Hello everyone, I have a question about realistic detail possibilities of a 1/72 scale aircraft as opposed to 1/48 scale. I dont have much room for a collection of large aircraft so I have been thinking about going strictly to 1/72 scale. Do you knowledable people think you can get a realistic airplane that rivals the 1/48 scale in all areas. I really like as much detail that I can get in my aircraft that I am working on. Thanks, Herbie
Hi Herbie. Welcome to the forum!
Yes, 1/72 scale kits can be just as detailed, even more so, than 1/48 scale kits. But, and this is a big but, so much depends on the kit, any aftermarket parts that are used, and the skill of the modeler, that any meaningful comparison is difficult.
For example, check out the detail in this Roden 1/72 scale Bristol F2.b out of the box: http://www.rodenplant.com/Gallery/043/043.htm
Here’s the same kit with the addition an aftermarket photoetch set:
http://www.internetmodeler.com/2003/december/aviation/roden_bristol.htm
Many people find it easier to work with the parts and highlight details at 1/48 (or larger) scale, but if the kit’s details are over scale, or not well molded, then it may not look good regardless of the scale.
Regards,
I find 1/72 a very nice scale to work in. Most of my models are 1/72. Altough small, you can still fit in a lot of details if you want to.
There are loads of different models and aftermarket items availble in 1/72, so you can always find an intresting subject.
I build 1/72 exclusively, but 1/48 on the whole will probably offer more detail out of the box simply because it’s larger, just like 1/32 will offer more possibilities than 1/48.
You can certainly build highly realistic kits in 1/72 though. Take a look at some of Glenn Irvine’s work in 1/72 at Hyperscale if you want to be completely blown away. Joe Youngerman who posts here consistently cranks out beautiful planes in 1/72 too. Lots of others too, you know who you are [:D]
The main challenge I’ve faced since I picked up the hobby again in this scale is some of the kits are just not great to work with, especially older ones (of course this is true to an extent in all scales). It seems that quality was compromised simply because of the small scale. Newer kits seem to reversing the trend, the Tamiya Warbirds series and the new Finemolds Bf-109’s are beautiful kits. Hasegawa offerings have been well engineered but sometimes sparse on details, particularly on wheel wells and cockpits. These shortcomings can be rectified with aftermarket or a little scratchbuilding though.
As the other posts mentioned there is a robust resin, PE, and aftermarket decal industry so you can super detail all you want.
I don’t think you’ll regret going with 1/72, especially since space is a consideration for you. You’ll also find that a lot of aircraft are only available in 1/72 allowing you to so some interesting stuff. Good luck!
I prefer 1/48 for most of my builds, mainly WWII fighter aircraft. But for modern aircraft & bombers I prefer 1/72. You can pack as much detail into a 1/72 kit as your skill allows.
Regards, Rick
I build only 1/48 aircraft & armor. But you sure can pack in the details at 1/72. I just do 1/48 'cause its easier for me! For example, look at this cutaway kit from Eduard in 172
Here’s the full link to the page
http://www.eduard.com/./products/card.php?id_product=597&name=storch&catalogue_nb=&type=&pgroup=&scale=&product_month=&product_year=&page_start=0
Thanks everyone for replying to my question. I checked out some of the models you all were talking about and I was truely blown away. I definately think I will at least start off exclusively with 1/72 scale and see how everything goes. One of my interest is in airplanes that didnt get picked in military competition (such as the F-20 Tigershark), and I have already noticed what Luftwaffle said about there being more aircraft in that scale than others. Thanks again, Herbie