Review: Force of Arms Vietnam range.

Some of you may remember an advert in the May issue of Wargames Illustrated (page 54) for the Force of Arms Vietnam range. I for one had not really heard of this company before but this advert really caught my eye with a full colour picture of US troops hitching a ride atop of an M113 APC.

I must admit that I was a little weary about the quality of the figures and the vehicle that I eventually ordered from John at FoA but I need not have worried. The figures are to the larger end of the 28mm market being larger than Foundry but much smaller than HLBS's giant 1/48th figures. These figures might be a little larger than West Wind or Baker Company who also do Vietnam ranges.

On the plus side I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the figures. The sculpts are crisp and detailed and appear to be accurate in terms of depicting the weaponry and equipment of the time. I bought the first two packs to start with (each containing six figures) and this gave me command, NCO's and troopers. Interestingly these packs did not contain one badly sculpted or unrealistically posed figure and were a joy to paint.

I also bought an M113 troop carrier/APC and I must say that this was a really pleasant surprise. The model comprises a resin hull with metal add on parts like tracks, hatches and MG. The interior detail is superb and you have the option of leaving the rear door open in order to place figures in there. The kit also comes with two half-crew figures and FoA also does US infantry to place on top of the vehicle. These guys really do look full of character.

Overall this is a great range of figures and models, which hopefully will expand to include more US troops and NVA/Viet Cong. My only gripe would be that John at FoA has not set up his website as promised and fails to shamelessly promote his products which also include a Spanish Civil War range of figures and 1/60th scale vehicles for SCW, WWI and WWII.

Please remember to mention Wargames Forum when contacting traders!

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