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Just got my first piece of FiB - 3 Pumas. The quality impresses me, but... There are two commander figures and the three cupolas with sort of holes in the place of hatches. It's fine with the commander car, but how I am supposed to close the other two? Just greenstaff them?

I would Greenstuff them. It's the same with 222's, you get everything but no Command 222 so you have to be a creative. Post up some pictures, as I need some Puma's and I was actually considering buying the BF ones, but if the FiB are good I might grab them instead.

OK, here You go.

This is what You get from the blister (the ruined workshop is not included ).



The top-down view. Notice the gaps instead of hatches.



Comparison shots with PSC Panzer IV and Point of Contact Tiger. Purists - please dont bash my dunkelgelb or camo. At least, these tanks are not painted red.







Very blurry picture of commander and barrel sprue



Actually, tank commander from PSC Panzer IV sprue fits in the hatch quite well. But he is a bit off scale with the original FiB commanders from accessory sprue. I might as well cut him off, use the hatch and greenstuff some handle on it. Still leaves me with the oval gap in the place of the second hatch.



Let me know if You need to see anything else. The sculpts are actually quite nice and very detailed. If not that issue with hatches, I'd be very satisfied with them. Now, I just need to do some extra work on them.

I like FiB's stuff (I've got a pack of their trucks on order at this very moment) but some of their packaging decisions are awkward for the FoW player. I wish they'd release their Sdkfz 7 models without the 88s. I also wish they'd do a three pack of 2 250/9s and a 250/1.

George Spiggott wrote:I like FiB's stuff (I've got a pack of their trucks on order at this very moment) but some of their packaging decisions are awkward for the FoW player. I wish they'd release their Sdkfz 7 models without the 88s. I also wish they'd do a three pack of 2 250/9s and a 250/1.

Seconded on the 250 issue.

EDIT - Oh and thanks for the pictures. It was rude of me not to say thank you. I think I may buy these and as they won't need converting to make a Command Puma as they are all the same in the Platoon so this will fit nicely. I also like the use of PSC command guys, I use them like this too, because the BF ones always look like humans who have had their heads crushed.

mwnciboo wrote:

George Spiggott wrote:I like FiB's stuff (I've got a pack of their trucks on order at this very moment) but some of their packaging decisions are awkward for the FoW player. I wish they'd release their Sdkfz 7 models without the 88s. I also wish they'd do a three pack of 2 250/9s and a 250/1.

Seconded on the 250 issue.

Btw, it's the same issue with their package containing two Pioneer SPVs (which I want) and two 251/16 Flammpanzerwagen, which I don't need.

You know the more I look at those models the more I would be inclined to contact FiB and ask them why there were no hatches. The Cupola is fine but the other hatch should have come with something?

mwnciboo wrote:You know the more I look at those models the more I would be inclined to contact FiB and ask them why there were no hatches. The Cupola is fine but the other hatch should have come with something?

Yeah, I will drop them a mail. Maybe the blister lacks additional sprue - their website or any internet review does not provide about full contents. The picture on the back shows three Puma's all with commanders, whereas info on the box clearly states that You get only two commanders. Which leaves an open issue how to close the other two cupolas.

Also, the PSC commander fits very well on them, but spare PSC Panzer IV hatches are too large and I am not sure that filing the down will help - it may rather destroy the plastics.


Btw, the Fortress Europe states that one Puma car is the commander. I dunno about Grey Wolf and v3 bundle book yet.

UPDATE. Dropped a mail to them.

We should put together a list of Dakka's preferred packaging options for them. They're at Triples in Sheffield this May. I'd be happy to pass on the list.

So far we have:

Put a 250/1 in the 250/9 box
Split the Pioneer & Fame thrower 251 box
Sell Sdkfz 7s separately

How about a will you release list.

250/1D and 250/9D platoon box (I'll take two)

Re Pumas: There's no specific command Puma model in any book AFAIK. There certainly isn't in Grey Wolf or Earth and Steel. I don't have any FiB Pumas only Battlefront but it looks like you're missing a hatch sprue or three.

They haven't replied yet.

As regards preferred packaging or other issues, the lack of any kind of observer teams is a bit frustrating. Also, distribution of various transports serves no apparent logical purpose. For example, we can get four kubelwagens or schwimwagens in the same blister (although according to majority of lists we mostly need only three), but at the same time Opel trucks are packaged in packs of three (I'd have preferred four). And they should make Kfz 70s.

CainTheHunter wrote:They haven't replied yet.

As regards preferred packaging or other issues, the lack of any kind of observer teams is a bit frustrating. Also, distribution of various transports serves no apparent logical purpose. For example, we can get four kubelwagens or schwimwagens in the same blister (although according to majority of lists we mostly need only three), but at the same time Opel trucks are packaged in packs of three (I'd have preferred four). And they should make Kfz 70s.

Kubelwagens are just one of those things that comes in handy, If you really hate spares BF produce their kublewagens in threes, they also do one with the roof up.

I totally agree that they sould make Kfz70s. Three Kfz70s and a Kfz15 would make a great package as would three Opel Blitz trucks and a Kfz15 in one pack.

My FIB pumas (I got 4 boxes) came with the hatches. So you are definitely missing them.

Hangfire wrote:My FIB pumas (I got 4 boxes) came with the hatches. So you are definitely missing them.

I don't suppose you have any Battlefront ones for a side by side comparison?

Yeah that would actually be very useful. I feel another project coming on.

I think we should try and reference all the different vehicles into a Database, with side by side comparison shots between the vehicles. Not sure how we could do it? Unless I made a Gallery and put links in a table and place it in an article?

I have an order of FiB Kubelwagens coming my way. If anyone is interested, I can post up some pics when they arrive.

Hangfire - thanks, I was actually suspecting something like that. Let's see if I can get some replacement hatch sprues from producing or distributing companies.

