Go with 1/48…(and send me your 1/72 stash[}:)])
[:)]
Depends on where your true love lies. I simply like the shape, color and markings of the aircraft–no fine detail, after market parts, etc.(or I’d never finish anything!), so 1/72 is where I like to be. If you’re into lots of detail, probably 1/48 is where to be.
I, myself, only model in 1/72 due to cost and size (I’m a college student in an apartment). I’ll stick with 1/72…but this 1/32 stuff is looking better and better. I’m thinking about starting a 1/32 fighter line, just cause this big stuff is looking so cool. I say, you should skip 1/48 all together and go straight to the big stuff!
Joshua
Tom-Yeah, it’s the Blue Angels Hornet. The first fuselage had a major break/bend so I got a replacement. The new one is obviously from a differant batch, 'cause to plastic is a lighter blue and it doesn’t line up that well. It’ll be a while for I get to that (classes and a couple projects already started ahead of it) but I’d like to have an idea what to do.
Well, 1/72 is usually cheaper, I mean, I have a few kits in 1/48 that I have paid over $60 for! Pretty insane, I know. I have two 1/32 kits that were real expensive, but I got them on sale. I have a couple kits that just about got flung into the wall because of fit problems, so don’t think you aren’t going to find it in 1/48, cause they all have their problems. Detail isn’t always there either, just build a Italeri kit, man, they are bare bones! Pick one up and try it, if you like it, go for it, but if you decide that they suck, jump back to 1/72, just make sure you enjoy whatever you do!
Why does everybody say display space is a problem? I have about 200 1:48 models on display in our bedroom, and they take up zero footprint. How? Because they’re displayed vertically, not sitting horizontally on shelves or whatever. I hang each model from a thread attached to its tailwheel (or whatever) and they hang nose-down on the wall from pins, each pin at the top of the wall. It makes for a fabulous tapestry of colors, all of the models are closely together, and even people who have absolutely no interest in airplanes or models are fascinated by it. The models are easy to examine close-up, and they take up no more floor space than would paintings hung on a wall.
You can do a search and find photos I’ve posted of the display. 1:48, 1:32, the size is irrelevant in terms of display space.
Stephan
Well I appreciate all the thoughts and comments on this topic. It really has given me pause. My friend pretty much echoed all the things that has been said here, and he has invited me to co-build a 1/48th scale F-16C together…to “take a break from the norm.” It’s the Italeri kit. We plan on modeling two vipers from our home state in Indiana ANG markings, the 181 FW “The Racers.” (see link below) http://www.interr.ang.af.mil/fwhist.jpg
Who knows, maybe the break will rejuvenate my continued pursuit in 1/72nd scale or spark a fresh new venture in the larger scale builds. My friend is a 1/32 scale modeler, and his work is incredible, like many of you here. I’m excited! I feel sort of like I’m getting into modeling all over again, only this time I know what I’m doing! LOL! However, I can escape the feeling, sort of like I’m betraying the Jedi Order or something! LOL! (Been whatching way too much Star Wars).
You guys will know if the dark side has consumed me. I’ll have a truck load of 1/72nd scale kits for sale and I’ll sell off my already built 1/72nd models to collectors. This will help offset the space and cost issue. My spares box will initially be sparce, as they all contain parts in 1/72nd scale. But here’s where my resin casting skills will come alive. So, it’s a win…win situation with plenty of benifits! Well, here goes!
you mentioned inaccuracies you get alot in 1/48 too
they will take up 2 times the display space and they on avg will drain your wallet 2 times faster too
i build both scales with a 1/32 here and there
Let us know if/when you start selling your stash.
Joshua
Being an armor builder, I have recently started up a stash of 1/48 birds. I built that scale as a kid many moons ago and I like the scale. To me they seem less toy-like and are more detailed. If I were just getting into armor, I’d go into 1/48 also to keep it uniform and save shelf space. I guess it boils down to personal preference. We have the same arguments over in the armor forum too. Alot of the traditionalists are down on the 1/48 scale, because they grew up on 35. I hear that 1/72 used to be the norm with planes, but has given in to 1/48. I know for a fact that Japanese fighters are pretty small in 48. [:)]
I am building a 181st kit as well! Post some pics when you get your done, I have yet to start mine, but I have had the decals forever [:D]
People, people! You need to get more imaginative. Boy, am I tired of hearing that 1:48s take up “too much shelf space.”
