This is my very first post and I’m very new to modelling - in fact I have yet to build my very first model [:D] - so please forgive my somewhat basic question…
Before I enter the world of modelling, I would like to have your oppinion on what scale to choose. I’m inclined to start on a 1:32 or a 1:48 scale P-38 Lightning. But which one would be the easiest for a totale newbee like me to complete? Or would there be any difference at all?
Also…Once I settle for a specific scale on this project, I would like to continue modelling in this scale in the future. Would there be there any reasons for choosing 1:32 over 1:48 and vice versa? For example, are there more models available in one of the two scales? (at this piont I’m primarily interested in WW2 and experimental aircrafts)
If you’ve yet to model an aircraft, I would not advise you to start with something as big and incolved as a 1/32 kit… Probably your best bet would be a 1/48 or a 1/72 kit, possibly one by Tamiya as they are well enginered, easy build yet very detailled. Don’t go biplane, nor helicopter either until you’ve got a few kits ‘under your belt’…
Personally, I prefer 1/48 scale airplanes. The WWII fighter subjects are just the right size for me - not so big they take up a lot of shelf space, and not so small that my aging eyes and fat fingers have trouble with the parts [:D].
When you get into the bigger subjects like WWII bombers, you may want to shift down to 1/72 scale if space is a concern.
I agree that starting with a kit by Tamiya or Hasegawa may be your best bet, sicne they’re the best engineered kits and therefor the easiest to build. Maybe pick a simple single-engine subject before you tackle a P-38. I’d recommend one of Tamiya’s 1/48 Spitfire kits. Those babies practically fall together, They’d be great confidence builders.
I agree with djmodels. 1/48 kits will provide you with lots of details but still manageable size (more easily displayed in display cases if you produce alot). Also there are more available on 1/48 than the 1/32. 1/72 is good too but I believe the sacrifice for detail is too great for my taste.
I’ll have to agree 1/48 is the best to start out with. Tamiya, Hasegawa have a good range of aircraft. I even like Revell-Monogram. WELCOME to the Forum and to the Hobby Niels, Good to have you aboard. Bob
I would have to say 1/48 scale; I’ve been in this scale for years, and really enoy it. The detail level is nice, and they aren’t too big or too small as someone else said. However, I myself might be switching to 1/72 scale because of lack of space to put my models when i finish them. Welcom to FineScale Modeler forums, and welcome to the wonderful world of modeling! Hope to have you with us for many years![:D]
I would have to recommend the F4F-4 in 1/48 by Tamiya, very easy kit to build goes together very nice and will look good when finished. The kit is very well molded and wont have any gaps between the main body halves or the body and wings. You cant ask for more from a first kit good looks, easy of assembly and years of enjoyment in a display case.
I do mostly 1/72 but as a new modeller 1/48 would be best so you don’t spend too much on a kit that will basically be practice and not 1/72 because your skills should be further developed before trying to tackle the difficulty of modelling so small.
A 1/32 kit can be anything at least up to half a meter long or say half or a quarter the area of a kitchen table, unless you live in a palace…It also cries for superdetailing that’s why some kits take months to finish…
I would agree with Plum1030. If this is your first kit - don’t bother spending huge bucks for an expensive one. It would be really dissapointing to make a mistake on a pricey 1/32 OR 1/48 kit. If you’re really set on making a P-38 - I can understand that - It’s a gorgeous airplane ! Revell Monogram makes a relatively inexpensive 1/48 P-38 kit.
