I’ve had to think about this one for some time, and i think I have to agree with the 1/700 scale warships as the most influential for several reasons… First, these were the first kits that made a real effort at proper scaling and accuracy, which lifted the ship-modelling world out of the ‘toys, products for kids,’ realm, into serious scale modelling. They were also the first to really make an effort at producing a very wide variety of subjects to a common scale, and were of a size suitable not just for individual display, but the waterline design made them perfect for dioramas, and the relatively small scale meant several ships could be reasonably put in the same diorama. As a result, a variety of different modelling techniques were brought to focus on a single subject (diorama techniques, water techniques, weathering, etc, etc.) which really ended up removing the whole genre from the ‘bathtub toys’ of previous ship models. Yes, Airfix made a stab at it with their 1/600 kits, but they really didn’t produce the kind of variety that would really concentrate the ‘artistes,’ and of course, being full-hull models were not really suitable for diorama work. Note, I personally PREFER full hull models, but I can certainly recognize and understand the interest in waterline subjects (which is why I am so pleased with the modern production runs of ship models which allow both full-hull AND waterline!).
Once upon a time, a group of blind men came upon an elephant… [8D] [8D] [8D] [8D] [8D] [8D]
From a personal perspective, I remember being in awe of 1/96 the Revell Cutty Sark that one of my father’s friends built back in 1962 when I was nine years old. It certainly inspired me to work on developing my modeling skills. I also remember seeing the 1/96 Constitution in its huge box at the local hobby shop as the Holy Grail of model ships - one I was never sure I could ever aspire to building.
As far as models I’ve built, building and rigging the small Revell Constitution (even with the pre-formed ratlines [:)] ) not only improved my skills, but gave me confidence in my abilities. The ultimate reward was that my father decided that it should be displayed on a shelf in our living room, rather than relegated to a spot next to the Monogram planes and AMT cars in my bedroom.
The Revell 1/429 USS Arizona was also memorable for its relatively high parts count and complexity (well, at least to a 12-year-old).
Mark
I cannot speak for “the market”, only for myself. The plastic ship kit that had the greatest influence on me, was the Marx “Sea Witch”. It was the first “large scale” sailing ship kit I ever built, and, more because of the size of the model, than the quality of the kit, impressed me enough to get me “hooked” on sailing ship models.
The one that had the most influence on me was the Revell SS United States! It got me interested in liners, which evolved into interest in merchant ships in general. To this day, I still visit the Big U every time I go to Philadephia, and have numerous models and books on the ship. All because of that one model.
Lee Anne
i am going to keep this very simple because i know a lot of people will not agree . 1 revell,s large uss constitution #2 the tamiya vosper patrol boat ( the hull was a single molding with two colors ) # 3 would probably trumpeters u.s.s. north carolina , (it,s not exactly perfect )but the museum board thought it good enough to carry it in the gift shop ! tankerbuilder
For myself, I would list three classic kits as being the most influential in my eyes anyway. No1:- revells 1-96 Cutty Sark. When completed, it’s sheer size and attention grabbing has that “WOW” factor. No2:- is Tamiya’s 1-350 Bismarck. When it first appeared around 1977, it stood the modelling World on it’s head for it’s detail and size. and No3:-The introduction of the 1-700 Waterline Series. This series let modellers build up a large display at a relatively low cost whilst not taking up much room.[{(-_-)}]
I think the most influential ship model ever made may well be the 1:720 scale USS Arizona by Revell. That kit was so bad that it turned thousands of potential ship modelers away from this genre into other subjects such as aircraft and armor
EdGrune,
Amen!
Bill Morrison
The Hasegawa 1/700 scale “Zuiho” was the most influential…
Why ‘Zuiho,’ particularly?
Because the actual “Zuiho” was one of the most significant vessels of the 20th Century.
Just curious, but what makes that a reason for Zuiho to be an ‘influential model?’
…the camo…
I will admit that I have always like the Zuiho and Shoho class carriers, but I am surprised to see them nominated as being among the most influential plastic ship kits. I don’t doubt your sincerity, but I would appreciate your reasoning very much.
Thanks!
Bill Morrison
The cooolest part of those carriers were the side-mounted funnels!Very distinctive!
Well…to start with, she helped defeat Halsey’s Carrier Group at Leyte Gulf, which allowed the Japanese to drive the Americans off of the beaches…
Thereby leading to the eventual conquest of all points south by the IJN, the invasion of Australia in September 1945 and the eventual fall of India and South Africa to the Empire. It’s a good point, Manny, I like it.
…as the sharks begin to circle…;o)
i remember as an 8yr old in 53’ getting the revell missouri ,it was my first model . i sank my teeth into modeling those revell ships the destroyer, pt boat so i think for my time the revell shis played a large part in getting me started in ship modeling . i always looked forward to new releases. my favorite is the 4 stack destroyer