"Navwar fleet packs" Topic

thinking of getting a couple of pre-dreadnought fleet packs from navwar. My friend has a 1/3000 Russian and Japanese 1905 fleets, and he *thinks* they are navwar. They look solid – functional if not elaborate, and not pricy.

Navwar uses a fax for order and have no email. Has anyone ordered these from them and how was your experience?

How do you like the ships? I assume they are pretty simple, like panzerschiffe, but metal.

Many Thanks!

Detail is a bit better than Panzerschiffe. Packs are a good value if you want all the ships in them. Have ordered 5+ times from them with no problems. Wait time may be a bit long. They are my go to company for Russo Japanese war. Not so much so for the ACW but I still have close to 50% of my ships by Navwar for that era and around 75% for the Russo Japanese war and WWI/II.

I have ordered from NavWar many times over the years – and have been to the shop on Electric Parade a few times too. Last time I ordered, the ships were with me in New York from Essex in less than a week – I was very impressed. The system is a bit archaic in this day and age but it works.

I bought the Chinese Fleet pack for the Sino Japanese war. The detail is solid. I like the ships. Already had a bunch of Japanese and Russians.

Navwar's level of detail is about the same as Panzerschiffe, but looks better on most models because the size difference compacts everything and leaves smaller plain surfaces.

Panzerschiffe models generally also have a "cleaner" look, with harder edges and straighter lines, but this actually contributes to their plainness. Navwar models definitely look hand-carved, but the sculptor often did a great job bringing out the character appropriate to each individual vessel. Sometimes the lines are a little sloppy or proportions blobby. I generally like the Navwar interpretation of the French-style pre-dreadnought tumblehome more than the Panzerschiffe version.

I find both lines benefit enormously from just a few added details – masts, better boats (like the Whaleboats & Launches from C-in-C), cranes, maybe anchors and/or anchor chains, etc.

You can see a few pictures of the Navwar RJW selection and the Great White Fleet here: link

I'll add my voice to the chorus here supporting Navwar. The ordering process is stuck in the 1990s, but the customer service is simply unbeatable. I had an error in one order once, which I didn't even notice, until the missing parts arrived with some extras ("just in case") and a hand-written apology. As mentioned, the turnaround time is phenomenal, most of my orders arriving faster than I thought possible for a 6000 mile journey across an ocean and a continent.

One oddity to keep in mind: when ordering, specify "no substitutes". I've never had a substitute, but I wouldn't want one either.

- Ix

Another vote for Tony's customer service and fast turnaround (and huge range, and low prices …). I once forgot to put my name and address on the order form, despite all the warnings on his website. He STILL managed to send me the order, in the usual quick time. Also, as I keep saying, he reprinted GQ1 and 2 at a very low price, so we are all in his debt.

The models? Well, quite simple and occasionally rough, but with character. I've bought hundreds over the years. I like them.

Count me as another Navwar fan. Tony´s turn around time, despite the old school ordering system, is often faster than more modern companies.

I have all fleet packs for pre-dreadnought and WWI, and am quite satisfied with them. A few of the cruisers are a bit crude, but over all the ships are lovely and the price is great. When I start WWII I will definitely order those fleet packs as well.

much thanks to all – I am sold!

Tumbling Dice new 1/2400 range is very good both wrt detail and usability.

Range is expanding to include most naval nations of the Pre Dreadnought era

Go here:-
link

Actually I should just add that sometimes recently I have had the impression that some of the moulds might be a bit tired – wondering how that compares with the experience others have had? A pity if the models are failing, as I don't suppose we can really expect Tony to overhaul his (vast) range at this stage.