1/32 Lancaster - Do We Really Want It - Or Would Something Else Have Been Better?

[Spitfires Forever]

As has been previously mentioned, the prohibitive factors are obviously the size, then the price, then obviously where to store the beast, especially once it has been finished. For many of us in general, the size is the biggest factor. Most modelers don't build in this scale, at least consistently, and the amount of displacement of previous builds can really limit ones display capability. And while we are on the subject, storage space for the unbuilt kit may be at a premium for many of us. As a 1/48 scale modeler I am tempted to build a 1/32 scale model here and there, and I do have a Revell Spitfire Mk24/22 in the stash. I think the Lanc is a worthy subject and obviously there is a big enough market for 1/32 kits to justify such a kit, but I won't be too interested due to the logistics involved. I think the bottom line, in my humble estimation, is that modelers would buy big kits like this if they are really passionate about a particular aircraft. But since we have so few to choose from, and of course the other factors such as available space and cost play a significant role, the market probably won't have the same following as 1/48 and 1/72. That's my take on it, but I will say this, if they come out with a 1/32 Grumman Goose I will be first in line. Meanwhile, I got a 1/48 Czech Kit Goose collecting dust, and if I build that before I die that will truly be an accomplishment!

Cheers

[Brent]

There's even been a 1/24 vacform Lancaster, hasn't there?

Yep, Heritage Aviation. I just ordered their Supermarine 224. They mentioned that the 1/24 Lanc might be released in the near future. I dunno if I'll plonk down the cash for one of these are just get a laser cut R/C model to hang from the office ceiling.

I have been spreading a rumor that Peter Jackson's Wingnut Wings company is releasing the 1/32 Lanc in conjunction with his Dambusters movie. Hopefully truth will come from fiction. If PJ did a Lanc that is as nice as the other WNW kits it would be totally beautiful.

I don't have an issue with the price. Is it more than four times the model than other 1/32 planes? I see $75 - $100 price tags on single engine models all the time. How much is a 1/32 F-105 or A-10? The Lanc is a lot larger. Therefore more hours of modeling pleasure. So, the cost equals out.

Also, I bet modelers thought the 1/24 Stuka was crazy when it came out (back in the day). I notice it is still for sale. People still buy 'em. I see them built up at shows too.

To each their own.

Good discussion.

ß!

Edited March 10, 2013 by Brent

[JBOHMSS]

Personally I want a 1/32 Lanc...don't know where I will put it or if I'll make it but yes I want one. I have deferred on the B17 because of the announcement of the Lanc.

However I'd like a 1/48 Halifax to go with the Tamiya Lanc, I also want a 1/48 Vulcan.

And I would like a 1/24 Corsair, 1/24 Beaufighter, 1/24 Typhoon or Tempest.

Whether I will have my wishes granted we cannot say...but who would have thought that 1/32 Heavy Bombers would be released in such scales?

[tonyot]

Personally I think that it is too big and in my case totally unaffordable,...but hey,.....whatever floats your boat! If you live in a mansion and have money to burn then this is the model for you, or you can save up like mad and then display it in pride of place in its own room and tip toe around it to get past!

Cheers

Tony O

[brewerjerry]

Hi

Well I looked back and thought of other models over the years I wished I had bought, but thought at the time they were to expensive, they are more expensive snd rarer now.

So I pre ordered my lanc about a week ago.

I think probably,it will be built wheels up, for wall mounting in a framed box, with a mirror as a backing piece.

cheers

Jerry

[pigsty]

A thought on size ...

It's not all that big - 3'2¼" span, about the same as the 1/72 B-36¹. So while it's big, it's not unprecedented, and the world has already had ample opportunity to fit its head round the dimensions in question. And, like the B-36, it may be possible to build it with the wings separate and slip them on and off for display purposes. I'd certainly be more inclined to do that than have one or both wingtips hanging over the edge, waiting to snag something.

¹Blimey!

[Radleigh]

I would love the 1/32nd scale B-17 & Lancaster, and I will no doubt by them in time. But until I have my own house with a converted loft/man cave they won't get built.

Having no space is a killer for me, it's pretty much stopped my modelling plus what little spare time I have too....

[Work In Progress]

Slightly off topic but possibly of interest to some on this thread, as it's a huge 1/32 bomber. The 1/32 He-111 is 50% off at Wonderland, which I think probably reflects the fate of a lot of this very large kits. Massively cheap for what you get at £29.99

http://www.wonderlandmodels.com/products/revell-132-heinkel-he-111p/

[Paramedic]

Phrase removed

Just kidding of course.

I like having the option on the market of course! But sadly do not have either the funds, currently, nor the place - or time & skill to build it.. And basically I agree that a Halifax and Stirling i 1/48 to go with the Lancaster would have been "better" before a big Lanc..