There are three basic ways to display models: Hang 'em from the ceiling like we did when we were 12, and all you can see is the wheel wells. Put 'em on shelves, sitting on their landing gear, and give up the thought of ever owning any books, since the bookcases are all taken.
Or–and this is my zero-footprint method–suspend them from threads, nose-down on a wall, so that anybody who wishes to can see them clearly, get up close and look into the cockpits, even–yes, I let viewers do this–grab them gently and turn the over so they can see the bottom of the airplane. (It’s still hanging by a thread…)
Stephan
I build mostly WWII single engines in 1/48 these days, but I started with 1/72 & still like the scale for larger aircraft such as multi-engines & modern jet fighters. There are lots of AM detail sets available in all scales if you aren’t happy with OOTB detail. And BTW, not all 1/48 kits feature great fit, there are lots of dogs.
Regards, Rick
I too have settled with the 1/48 clan. The detail is much better than the smaller 1/72 subjects. I really like the larger 1/32 or 1/24 scales, where you can pull out all the stops with super detailing, but they are WAY TOO BIG for my display space. I think that 1/48 scale is a happy medium.[:D]
Eizzle,
Well how about that!, thats too ironic…and a fellow Hoosier to boot! I had just started reserch on the subject when I read your post reply. Where did you find decals? I was preparing myself to fire up the ol’ ALPS to make them myself. What kit are you planing to use? I hear that the Hasegwa is very nice, however I already have two Italeri 1/48th scale kits to work with. I’ll definately post pics. This will be my first 1/48th scale build in over 15 years!
Thats a cool idea, however I’m not to kean on folks handling my masterpieces, nor dangling them from the ceiling. I do have a few friends who display their aircraft in this manner…and your right, very interesting and interactive. God knows we’ve lingered in his display room for hours chatting. If I find that 1/48th scale is my bag, I will probably display them like I do my small scale collection; in-flight, on my custom display stands with info placards. Some of you guys may have seen a few of my builds. I sized a 1/48th scale F-14D in my display case, simulating this type of display and thankfully, I’ll have plenty of room for more than approx. 40 (+ or -) built subjects situated side-by side, and 2 planes deep on 4 spacious shelves!
Stephen, I recall the thread inwhich you had posted your method of displaying models. It was awhile ago & I think maybe it would be a good thing for you to link it to this thread[:D] Personally, I think it is a great idea of saving space & showing them off[^]
stephan i remember you post on this and it was great but…
no matter how one measures shelves or walls you only have just so many square inches to deal with for storage, and the 1/48th eats up more sq in than the 1/72nd
but basically you are right in the major aspect GET CREATIVE in the way you store so you can store more[:)]
now here is an idea for people that don’t want to hang models from the ceiling. if you have models in a book case style arrangement hang a few planes from the bottom of the shelf above
For my part, I see little difference between the best 1/72 and 1/48 scale kits in terms of fit, accuracy, and level of detail.
On the flip side, there are real dogs in each scale.
I really don’t think that 1/48 scale is inherently “best” for any reason. The same is true for any other scale.
My advice: don’t get hung up on the scale, and just enjoy the build.
Regards,
http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=FD48017
I used to go to Ivy Tech in Terre Haute, which is about an hour from here, for my carpenter’s apprenticship one night a week and I would always stay over when we had classes at the airport. The Air Force and the public airport share the same area, so I could sit in my car and watch them do excercises, man what a sight to see. The whole car would be shaking, you can’t hear anything but the jet, and a huge fireball lighting up the night, it was awesome! That is what made me want to do it, well that and they are from Indiana, so why not honor these guys, even if its just building a model of their plane? I am using the Hasegawa “Aggressor” kit, I am pretty sure its the right block, if not its close enough for me [:D]