Scale dilemma with Military Models

[ralph morton]

It is very clear from this site that there is a wide spread of scales for military models.
Back in the days of plastic kits the scale question was determined by the size of the model so:
World War 1 fighters could be 1/48 or 1/32
World War 2 aircraft right up to Superfortresses were 1/72

The increase in the variety of size with Postwar jets from the late 60s on made 1/72 scale difficult.
Manufacturers used a whole slew of scales from 1-600, through 1-400 1-350 1-300 1-250 1-200 through to 1/144 and 1/100.(also 1/96)

Our US friends can probably house 1/72 scale B52s and C5s and a 1/72 scale Vulcan features in the Airfix range.

I wonder where we will end up

[Skinner67]

I ended up sticking with 1/72 for every subject except WWI and a few WWII fighter icons. I display the 1/48s in a separate case, as I have a mild seizure when mixing scales.

I tried a few 1/200, but they just don't have the appeal to me that 1/72 offers. However, I do think that everyone should get a Gemini C-17 in 1/200.

Space is the most critical factor for me, but detail is also important. 1/72 is the best compromise, and the most common scale at this time for military subjects.

[Epap1]

For a variety of business model reasons the number of models in varying scales is expanding, particularly for unusual subjects. Since I make it a point to collect and modify the aforementioned unusual subjects, I have no choice but to be flexible as to scale. As a rule, however, I won't go smaller than 1:144th due to the lack of detail beyond this point.

[planemark]

I have to rely on the variety for space sake. So, 1:72 is for WWII fighters and small to medium bombers with my largest being the B-25. I only have a couple of WWI fighters and I love the 1:48 scale of those. But I also have several 1:200 fighters and bombers, like the B-52, B-2 and a few other moderns like the Hogan C-17 and C-130. I think some of the detail on the 1:200 fighters is quite impressive considering their size.

[AIRWOLF]

Personally I find 1/100 to be the perfect size for almost all subjects (from large bombers to single-engine prop fighters). Not too big, not too small. However, it's not a popular scale and none of the high quality diecast makers use it.

My main focus has been fighter jets, so my collection is currently filled with 1/72 scale models (mainly models from HM, CW, & Witty).

However, lately, I've started to switch over to 1/144 scale for reasons of display space plus variety & quality coming from pre-painted plastic models. I've also started building traditional kits in this scale.

[Epap1]

Originally Posted by AIRWOLF

Personally I find 1/100 to be the perfect size for almost all subjects (from large bombers to single-engine prop fighters). Not too big, not too small. However, it's not a popular scale and none of the high quality diecast makers use it.

My main focus has been fighter jets, so my collection is currently filled with 1/72 scale models (mainly models from HM, CW, & Witty).

However, lately, I've started to switch over to 1/144 scale for reasons of display space plus variety & quality coming from pre-painted plastic models. I've also started building traditional kits in this scale.

The recent Italeri modern jet series is mostly in the 1:100th scale and, except for its lack of gear down options and pilot figures, it is quite good. Here's a link to listings and pictures on a major online vendor's website.

| Italeri Dreamwings Collection | Diecast Model Products from Italeri

[ralph morton]

Very interesting comments.
One further thought I had. Desk model aircraft withot undercart like those given out by manufacturers form part of my collection. Equally I have very small aircraft like micromachines and rhe old zylmex which are toys and allow for example a flight of 5 B70 Valkyries to fit in an old cigarette tin.
In the early 1960s the German firm Siku produced a 1/250 scale range of planes including b52s and civil 707s which could be set up with a range of buildings and a mat. Herpa has followed this tradition with their 1/200 family.
I enjoy the variety of scales to suit all types of aircraft and am not ashamed to like the toys as well as the models.

[Ukrainian_Falcons]

Micromachines, now there's an interesting theme, I wouldn't think there are many subjects though

As for my collection, it is mostly 1:72 but when Hobby Master came out with their 1:48 line, I started gets one model of each subject, sort of like a showcase of WWII aircraft.

And now recently, 1:200 for civil aircraft.

I won't go any lower than 1:72 for military and 1:200 for civil as I like to get value for money, 1:200 fighter are cool but not worth the price tag