Ok guys - first question from a newbie. What, in your opinion, is the best scale to model military aircraft in? Obviously display space can be an issue. I would like to keep to the same scale as much as possible once I start. Do I go for 1/72 or 1/48. Will 1/72 give me enough detail (‘enough’ being a fairly subjective word) or do I need the bigger scale?
Thanks guys.
Bob
Welcome aboard, Bob
I think most of us here model in 1/48th for the level of detail that is possible but, at the same time, all other scales are done, too. It’s all about doing whatever you like.
You’ll find the largest variety of subjects in 1/72. If you need suggestions or help,
you’ll find an army of folks and an amazing amount of knowledge available to you.
Ray
Welcome to the Forum[#welcome]. " Best " is very subjective, but the most popular scale in the US is 1/48. If space is an issue, then 1/72 is a good compromise. There are a lot of new kits being released in the larger scales, 1/32 & 1/24, if space is not an issue. Personally, I build mostly WWII fighters and prefer 1/48 scale, but I also build a few 1/72, Bombers mostly. If your just starting out, why not try a subject in both popular scales to see which satisfies your needs the best. I would suggest building an Academy 1/72 P-51B and a 1/48 Tamiya P-51B, both excellent kits in their respective scales and not overly challenging to a new modeler. You will begin to hone your model building skills and see the differences, plus & minus, for both popular scales.
There are ups and downs for each scale. 1/72 is obviously smaller, which means you lose some detail (and have a harder time adding detail), but you can make the most of display space, and they’re cheaper. Plus, as Ray said, 1/72 offers the broadest selection.
1/48 allows for more detail, but the selection isn’t as broad, they’re a little more expensive, and they take up more space.
I prefer 1/48 and like to stick to one scale, but I do have the Revell/Monogram Wright Flier which is in 1/39 scale, approximately, I think. I also just bought Academy’s 1/32 F/A 18 Hornet. It’s all a matter of building what you like.
-Jonathan
PS Welcome to the forum! I haven’t been here long, but I’ve got to say that this is a great group of guy!
My votes for 1/72. It’s easier to display. Plus you don’t see any kits in the 100$ plus range either. Oh yeah, welcome to the forums too!![#welcome]
i would have to say 1/48. the detail is impressive and the selection is ok. now saying that i would love to do 1/24, 1/32, or 1/12 scale. i do have a couple of 1/72 scale fighters and the detail is par for the size. small area little detail. but will be fun havent done small scale in a long time. for bombers 1/72 is prob. the best. but as was said favorite scale is subjective.
joe
joe
For me it has to be 1/48th for WWII aircraft (bombers and fighters) or modern fighters, but 1/72 for modern and cold war era bombers. But the choice is really yours and it also depends on the money situation and also the display space you have available. Hope this helps you out. Oh and [#welcome] to the great aircraft forum, where we are happy to help.
Bob, whatever tickles your fancy, I do anything I like at the time. If you live in NSW, come to our exhibition at Koonawarra, the details are in this web site. It will be on May 1-2, and bring your money with you!!! Welcome to the fun and frustrating world of kit building, I managed to spill paint on my shirt, while doing a job, and watching the Simpsons at the same time!!![banghead][banghead][banghead]
I will add my welcome also. I have built most scales and prefer the diversity available in 1/72. Of course, I like to compare the size to armor, pt boats and sci fi and 72nd is about the only scale you can do that in and a B-52 doesn’t need an extra room to display it.
As for detail, most 48th kits come with more in the box but I have seen some 72 models where the builders have gone wild. Check out the Zero (and others) on Derek Brown’s site www.buffiesbest.com/models_aircraft.html
One of our club members took best of show at a IPMS Nationals with the old 72 Monogram F-15. This was just after the plane went into service. He built it so if it opened on the real plane, it opened on the model. You even had to use a pin to pop the latches that held the hydrolic doors. The landing gear was sprung and the jet engines could be removed from the plane. And, if you blew into them, the impellers spun. [8D]
I will reiterate what the others have said above. Try them both out (good choices on those Mustangs) and see what you like.
Hi and welcome onboard!
Only one way to find your scale or scales goto the hobby shop and grab
the kit which “calls” to you , within your budget of course.
Personally , I do 1/48 and 1/72 but to make it look right on the shelf,
I try not to display different scales together.
Good luck in your scale searching and enjoy your hobby!
Many thanks for all the help everyone. I guess the rule is that there is no rule!!! I purchased a 1/72 Academy PBY-5 Catalina a few days ago which I have yet to start.
I will take your advice and try both 1/72 and 1/48 - guess it would be a shame to exclude either/or on the chance of missing out on something that was only available in one particular scale.
I’ll have a look for the 1/48 Mustang tonight and will make that my first kit of the new millenium! Will post a pic when I finish so that you can all be proud of the ‘baby’ you helped to nurture.[^]
Thanks again,
Bob
I prefer 1/48 because I like to look at the plane, and realize it’s real size better. I guess that’s how I would put it. 1/72 just looks a bit too toyish for me. (at least if I attempt to do 'em!!!)
Hi and welcome.
I actually prefer to do 1:72 scale, mainly due to the amount of choice and also the display space factor. They are also done really quickly when you put your mind to it.
Then again if you want more detail the larger scales have got to be considered.
Welcome to the forum.
Don’t let the small size of 1/72 put you off, there are plenty of very detailed models available in this scale, and with companies like Eduard producing a wide range of detailing sets, including resin and PE, you can achieve a model every bit as detailed as some of the 1/48 models out there.
Having said that I model in 1/48 as well, it is usually just a question of what I feel like, not to mention cost and availability of subject.
Just enjoy it whatever the scale.
Karl
Bob,
There’s probably a greater variety of differing subjects in 1/72 scale - the detail can be pretty sparse, but there’s an advantage - less detail means less build time - it’s not as easy to get bogged down in the details - and easier to actually finish a model in that scale. Smaller size is easier to display, too.
1/48 provides a very nice size - easy to super detail - longer build times, they take up more space on the shelf, too.
I prefer either scale - I guess the final answer is really up to you. Just build what grabs you and have fun.
I do WWII in 1:48 because of my eyes, modern F14s and so forth in 1:72 and when I try WWI ist is as big as I can get, usually 1:32. They all end up about the same size on the shelves, out of scale between wars but within the war very much comparable. As an older guy now, my fingers and eyes cannot be punished anymore than they are. 1:72 WWII is simply too small.
Bob,
I like 1/72 scale and feel that I can build models as detailed in that scale as I can in 1/48. As others have said, it’s all subjective.
The only way to really get a feel for it is to build. Let us know how that PBY turns out for you. [:D]
Regards,
The type collection I’m building up is in 1/144!! Even the biggest planes can be displayed, the kits are cheap and the detailing is a fun thing. If something in a differant scale catches my attention I go for it. 1/72 MIGs, 1/48 Aerobatic Teams are other collections.
Bob,
The only thing I can add that hasn’t been said already is this… One of the reasons I like 1/72 is that the builds don’t take as long. I’ve done stuff in several scales - but it seems like anything over 1/72 takes me longer than I would like. This might not be true for you - but I just thought I’d mention it.
Chris
P.S. Welcome !
1/72. what other scale could you put a Fokker DR. 1, Wildcat, B-17, F-4 Phantom, M1-A2 Abrams Tank, F-22 next to Nasa’s NB-52B with an M2-F3 slung under the wing!