1942). As such, though Army armor advocates studied writings by armored warfare philosopher Gen. Heinz Guderian and others as well as the Wehrmacht’s blitzkrieg battlefield successes, American armor advocates took away only that part of German tank doctrine that suited them: mass, speed, and maneuver. Accordingly, the American role of tanks was not to fight other tanks, but to smash through enemy lines and raise hell in their rear, the traditional role of cavalry.
Overlooked or ignored was the other side of the coin of German blitzkrieg tank doctrine expressed in Guderian’s 1937 book Achtung Panzer!, “The tank’s most dangerous enemy is another tank [emphasis added]. If we are unable to defeat the enemy armor the breakthrough has as good as failed. . . .” The Tiger was the ultimate expression of that tank versus tank doctrine.
To Guderian’s disgust, the Tigers first saw action in the siege of Leningrad. In his book Panzer Leader, Guderian wrote, “[Hitler] ordered that the Tigers be committed in a quite secondary operation, in a limited attack carried out in [swampy, forested] terrain that was utterly unsuitable. . . . The results were not only heavy, unnecessary casualties, but also the loss of secrecy and of the element of surprise for future operations.”
The heavy tank battalion s.Pz.-Abt. 501(Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 501) began arriving in Tunis in late November 1942. Kampfgruppe Lueder (named after its leader Maj. Hans-Georg Lueder), initially three Tigers and four Panzer IIIs, later three more Tigers, went into action on Dec. 1, 1942, participating in the Battle of Tebourba. When the battle ended in a German victory on Dec. 5, Allied troops under British Lt. Gen. Kenneth Anderson had lost 55 tanks, hundreds of vehicles, and more than 1,000 troops captured, with the Tigers knocking out most of the Allied tanks.
Soon the sight of even one Tiger entering battle caused the blood in Allied troops to run cold. The Tiger’s high-velocity 88 mm main gun could outshoot anything they had, and armor piercing shells bounced off the Tiger’s thick armor – even from ranges as close as 50 meters. In an attack against Allied positions in the Medjerda river valley of northwest Tunisia not long after, s.Pz.-Abt. 501 reported that “fleeing enemy columns and tanks were observed as soon as the Tigers appeared.”
Over time, the fearsome and intimidating reputation of the Tiger grew to mythic proportions. Maj. Christopher W. Wilbeck noted in his study of German heavy tank battalions that whenever a German tank appeared, regardless of type, “Among the Allied armies, units continually reported that Tiger tanks were in their sector or that they had destroyed Tiger tanks.”
Though destroying a Tiger was high-risk bordering on suicide early in the war, disabling one was not. The Allies’ most successful anti-Tiger tactic in Tunisia was a retrograde maneuver, laying anti-tank mines guarded by antitank guns. When a Tiger was immobilized by a mine, antitank guns could take it under fire, or artillery fire was called in. Later in France, tactical air – fighter-bombers using rockets and bombs – proved the most effective countermeasure. In March 1943, s.Pz.-Abt. 501 was succeeded by s.Pz.-Abt. 504. During the two months it operated in Tunisia before the surrender of all Axis troops in Tunisia, s.Pz.-Abt. 504 destroyed more than 150 enemy tanks and had a kill ratio of 18.8 enemy tanks for every Tiger lost. (courtesy Defensemedianetwork.com)
“Alwin”, Forces of Valor’s second 1:32 scale Tiger I heavy tank looks to churn up the North African desert some time in April.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – “100”, schwere Panzerabteilung 505, Kursk, Russia, July 1943 [Bonus Maybach HL 210 TRM P45 Engine]
To borrow the title of a famous Otis Redding song, we should soon be receiving word on when the long-awaited Forces of Valor shipment has cleared customs and made its way to our distributor in Georgia. Right now, we anticipate delivery some time in the beginning of February, unless, of course, something else stands in its way, tsunamis notwithstanding. As all of you know by now, 2021 was an anxiety-filled year as far as getting in new product is concerned and we wouldn’t be surprised if the first half of 2022 is confronted by the very same issues.
Since we have a great many pre-orders in the system, particularly for the first Tiger I and newest Sherman tank, we will start to process each order based upon when it was sent in. So, if you submitted your order to us in, say, July of 2021, then you will get preferential treatment over someone that submitted their order to us more recently. Hey, fair’s fair and it simply doesn’t matter to us the size of your order, how you decided to pay us, or how many times you plan to contact us to ask about you order. Which, naturally enough, leads me to my next point. Communication.
Once we know for sure when our FOV order is on its way to us, we will temporarily ignore any and all messages, emails, phone calls, etc., asking when such-and-such order is expected to go out. Frankly, everything we need to discuss regarding the receipt of new product is posted on our web site along side each item’s description. Each time we’re asked to color outside the lines by fielding a phone call, answering a message or responding to an email means it takes us away from the business of actually processing and shipping out orders. Sorry to be so blunt, but if you’ve waited this long to find out about your order then a few more days won’t matter all that much in the final analysis. If you disagree, then we’ll simply cancel your order, refund your payment if the order was pre-paid, then move on to those customers that are willing to abide by our rules and not cause us any trouble while we do our utmost to get everything out the door as expeditiously as possible. Its a stressful process in its own right and adding additional anxiety by reaching out to us repeatedly doesn’t help anyone concerned, especially those customers more than willing to play ball with us.
While I could go on and on ad infinitum, we’d like to end this discourse on a positive note. We welcome and value your business. Soon, you will embrace your bouncing baby tank in all its glory. Have your nursery, er, display case ready, a box cutter in hand, and know that we’ve done our utmost to get you your prized possession in the quickest possible manner. Thank you and enjoy.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – “121”, schwere Panzerabteilung 501, Deutsches Afrika Korps, Tunisia, 1943 [Bonus Maybach HL 210 TRM P45 Engine]
Waltersons, the new owners of the Forces of Valor brand, seems to be hard at work — both in the audio visual department and mold-making shop — getting their newest steel beasts ready for action. As can be seen here, their second early production Tiger I heavy tank has been unveiled to its adoring public complete with an all-new commander figure drawn from the Deutsches Afrika Korps. While an in-depth video has yet to be hammered out, the manufacturer did provide images of the vehicle from a number of vantage points, and will likely talk up the vehicle in the weeks ahead.
Meanwhile, their second Sherman tank has gotten its nose powdered, so-to-speak, with a brand new three-minute video showing the vehicle and its attendant features from a multitude of angles. The manufacturer went to great lengths to show the differences between this vehicle and their first Sherman, which is still expected in the weeks ahead. Currently both the new Sherman and Tiger tanks are slated for an April release, although that could easily slip if FOV is unable to hit its target date and the congestion issues plaguing many US ports still haven’t eased.
