So I just got a pair of the old Monogram AH-1S Cobra kit (I posted earlier this month asking about the orange sides, got that figured out). Anyway, the kits is 1/48…but the pilots are a bit smaller than my 1/48 Hasegawa F-14A pilots and my 1/48 Revell of Germany Mi-24 Hind pilot & gunner. Why would this be? Is this just poor quality from the 80s, or something else? Thoughts?
I guess I never thought much of it, considering I don’t use the figures (most of the time). Could be they were molded to fit the seats better (or maybe Cobra aircrews are just smaller [:D]) . BTW, did you receive the Twobobs JSDGF Cobra decals yet? It’s been a few weeks since they were sent.
Cheers,
Albert [:o)]
Yeah, that could be…because I tried dry-fitting the other figures in the seats and it was like me trying to get into my sister-in-law’s Fiat…poor fit (and I’m short). Oh well, at least it has figures.
Albert, yeah, got them just fine…thought I’d sent you an email about that, but guess I spaced it. The other Cobra I got off eBay came with that decal set and the BlackMagic mask, so I’m gonna build them both up as JGSDF birds…which means I’ll have to alter the numbers…hmmm. More thought required on that one. Hmmmm…
But at least I got the ones you sent. [:D] I assume you got the Hind decals okay?
Yes I did (thought I had let you know as well [:I]). In fact, I’ll probably used the East German markings on a MiG-15UTI I have going.
That Cobra kit is a little jewel. The cockpit detail OOB is excellent. The only thing I’ll add is a rear-view mirror, some commo cords, and the HSS Targeting System. The version I’m building has external chaff/flare dispensers and RWR housings that will need to be added as well. Back to the snake…
Cheers,
Albert [:o)]
Let’s not forget: people do come in different sizes!
Which figures are right? Given that people are a range of sizes, in 1/48 a standing figure should be about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) tall and a sitting figure should measure 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) from its bottom to the top of its head. The corresponding 1/72 numbers are 1 inch (2.5 cm) and 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) respectively.
The scale accuracy of most kit engines, cockpits, etc. is compromised by the thickness of the plastic relative to the thickness of the fuselage skin structure. Radial piston engines are consistently rendered somewhat undersize by the desire to show a complete engine that still fits in the plastic cowling.
Thanks for the insight, I hadn’t thought of that (the plastic issue).