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Forums - Modelling / Kits |
The kits forum is for the discussion of model kits. Typically questions on availability or certain subjects and quality of existing kits are posted here. Short reviews are good here too. |
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| Subject: | Re: 1/72 becoming more popular?? |  |
| Date: | Mar 25, 2005 |
| From: | Doug Chaltry | |
Peter,
You are absolutely correct that there has been a huge rise in popularity in 1/72nd over the past several years. There are several manufacturers of plastic kits who are producing models that rival 1/35th scale kits in detail and selection, such as Revell, Mirage, Unimodel, PST, Dragon and Roden. The resin companies are too many to name here, but I wager that the sheer number of them may even exceed the number of resin companies making items in the larger scale.
Aftermarket items are thriving. Several companies make extensive lines of etched brass details; turned metal gun barrels are becoming more popular; aftermarket decals are rising in popularity, though I would like to see this expanded even more; and resin conversion and detail sets are piling up high and fast on my shelves.
I have a website devoted to 1/72nd scale AFV modeling called On The Way!, which can be found here:
http://www.ontheway.us/
You'll be amazed at the number and variety of products that are available in this scale. Just follow the link to Kit Lists and Previews to see the massive number of manufacturers making models and accessosories in 1/72nd.
As for the reason why this smaller scale is becoming more popular, I think it has more to do with the less space taken up by the kits and accessories, than the price. I've noticed that most modelers I know are going to spend the same amount of money each year on their hobby, no matter what that hobby is. Rather than spending $35 on a single 1/35th scale project, we simply spend $35 on two or maybe three 1/72nd scale projects instead. Basically you get more for your money, but you still spend the same amount :-)
Generally speaking, a small scale project can likely be completed in less time than a large scale one, though this is highly variable depending on the level of effort you want to put into it. I know of people who spend several months on a single project, and others who can complete one in a single weekend. Just like in 1/35th scale.
One of the most common remarks I hear from 1/35th builders who recently become aware of 1/72nd is "I had no idea of the high quality that's now available." It seems that many modelers may have dabbled in small scale as a child with the old Airfix or Hasegawa kits, and the poor quality of those old models has closed their eyes to the potential of this scale. Despite how many people claim that Airfix is responsible for introducing the world to small scale tanks, I also think they are responsible for holding back the growth of this scale, simply because adult modelers don't want to build cheap toys.
Take a look at my site, and see how far small scale has come since the 1970s.
-Doug |
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