[brewerjerry]

Slightly off topic but possibly of interest to some on this thread, as it's a huge 1/32 bomber. The 1/32 He-111 is 50% off at Wonderland, which I think probably reflects the fate of a lot of this very large kits. Massively cheap for what you get at £29.99

http://www.wonderlandmodels.com/products/revell-132-heinkel-he-111p/

Hi

only prob's is the shipping

I have to wait for the larger kits to cross the pond

just waiting for the A-4 now

jerry

[MilneBay]

I have a spot reserved for a 1/24 Lancaster

[grahamf]

Thinking about this aircraft at this scale and the fact that there was a lot of bad publicity surrounding the guy who helped do all the design work and who was pushed out once they started to get orders, I wonder if they might have overcooked this time? I have no idea how much of a risk they have taken to produce this but I believe what goes around comes around and maybe treating people badly might just bite them back.

[PhoenixII]

Thinking about this aircraft at this scale and the fact that there was a lot of bad publicity surrounding the guy who helped do all the design work and who was pushed out once they started to get orders, I wonder if they might have overcooked this time? I have no idea how much of a risk they have taken to produce this but I believe what goes around comes around and maybe treating people badly might just bite them back.

Read a lot about this in the early days after 'the split'. Have also read the 'other side' of the story.

EVERYBODY will slant a story to what suits them / makes them look good / not the 'bad 'un'.

Read / view everything as there are 3 sides to the story, the 2 opposing views and somewhere in the middle lies the truth.

As for a 32nd Lanc? NA! to big for our teeny, tiny U.K. homes, even the Americans are building on smaller plots, their down to a quarter acre!

Just think of the amount of plastic that could be used elsewhere, like 'em or hate 'em, there are more than a few good ideas in this thread,

though I don't think MilneBay idea for a 24th Lanc will 'fly'.

Mind you, he could LIVE in it, AFTER the wife gives him 'marching orders'!

Paul

[richdlc]

my dad's built a 1/32 Lanc from the magazine part-works series that came out a couple of years ago - it's certainly impressive in size, and the scope for detailing is obviously there.

My only concern with HK releasing the Lanc is the accuracy of the kit - there are a whole wealth of glaring errors with the HK B-17. However it is the only 1/32 B-17 kit in town apart from the vacforms (and I should know having just completed an 18 month scratchbuild of the latter). Providing that HK does the proper research, the Lanc could be a big hit.

My other concern is price - IMO the B-17 is hugely overpriced. Not many people will be willing to pay the retail price, and I fear the Lanc would be the same.

I hope to have a chat with Neil Yan of HK at Telford in a couple of weeks, so I will put all these points across to him & see what he says.

I think it would be more feasible to test the water with some new twin engined bombers first - a Mosquito range, B-26 etc....

[Paramedic]

It would make sense to bring out a couple of those in 1/32 - especially a nice Mosquito! Could have been a good way to bring us slower and slower towards the dark side of bigger aircraft in 1/32..

[brewerjerry]

Hi

there was a rumour someone else is doing a mossie, and oddly enough there have been a lot of revell mossies for sale on e bay recently, I wonder if the dealers are off loading them while they can.

cheers

Jerry

[Iain Ogilvie]

In answer to original question - yes - some of us most certainly do!!

Iain

[JohnT]

In answer to original question - yes - some of us most certainly do!!

Iain

Me included Iain

Its just way back after running around the room shouting "Yes, Yes, Yes" in the best "When Harry met Sally" (or did she meet him?) tradition I did get to thinking - what if anyone was so cruel as to offer either a 1/32 Lanc - or alternatively both a 1/48 Halifax and Stirling - and no you can't have all three. I confess I think I'd rather have all three RAF heavies in 1/48. Then when I had them I'd still want the 1/32 Lanc of course

PS a kind gentleman who I am sure is "in the know" has told me to stop trying to buy Paragon 1/32 AM for the Mossie at inflated prices and be patient - and that is all I know chaps

[Paramedic]

Yes? Not even a clue which manufacter? Could be important..

[JohnT]

Yes? Not even a clue which manufacter? Could be important..

Not confirmed but my guess would be HK Models - its only a guess though.

Until rumours are confirmed my ones are staying in the stash along with their paragon bits

[Graham]

Hi Rich, can you also put it to him that with the Lanc I don't there is a need for a fully detailed interior as the front section is really all you can see and this might help keep the price down.

Graham

[MilneBay]

I don't think MilneBay idea for a 24th Lanc will 'fly'.

Paul

Aaaaahhhh yes but one can dream

[Radleigh]

new twin engined bombers first - B-26 etc....

This, I would LOVE a B-26 Marauder in 1/32nd, it's one, if not my all time favourite twin engined aircraft very closey followed by the A-26 Invader...

The Lanc would be nice as I said but would never get built by me until I have more space.

[Iain Ogilvie]

MilneBay,

There was the Heritage one...

IIRC Radleigh the Marauder and Invader were on the original Wingscale list - so you never know...

An Invader would make my decade!

Iain

[tomprobert]

I think a 1/32nd B-24D, closely followed by a B-24H/J/L/M would go down rather nicely following the Lancaster.

Hotly persued by 1/32nd scale Stirling and Halifax if course...