What do you think is the “easiest” scale to build into a respectable model? 1/32? 1/48? 1/72? 1/144?
I don’t have much experience, but it seems that 1/48 would be the easiest. Not so detailed like the 1/32, but easier to work with on the small parts than the smaller 1/72. A 1/144 just seems too small and I haven’t really seen any models bigger than 1/32 but I would think they would be extremely detailed.
What scale do you guys like to build and why?
I prefer 1/48 because it’s a good size to detail & because of all the excellent kits released in that scale in recent years. Storage & display does become a problem if you build a lot of kits. I started in 1/72 & still build a few in that scale, especially the larger Aircraft. Many of the new releases in 1/32 are spectacular, but are just too big for my spray booth & display shelves. I don’t think any would be classified as easiest, that depends more on the quality of the kit & the amount of detail you want to incorporate.
Always build in 48, good subjects to choose from with moderate detail,
Rob.
In the past 15-20 years the industry “standard,” once it became standardized, has moved away from 1/72 (still very popular in Britain and Europe) to 1/48, which is what I build almost exclusively for the reasons already given by the others. It is also the scale preferred by aviation museums with large collections, because 1/48 can be viewed good in detail, yet allows the most models to be displayed in large, well-lit cases. Now, we’re getting a sudden flood of very expensive, very good 1/32nd kits (and even some more 1/24 kits than before) of some giant airplanes, like the F-105G. I think this will just lead to more people who build fewer models because of both the expense and the space penalty of that large scale. But mercy, can you get a lot of detail in there!
I would agree with the above comments made about 1/48 scale. That doesn’t mean that 1/72 is bad either.
Depending on the subject a 1/72 scale model can be the same size as a 1/48 scale model with the same amount of detail (Depending on the manufacturer).
I have only built one 1/32 model and it was a retirement gift for my old CO. It just happened to be his bird that he flew at an earler squadron that I was stationed at. The decals even had his name as the pilot. I must admit though I had a great time building the thing and I have another one in the pile, but that is the only reason why I have it. I usually stick to 1/48 scale or a scale of a subject that would be of the same size as 1/48.
Paul
Yep I’ll have to agree with the comments above and especially those by snakeskin about the finished item and the room taken up.
72 is great for dioramas as you can get a lot of detail without taking half the room to show it and there is a good range of accessories too.
48 is a good balance between detail and finished size and the all important costs to get the thing done.
There are some good photo etched kits for 48 scale as well if that is important.
24 and 32 show great detail BUT they are expensive to buy and take up a lot of shelf / display box space when they are finished.
For a “one off” they are ideal and the range is expanding greatly.
As the old expression goes…you pays yer money and you takes yer choice!
Hope this is of some help.
Cheers, Pete.
Don’t you just HATE it when you are sitting waiting for your carefully scrutinised reply to go after clicking "Post New reply"and THEN you spot the mistake!!
Fingers in gear and brain in neutral on this one.
Sorry to SHARKSKIN for getting the name wrong.
No offense intended.
Pete.
As tamiya says on there website:
Aircraft in the 1/48 scale… big enough to hold on to… big enough to see all the details. Big enough for novice as well as professional modellers to build, enjoy and display. The accuracy in detailing is there. Parts are simplified for ease of assembly.
I personally like 1/48 scale because there is a good number of subjects, 1/72 scale aircrft are to small (especially in fighters) and 1/32 and 1/24 aircraft are to big.
1/72 acale, at one time was the only way to go. The selection of kits were vast and you could find subjects not released in other scales. Now 1/48 kits are being released giving the modeler a great range of subjects.
Another reason to go to 1/48 is, you want go blind building them. My problem is my fingers do not allow me to work on small objects.
1/32 scale, for special projects, is fine. I am going to build a 1/32 scale F-15C for the 95th Fighter Squadron, where my wife works, to put in their display case.
I also have a 1/32 scale F-4D and F-4E which will be of the aircraft I was crew chief on. It will be a one of a kind model and will be displayed on my teak wood stereo cabinet.
1/32 scale is impressive but display and storage is a factor. 1/48 is just large enough to show detail and not take up vast amounts of room. If you plan on building hundreds of models, go with 1/72.
hah…
1/144…for grins and the challenge
1/200…airliners
1/72…for multi-engine WWII bombers & a modern jet or two
1/48…single engine WWII fignters (P-38H & the Beaufort) & the Golden Age of Aviation
1/20…Sf3D/MbV3000…armoured fighting suits (it’s the only scale they’re molded in)
but, to answer your question…1/48…not unlike the majority here,
though…for me it varies due to subject matter and space to display…
I started out on 72nd back in the very early 80’s, when my eyesight was good. The last 20 years have brought about a strong & steady decline in my visual accuity, to where 48th is the smallest I can build in. I suspect in about 10 years at the rate that I’m going, 32nd will be the smallest I can build.
Chris “Coke Bottle” Ish