Thinking of moving up a scale

[Jazzy Jase]

I'm thinking of changing scale from 1/72 to 1/48. My wife would describe me as a perfectionist and I would have to agree. The trouble is I don't have the modelling ability or eyesight to do all the tiny detail I want to in 1/72, which results in me getting frustrated and loosing interest in my modelling. It was my wife who suggested I scale-up as everything is that much bigger I should be able to more easily achieve the results I want.

What do the BM massive think? Is this a sensible plan or am I barking up the wrong tree?

EDIT: Forgot to say that I'm only interested in WW2 aircraft so in 1/72 all the fighters are pretty small and with things like mottling and weathering I struggle to get decent results.

Edited December 26, 2009 by Jazzy Jase

[The Velociweiler]

If you want an opinion, if 1\72 isn't doing it for you now, due to your eyesight among other things, I think you'd probably be storing up a similar situation for the future. If you're saying goodbye to one particular scale, I'd lose the notion of dedication to one particular scale as a matter of dogma. If you're intent on that degree of work and detail, I'd skip 1\48 as a collection and start looking at 1\32 or larger for a smaller number of in-depth projects, especially for the modestly-sized subjects, and if you want to do a multi-engine, look at 1\48 for them.

[Tedfellows]

I'd go for 1/48th as its a great scale to work with, then like me go for 1/32nd as the results are stupendous!

Adam

[Jazzy Jase]

Thanks Velociweiler, I have thought about 1/32 (and I've ordered the new Tamiya Spitfire as it just looks sooo good) but there doesn't seem to be such an extensive range of kits in 1/32 as 1/48.

Don't get me wrong, my eyesight isn't terrible (I'm 29) but I end up trying to replicate the sort of effects that people like Spence do in larger scales, but I try to do it in 1/72 and I can't do it!

[little-cars]

I has the reverse problem when I re-started modelling. Started buying 1/12th, 20, 24th car kits.

Found I'd dome them all before, then found 1/43rd.

This sort of scale is small enough that the whole house isn't taked up with models and big enough to superdetail if you want to.

Plenty of kits available in 1/48th, although the cost per kit is more...

[popeye]

Don't get me wrong, my eyesight isn't terrible (I'm 29) but I end up trying to replicate the sort of effects that people like Spence do in larger scales, but I try to do it in 1/72 and I can't do it!

JJ - if you have to ask, you are not sure and better leave it as is

Seriously - judging only from your Tamiya Mossie FBVI i'd say you are doing swell in 72nd scale. And if you want to realise more detail you might consider upscale.

But you'll run into the same problem again - bigger scale, more detail, more effort - same problem again.

Just depends if you want more models or more detail.

I am 67, dyed in the wool 72nd fan and was tempted often - but I rather have another acceptably looking model or two in my collection than having to start using all that PE & Resin gizmo to make a single model look a little bit more detailed ....

Just my two pennies, Rolf

[dahut]

I'm thinking of changing scale from 1/72 to 1/48. My wife would describe me as a perfectionist and I would have to agree. The trouble is I don't have the modelling ability or eyesight to do all the tiny detail I want to in 1/72, which results in me getting frustrated and loosing interest in my modelling. It was my wife who suggested I scale-up as everything is that much bigger I should be able to more easily achieve the results I want.

What do the BM massive think? Is this a sensible plan or am I barking up the wrong tree?

EDIT: Forgot to say that I'm only interested in WW2 aircraft so in 1/72 all the fighters are pretty small and with things like mottling and weathering I struggle to get decent results.

Id say its a good move - one I made some time ago. I pretty much only get fighters and the small aircraft of that period in 1/48. I will get a multi-engine heavy in 1/72, simply because the overall size makes it easier to deal with.

Something you may wish to consider, if you already haven't, is a lighted magnifier and magnifying headband. These make a difference.

[TonyT]

I had been pondering between what I want to settle down at doing, after doing the Spitfire X1X in 1/72 I realised I have fingers like pigs t*ts and as with you I decided I would struggle to detail or get anywhere near what I would like in that scale, I bought an etch kit for the 1/72 Spit cockpit and gave up on fitting it..... The likes of yourself and Daz who work in this scale have my admiration... I have sort of settled with the 1/35th / 1/32th scale as a basis as there seems to be a glut of add ons in this scalen that are easier to handle and can enhance a model....... figures wise though, I fancy something bigger though

Edited December 26, 2009 by TonyT

[daz greenwood]

And I wish I could hand brush as well as Tony ot does on his in 1/32nd.

[~Dan~]

I have always thought that if I want to pack this much detail into a 1/72... how would I wnat to fit into larger scale? I'd never finish anything.

[hacker]

As for me l was thinking going back down to 1/48 helicopters and to 1/72 to start new collection (lost all mine two years ago ) we will see

[Jazzy Jase]

Thanks for all the responses, I still don't know what I WANT to do so is what I am GOING to do is build the 1/32 Tamiya Spitfire and also a 1/48 Tamiya Gloster Meteor.

After building those I'm sure I will know if I ever want to go back to 1/72.

I'm gonna sell a few of the 1/72 kits that I know I will never build too.

Edited December 27, 2009 by Jazzy Jase

[dahut]

Thanks for all the responses, I still don't know what I WANT to do so is what I am GOING to do is build the 1/32 Tamiya Spitfire and also a 1/48 Tamiya Gloster Meteor.

After building those I'm sure I will know if I ever want to go back to 1/72.

I'm gonna sell a few of the 1/72 kits that I know I will never build too.

One further thing, if I may. Depending on your tastes, you may be FORCED to build in 1/72, as that may be the only scale a subject can be had in. I've always liked the Heinkel He-70, for example, but to this date there is only one readily available- the old Matchbox/Revell re-issue. In 1/72.

There has been a vacuform and maybe something in resin , but those are in the realm of the esoteric and generally unavailable. Ditto the Do-28, among others.

So, dont be too quick to condemn Gods Own Scale. Either because of space allowance or availability, you may have to revisit it from time to time.

[Jazzy Jase]

One further thing, if I may. Depending on your tastes, you may be FORCED to build in 1/72, as that may be the only scale a subject can be had in. I've always liked the Heinkel He-70, for example, but to this date there is only one readily available- the old Matchbox/Revell re-issue. In 1/72.

There has been a vacuform and maybe something in resin , but those are in the realm of the esoteric and generally unavailable. Ditto the Do-28, among others.

So, dont be too quick to condemn Gods Own Scale. Either because of space allowance or availability, you may have to revisit it from time to time.

I hear what you're saying but I've also had that problem with 1/72. My interest is WW2 aircraft, but I'm happy to build the more well-known types. I can get a 1/48 Lancaster and I'm not really bothered about anything else of the same size. But I've been hankering after a decent BF110 and Meteor F1 or F3 for ages. These don't really exist in 1/72 but my first 1/48 kit will be one of the Tamiya Meteors and then I'll do an Eduard BF110.

I'm going to give 1/48 and 1/32 a chance and see where I want to go from there.

[Siggi]

Go to Boots and get a pair of their good-quality magnifying spectacles. I wouldn't be able to model anything without mine.