[Gort]

I’ve noticed a growing craze on MHII that really piques my interest. More and more members are swooning over 1/48 scale planes and tanks, and I’m wondering if this is a passing whimsy or an honest-to-goodness movement.

After reading some of these raves, I’m considering grabbing a few 1/48 scale models myself. Seems all kinds of collectors are getting hot ‘n’ bothered about them. (Visit The Flying Mule’s “New Arrivals” page: practically every warbird there is a Franklin Mint model. That’s gotta say something.)

Anyway, 1/48 is clearly hotter than a pistol. So here’s my question:

If diecast manufacturers standardized to one scale only, either 1/72 or 1/48 (a ridiculous premise, I know, but play along ), and you had the ultimate say-so, which would you choose?

My take ...

I don’t own a single 1/48 diecast model, so I can’t legitimately compare it to 1/72. However, I think I’d choose 1/72. From my fastidious consumer viewpoint, three considerations come to mind: 1) cost; 2) wider variety; and 3) space considerations. Manufacturers would weigh this issue from their point of view, of course; but remember—you’ve got the last word.

I’ll admit, though—having seen a 1/48 B-24 up close several years ago and having marveled over its – for lack of a better word, presence – I might change my mind.

Anybody else?

[PappyB]

I'm one of those nuts that's focusing on 1:48 as my main scale after an infatuation wtih 1:72 so I'd have to vote 1:48. Practically, 1:72 makes more sense and you can get a more detailed mold for less $ than the same quality in 1:48. And of course, there is much more variety in 1:72. However, I just like the way the 1:48 models look on the shelf better than 1:72 -- looks less like a bunch of "toys" crammed into a cabinet and more like "models" to me. (no offense intended, I own more 1:72 now than 1:48..)

I had over 100 1:72 models, along with some 1:48, stuffed into a Billy cabinet for a time and just never liked it. So I I reversed it and now only 2 shelves out of 10 are 1:72 and the rest are 1:48 -- like the way it looks muuuuuuuuuuuch better It forces you to make some difficult choices, as there are a lot of 1:72 models I like very much that had to go back in storage to await their rotation time.

You should try a couple Gort and see what you think -- for you, the best thing is that both C1 and FM's boxes have nice clear windows that enable you to see a good amount of the model without removing it from its packaging And you can get a FM P-38 on ebay these days (putt putt maru, which is a nice one) for the same $ as a Corgi.

If I had to pick one scale over the other and they would both have the same range of airframes and liveries to offer, I'd choose 1:48 and live with the fact that I'd just ahve to have less models.

[Epapazian]

For aircraft models, I favor 1:72nd scale replicas because one can collect almost anything without being concerned about space. I have a huge collection of plastic and diecast, including biggies like the B-17 ( plastic and diecast ), B-24, Lancaster, HE-177( plastic ), FW-200 (plastic ), Ju-52 ( plastic and diecast ), etc and tiny little guys such as the I-16, ME-163 and PZL-11. In 1:72nd scale, they all meld together well---at least in my opinion.

When it comes to tanks, AFVs. etc., however, I much prefer 1:48 or thereabouts and, depending on the model, even larger scales. While I have a goodly number of 1:72nd scale items, these are too small to do the tank or AFV justice, no matter how well they are crafted or detailed.

[jim]

Space is everything for me, so 1/72 rules.


HOWEVER, if I had lots of space then the bigger the better.

Corgis 1/32 Me109s are superb, and I drool over those 1/18 scale models.

I have a growing collection of 1/48 scale models, well how could anyone not buy the Carousel P40s and FW190s?
HMs entry into 1/48 has put the pressure on also.


My only complaint with 1/48 is that they lack twiddly bits like working flaps etc but I think I am alone on this point ,it seems everyone likes them just as they are.
One of reasons I like Dragon models so much is that although the "bits" are fiddly I think they add to they authenticity of the look.

Its just my opinion, I know most folks hate all those fiddly bits on Dragon models.

Gort, I would say have a look at a few 1/48 scale aircraft, the Buff would be a good start followed by maybe a P40 and Fw190, it would give you a feel for the product and then you could take it from there.

[Folgore]

For all the practical reasons mentioned above (space, cost, variety, etc.) I'd go with 1:72. Oh -- that's what I'm collecting now, too. How convenient.

I will add one more purely personal consideration which I'm sure will place me squarely in the minority here: To me, larger diecast models -- 1:48 scale or even 1:72 scale heavies -- look more toy-like than the smaller 1:72 models. I don't know why... Possibly because as a model is scaled up the brain expects to see, not just extra detailing, but also extra realism? Some sort of optical trick, anyway. Just my humble opinion, of course! I certainly don't begrudge anyone their preferred scale, and I'm glad we have a variety. I know I'm hoping that HM's 1:48 scale F3F, tiny bird that it is, will look good.

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by jim

My only complaint with 1/48 is that they lack twiddly bits like working flaps etc but I think I am alone on this point ,it seems everyone likes them just as they are.
One of reasons I like Dragon models so much is that although the "bits" are fiddly I think they add to they authenticity of the look.

You're not alone Jim -- I likes the fiddly bits, too, and you're right they are largely ignored in the 1:48 space. Hopefully, HM efforts will change all of that but it does seem like there is a legacy fanbase in the scale that abhors the working parts, and sometimes (such as with the Panther) they may hurt more than they help. Growing pains I think.

But FM could at least give us opening canopies for crying out loud -- their cockpits are actually nicely detailed, why hide 'em?

And it's funny, with Dragon I have a love/hate relationship - I get frustrated at times with the fiddly bits, but I think I actually enjoy fiddling with them overall. It's a bit of a letdown when I can take a model right out of the box and plop in on the shelf and that's it.

[Cruver Collecter]

Predominantly I like my models in 1/72nd scale, but not to the exclusion of 1/48th scale. Some of the smaller WWII fighters just seem to come off a bit better in 1/48th scale. I am a huge fan of the Buffalo and have a feeling the F3Fs are going to be real gems too. Models that I would like to see done in 1/48th are the Curtiss P-36/Hawk 75A, Polikarpov I-16, and something different like the Fokker D.XXI.

[Captain Eddie]

I generally prefer 1:72 due to cost and space considerations. I do, however, prefer my WW I aircraft in 1:48, and have around five WW II in 1:48.

[derhamburgerjung]

I go for the 1/48 like Franklint Mint, Hobbymaster ( fantastic models !!), Eagles International and Carousel1

I really like the weight of these one and they look great.I also like the details esp.on the HM Spitfire.
Display place is indeed always short and I need to switch / rotate some models.Or keep them boxed, which is ineviatable

[coldupnorth]

1/48 all the way!! I just like the massive heavy look of these planes. They do take a lot of space but it's worth it. It didn't stop me from getting 2 1/48 B-17s. Plus you can always get a bigger house if space is a factor...

CUPN