MORE PROLIFIC 1:16 or 1:18 ?

[plasticgeneral]

Hey guys, I'm strictly a 1:32 & 1:35 WWII collector.
BUT, if I was to start collecting one of the LARGER scales,
which of the two would be the most prolific in WWII and have the brighter future on it's horizon? 1:16 or 1:18 ??
I know we are all loyal to our scale, but I would really like an unbiased answer.

The Plastic General

[Jesse James]

1:16/1:18 mesh slightly...

Figures especially. Arguably to some, support items look good with 1:16 armor. I'm growing to dislike that more as time goes on though, than I used to, but all the 1:18 figs I have look great with the 1:16 armor.

Now, to to the point, I'd say there's NO future, outside of figures (and that's a very faint glow), for 1:18. 1:16 has new RC tanks rolling out, and model kits...

Take that as you will.

1:18 has Our War, maybe some passable PTE, and garage kits which often build off of existing 1:18 which is great but limited, expensive, and requires you to be a decent modeler yourself (not knocking it, some of that stuff's insanely great, from the bicycle or MG tri-pod to the armored car and M10 kit).

I really lean to 1:16 being where it is, at this point. I honestly wish it were 1:18 because I have a VERY complete set of land stuff and would love to add to that every year... Artillery, figures, tanks, APC's... Hell, boxes, different weapons, whatever. I'd just love to add to the 1:18 I have, but 1:16 has been all I have had and new stuff rolls out of there yearly it seems.

[Threetoughtrucks]

which of the two would be the most prolific in WWII and have the brighter future on it's horizon? 1:16 or 1:18 ??

1/16 without a doubt. I'm sorry to say, 1/18 has become a niche for collectors. Except for a few 1/16, my collection is 1/18 and 1/6 (where the future lies).

1/16 today is still where 1/18 started, toyish, lacking in super detail and the almost all 1/16 lack any articulation. 1/6 gets better every day with the 1/6 figs looking more like actual little men, some today are freaky they are so lifelike.

TTT

[Jnewboy]

First and foremost you must decide if you want toys or models. Both scales come from the factory like toys with the exception of FOV 1/16 stuff. If you are use to 1/35 with model quality finishes you will be disappointed by both unless you are like me and plan to redo everything then it comes down to how large of a collection you want. If you want a vast collection of armor and don't mind paying $100+ at the cheapest then 1/16 is your cup of tea whereas if you only want a few tanks and have a smaller budget then 1/18 is best. TTT mentioned 1/6. 99% of 1/6 collectors only collect figures and some small vehicles. It is practically impossible to have a serious armor collection in that scale (most dont have room for more than one tank) but it would make for a great Battle of the Bulge winter display for the front yard this time of year

[rschaap]

I believe 1:18 scale is more prolific. I collect mainly 1:18 scale U.S. armor, aircraft and figures due to lack of space (as seen in the pictures). I know that 1:18 has slowed to a trickle, however on the bright side it allows me time to play catch-up with some of my conversions from Pickle and others. I enjoy this website because of the information and suggestions members provide to help further this passion. My biggest battles are time and space. I do have some 1:16 vehicles mixed in with my armor but I still prefer 1:18 scale.

[plasticgeneral]

I would happily buy pre-built toys and I would be more that happy to expand my collection by building a kits.

The Plastic General

[tmanthegreat]

1:18 had its day, but really is (and always was) a niche area. It does have a ton of variety in both aircraft and armor, but really since 2008 has been in mostly a stagnate state of existence. Our only hope for that scale are continued aircraft repaints that cost quite a bit more than they used to along with a few figures. Armor is pretty much dead apart from the kits Picklehaube and Grunt1 make.

What TTT said about 1:6 scale is spot on. That scale has really been around for quite a while (if one considers the fact that the original GI Joe line from the 1960s was 1:6 scale). Figures and vehicles are getting more and more realistic. 10 years ago, the 21c 1:6 scale M-5 Stuart tank was cutting edge in terms of size and function - now we have a mass produced 1:6 Sherman and specialty companies making the really large German heavy tanks.

1:16 has been around for quite a while with all sorts of model kits being made in that scale. The various Chinese companies that have been producing the R/C 1:16 vehicles as of late started out with toyish vehicles, but they are improving. The details on my Heng Long tanks are comparable to 21c 1:18 vehicles, save that the paint is a little off... There are other companies (Trumpeter for one) that make fantastically-detailed 1:16 tank kits - never mind the Unimax diecast 1:16 Sherman, Tiger I and King Tiger that are practically works of art.

And if you are willing to go tiny, 1:35, 1:72, 1:144 and 1:32 (to a lesser extent) are in a golden age for the time being.

[plasticgeneral]

I know about 1:6 scale, but there would be no tanks or aircraft.
I was simply asking about 1:16 or 1:18.
WHO IS THE REAL CHAMP? NOW and off into the future?

Plastic General

[pickelhaube]

I know about 1:6 scale, but there would be no tanks or aircraft.
I was simply asking about 1:16 or 1:18.
WHO IS THE REAL CHAMP? NOW and off into the future?

Plastic General

There is not a hands down winner.

1/16 scale on a whole is a modelers choice of scale. Designed and built for accuracy. The kits or models generally sell for $80-$200 .

1/18 scale was designed to go with 1/18 figures . They generally lack detail and are sold basicly as toys . They generally sold at $29.95 and $39.94 originally .

Quite a few years have passed since 1/18 has been on the market . Since then a couple of other makers have come in and made 1/18th scale but by now have all but stopped producing the scale . But a few cottage industries have tried to keep up with demand but are strugaling in todays economy market.

1/16 on the other hand gained in production with kits and built pieces doubling or tripling offerings in this scale.

One thing that 1/18 scale has going for is aircraft . There are many to chose from along with several helos. 1/18 is top in that market . There are a few 1/16 out there but it is like finding hens teeth.

So in a nut shell. 1/18 is in a holding pattern now and 1/16th scale gains a new subject almost every 6 months.

Unless some company comes around and starts producing more 1/18th armor , 1/16 scale IS THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE.

My 2 cents worth.

[pickelhaube]

The dreaded DP.

[plasticgeneral]

THANK YOU Capt. Pickelhaube. THAT was the answer I was looking for.
I collect 1:32 & 1:35 together and in these closely rivaled scales,
1:35 is dominated by ARMOR and VEHICLE kits, while 1:32 is dominated by toy soldiers and aircraft.

If I was to go BIG 1:16 is the scale for me.

Plastic General

[c119box]

Thanks rschaap for the pics of your 1:18 collection. How wonderful and a real investment. I agree, 1:18 is hard to beat if you already have lots of stuff.