Welcome Bob,
Just my 2 cents here. I’d recommed the scale that works for you depending on what you are looking for. Keeping to the same scale, IMHO, lends consistency to your display. You can really visualize the difference in size between a B-17 and P-51, or how a WW1 Spad grew up to be an F-15. Now 1/24 and 1/32 are the best for stunning detail, but 1/48 is quite good also. There is a great selection in 1/48, but price and space can be factors. I personally chose 1/72. In 1/72 you can’t beat the variety or the space. Price can also be a relevant factor. I like to model the same bird in different marking. 10 F-8s take up a lot less space and cost a lot less in 1/72 than 1/48 but what a stunning display they would be in 1/48. HTH
1/48 is the best not too big like 1/32 and not too small like 1/72.
Bob, You said you were a newbie, so I assume you don’t have a lot of model building experience. If that’s true, I’d suggest you put the Catalina on hold until you have 2 or 3 simpler kits under your belt. The Academy kit is nice, but not exactly a beginners kit. Looking forward to seeing the pic’s of your Stang.
I prefer 1/48. I like the size and detail, though if something in another scale gets my interest, I’ll give it a go. I’ve just gotten back into the hobby over the last few years, so shelf space hasn’t become an issue yet, though with a stack of 1/35 helos, 1/48 aircraft and 1/35 armor to build, that could be a precursor to a “conversation” with my wife over where they’ll all go.
Hi Bob,
When I was young, lacking funds and had great eyesight, I almost exclusivly built 1/72 scale…the kits are cheap and a great way to learn. Now I’m older, slightly less broke, and a lot blinder, I build 1/48 or 1/32 scale(and use a magnifier!).
I owe a lot to those early cheap (and sometimes nasty) 1/72 airfix “bag” models - I could ruin them with a bad paint job and it didn’t matter!
Smokey
I think the BEST scale is 1/32. Lot of detail. And easy to work with it. It seems more to be more now than before. BUT, I know, They are expensive.
I’ve not built many model aircraft but I’ve seen a lot at model contests and I like 1/48 scale–it’s large enough to show extra detail nicely, yet it’s not too huge. If space is at a premium, 1/72 scale might be your best bet, although for smaller planes like fighter jets and WW II, I personally think they’re too small for my taste. (There are exceptions–some aircraft, like the B-52 or B-36, will be enormous even in 1/72 scale.) On the other hand, 1/32 scale aircraft can be very large. They’re fun to look at and great to detail, but they do take up space! You might try going to a model contest where you can compare their sizes right there on the spot.
1/48+ gets my vote. 1/72 i just too small. (Unless you’re up for something larger like a Bomber. Then 1/72 works for me.
Thanks again for all the comments everyone - I appreciate it.
I’ve decided to keep to 1/48 as much as possible with an excursion into 1/72 for the larger aircraft for reasons of display room only. Although I said I was a ‘newbie’ I spent a period modelling armor about 20 years ago - mostly Tamiya. I am currently working on two Academy kits - P38J Lightning and Vought F4U-1 Corsair - both in 1/48. The lightning is 90 percent complete and I will post pics when it is finished.
Regards,
Bob
If you are new to hobby it may be best to start with a few larger scale kits. They are much easier to do a good job on ( Largerparts etc).
I always thought 1/72 was the perfect scale for fit, price and detail. Until recently the larger scales were very toylike… Raised panel lines and thick clearparts, working parts, inaccurate shapes and measurements etc. 1/72 has some of these problems but the are generally easier to correct. And a ruined kit won’t break the bank…
But companys like Tamiya and Hasagawa made 1/48 scale modelling much better but at a higher cost.
But bang for the buck I still prefer 1/72… Even though the smaller scales require a praticed and skilled hand especially Biplanes with their fine rigging etc. But when done right they look so much better than the larger scales… To me anyway… That’s the beauty of this hobby… Do whatever rings your bell…