I've built quite a few 1/72 planes. Love it.

I've just started paying attention to this forum and it seems that there is a lot of model building in 1/32 and 1/48. I'd like to hear why people decide on the scale they build.

I happen to be interested *right now* because, before this year, I'd never built a 1/35 armor model, always sticking to smaller scales. And I have to say I'm pretty amazed. It is only occasionally when I think of something I want to build and can't find it in 1/35. I had become keen on 1/48 where there is little available by comparison. In aircraft, there seems to be a pretty good selection of 1/72 subjects. I wish there were more Great War subjects in 1/72 but otherwise there seems to be quite a lot.

I understand scale selection is a subjective choice, and everyone will have different reasons about the scale they choose. I'd just like to hear from people with more experience than I about selection of a larger scale.

Regards,
Phil

I do 1/72 and 1/700 because of space considerations. I like WWI aircraft also and what I really would like to see is a FE-2B in 1/72

I like 1/48 for your typical WW II fighter; it's small enough that you can fit several onto a shelf, yet large enough to have quite nice detail. 1/72 is generally for multi-engine aircraft of the Lancaster size range (anything from a Hudson right up to a B-29). 1/144 is for airliners, especially the larger, more modern ones like the A380 and 747-8, although a good case may be made for 1/200.

I only build aircraft in 1/32, and armor in 1/35. I like the size both for how it looks on display and also because my eyes aren't fond of tiny pieces.

Automobiles I go 1/24 or 1/25 but that seems to be the main scale for those kits by a wide margin. I build Science Fiction in 1/72 (Bandai Star Wars) or 1/350 (Star Trek starships).

72nd aircraft for me!! When I started, plastic was new…., EVERYTHING (aircraft) was in braille scale!! 48th & 32nd scales were few and far between. My dad had to drive me to my first IPMS meeting in 78…..so I was the youngest of a bunch of glue sniffers from the Wright Pat airplane patch. They were in their 30s & 40s. I’m still 72nd scale (creaking to 60) and those guys must be the drivers of 1/24 scale….LOL.

I still do 72nd scale due to size constraints, BUT, I’d probably never finishing anything bigger…. I use magnifiers, even to airbrush, but I do just fine.

Long story, but I too have jumped into armor. Though I considered 72nd, why bother…. I focused on 35th scale couple years back. Mainly due to less airbrushing and more weathering. I do have a few 72nd scale targets (aircraft perspective) but I’m trying to stay in 35. Figures are relaxing as well and easier to take to/from snowbird shelter (condo where it’s warm).

If you are NOT aware, learning curve is a little different, when starting armor!!! I refer to the AK & Mig books & encyclopedias. Learned so much I bought the aircraft ones too…. I needed the help as I had almost a 20 year hiatus from glue sniffing….. Just another way of thinking.

I also do some 700 scale ships as well…..mainly because I like doing the water features. Little addictive but, another big learning curve……. LOL

One thing to is for sure, however...anyone who has "crossed over" will tell you that armor makes them a better A/C modeler and visa-versa.

The reasons that Jessie stated are mine also plus being able to see 1/48 aircraft and 1/35 armor parts is essential in my case. Next I have big fingers that lock up at times and 1/72 and 1/144 are just too small even with tweezers and a magnifying hood.

Bob

For me, I’ll build models in just about any scale, but for aircraft I prefer 1/72 and 1/32 scale. It seems to me 1/48 aircraft are a compromise between the other two popular aircraft scales. I primarily build aircraft models because of their individual role in history. But some models aren’t available in a larger scale, so we’re often left with only one scale to work with. Shelf space is another issue. I build all my 4 engine bombers in 1/72, and most twin engine aircraft in either 1/72 or 1/48. However, single engine aircraft will always be in 1/32 for me, if available. The only exceptions I make are WWI And Golden Era aircraft, which I build exclusively in 1/32 scale. A 1/32 Sopwith or SPAD will just about fit in the area a 1/48 Spitfire or Messerschmitt will fit.
VR, Russ

1/48 aircraft for me because of the size - not so big that they take up too much room and not so small that they are too fiddly to build. Also the variety of selection - probably second only to 1/72.
I used to build 1/32 aircraft and the wonderkits by Tamiya in this scale tempt me - particularly the A6M2 type 21 as I am nuts about Japanese aircraft - but there is something to be said about building a collection in one constant scale .
I build the occasional soft skin/ artillery in 1/35 but also like the various 1/48 vehicles to go with the aircraft.

I mostly do 1/72. I like the scale, lots of choice, gives me a consistently scaled collection, still relatively inexpensive and all but the biggest of aircraft take up very little space.
I'll sometimes do 1/48 and 1/32, usually if it's a kit I especially want or an aircraft that's a favourite of mine.