George Spiggott - regarding those command vehicles. The thing which confused me is if You look at p 54 in Fortress Europe, where rules for Panzerspah Patrol could be found (exactly the same goes for v3 bundle as I saw on easyarmy.com) there is a "command armoured car" with Leutnant with pictured 250s. I automatically assumed that same hierarchy would apply to all alternative options as well, for example, Puma's, 8-rad's , Panzers II L etc. So if I take Recce armoured car platoon from Divisional support, I don't have to field one of them as command car (Puma or whatever)?

No, but I follow the numbering convention of German Vehicles so it's really obvious which one is the Command one.

211 (1 being the Commander)
212
213

Etc (So it's 2 Battalion, 1st Platoon, 1st vehicle e.g Commander)

No, it is not numbering or commander miniature which bothers me, but whether rules regarding command were applicable to recce cars.

And while You all are still here - is it worth taking panzerknackers/panzerfausts on Gepanzerte Panzergrenadier Platoon HQ or should I keep the MG?

You can never have enough AT when you are infantry, I like faust's but anything (Knackers etc) is better than nothing.

George Spiggott the other week pointed out to me that you can combat attach Heavy weapons to platoons. This is very useful if you HMG's in a Weapons Platoon as you can combat attach them, to your Platoon giving them a big boost in Firepower even if pinned. So if you do this losing a single MG doesn't matter a dime and the Panzerfaust / AT stuff is a good trade off.

OK, thank You for reply. I presume that I can attach Heavy weapon platoon to a Combat platoon (Gepanzerte Panzergrenadiers) only? I can't do this if that Gepanzerte Panzergrenadier Platoon has been taken as a Divisional Support Platoon for Panzerkompanie? Also, how important would be that Panzerfaust for infantry platoon in an otherwise overally tank company list?

FiB replied and confirmed that indeed the sprue with hatches was missing. But what truly impressed me is, that although I did not buy the product directly from them, but from Maelstrom (which btw had not reacted yet), they offered me to send the missing sprue. Now, that is THE customer service!

I had something similar with a mis-cast pak 40, I only wanted a single part replacing. They sent me a whole new blister of Paks for free and said don't worry about it. So I gained 3 for the price of 2 and the miscast I turned into a an objective marker.

I have to say they are very good.

Btw, is anyone interested in a brand new unopened box of FiB Puma's? It appears that I will be getting it as a bonus from Maelstrom because of that sprue issue. I'd gladly swap it for three PSC Panzer IV and/or 251/1D sprues or some BF German utility cars (3 ton Opels/Kfz 15 / Kfz 70). If this is not the most appropriate forum and thread to ask, then mods please delete my post.

Lucky bugger. I can't even get them to send my the orders in the first place!

Anyone interested in FiB Kubelwagen and 7/1s (softskin) pictures?

Just not to create new threads anytime, I officially proclaim this thread for noobish questions and accordingly have changed it's title.

1. When reading the rules about tlamethrowers, one thing bothered me. Are the 251/16 Flammpanzerwagens really one use only weapons? If yes, aren't they a bit expensive for what they do and thus does anyone use them?
2. Has anyone used FiB StugS? Are they decent models? Under present clearance sale discount at Maelstrom there is not much left to buy, but they have decent amount of StugS for pretty price (after discount voucher).

1. When reading the rules about tlamethrowers, one thing bothered me. Are the 251/16 Flammpanzerwagens really one use only weapons? If yes, aren't they a bit expensive for what they do and thus does anyone use them?

Yes, they are one-use weapons, however, since the 251/16 is an armored unit, it can stick around if it wants to, though you would be risking firepower re-rolls against you if hit by weapons fire (not that it has much armor anyway, so it's really no risk lol!).

I suppose the issue with them is what you would use them for; I believe you would use them to suppress defensive fire for a possible assault in conjunction with other units. The thing has 2 1.4 cm flamethrowers with ROF3 each, so that's a good bit of burning there. It would definitely thin out some strelks real quick. lol!

Thanks! So a platoon of 251/16s is not among the priorities when building list and it's use is pretty optional (like it would have no effect against Tank companies).
Ranting - damn that awkward FiB packaging...

I have another question about aviation stands. I recall reading somewhere in the forum that we need only one stand/model now (as opposed to three in the previous version of rules). Is it so?

The reason I am asking, I finally convinced my local hobby shop that they should order some Zvezda stuff in 1/100 scale and now I am looking forwards some cheap Opel trucks, Hanomags and Stuka.

CainTheHunter wrote:I have another question about aviation stands. I recall reading somewhere in the forum that we need only one stand/model now (as opposed to three in the previous version of rules). Is it so?

The reason I am asking, I finally convinced my local hobby shop that they should order some Zvezda stuff in 1/100 scale and now I am looking forwards some cheap Opel trucks, Hanomags and Stuka.

Yep, page 180 of the V3 rulebook indicates that you place one aircraft and then place the aircraft die on the stand to indicate how many there are. BTW, I love my Zvezda Stuka and Shturmovik, best $4 models I've ever bought .

econtutor wrote:

CainTheHunter wrote:I have another question about aviation stands. I recall reading somewhere in the forum that we need only one stand/model now (as opposed to three in the previous version of rules). Is it so?

The reason I am asking, I finally convinced my local hobby shop that they should order some Zvezda stuff in 1/100 scale and now I am looking forwards some cheap Opel trucks, Hanomags and Stuka.

Yep, page 180 of the V3 rulebook indicates that you place one aircraft and then place the aircraft die on the stand to indicate how many there are. BTW, I love my Zvezda Stuka and Shturmovik, best $4 models I've ever bought .

Thanks! I guess I missed it somehow, but I remember seeing that pic with dice next to it.