Small Scale Military Headquarters

Hey guys, long time lurker, new member.

I expect to be receiving two 1/18 Corsairs soon, White 82, USS Block Island, which I am keeping stock, and White 22, USMC, which will be detailed and repainted. I own the Me 262B night fighter Red 10. I am looking for a P-47 and Spitfire.

After 30 years in 1/48, I've leapfrogged two whole scales and have comfortably landed in 1/18 pre-built land.

As I explained to a fellow collector, at 1/18 these planes are like vintage cars. You keep them in the garage and work on them as you can. You wheel them out and open everything up and enjoy it. They Are Events. And the kids say wow because the size is mind blowing. Plus I’m 45 now and 1/18 gives me a lot of elbow room to work. When I was superdetailing a Franklin Mint 1/48 Hellcat engine, I realized the work I was doing, and wanted to do, was betrayed by the scale. Just too tiny for the fittings and wiring. That completed engine had over 200 pieces! I needed a magnifying stand and three lights to work.

When I was 12, even when I was 21, 1/48 was my only game. Now that I'm 45, I think it’s natural to go larger, with fewer planes.

The huge problem with 1/18 (pun intended) is you are on an island with no spare parts, no aftermarket parts, no decals, and no new releases. This is something that's hard to get used to. I am accustomed to buying this and that from Squadron and other retailers.

I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts and look forward to participating.

Thanks for the 1/18 forum!

Ara

Welcome aboard. It would be nice to have some new items coming out often (this year the Pegasus Bell X-1 is the only new thing out). But, lately there has been a tremendous upstart of individuals who are providing ways for us to customize what we already have. From decals, to acrylic stands, to actual aftermarket parts for add/on or customization. Some are even doing repaints as a service for those that don't have the time or skills.
I think the fact that it is harder to upgrade/customize or get new items makes this scale much more satisfying when you finally do find something you are looking for or customize something yourself. The large pieces do make for mouthdropping displays and inspire an "awe" that can't be touched by other scales.

Welcome to the forum, and the 1/18 world, Ara1

Sounds like you have some great skills. You can do a lot with 1/18 scale, as it is big, and really lends itself to customs. You can make these into really great models, with a huge wow factor. Well maybe you can, I can't.

Looking forward to your posts, and some pics of your customs.

BTW, the Corsairs are pretty nice to begin with.

Welcome aboard and make yourself comfortable while we wait for the next release to materialize in a couple years time.

It appears that you like super-detailing your AC, so 1/18 should be a natural choice for you. There was a Greek guy on the customs forum awhile back who was completely remodelling his BBI F-16 from the ground up into a real museum quality piece.

As to the so-called "wow factor" in 1/18 scale military models, the only WOW that I've heard lately was in connection to the price, not the size, of the models.

Unfortunately, the actual "wow factor" applies to price rather than size nowadays.

Thanks for the welcome, guys. Snake, nice seeing you on this forum, too.

Unfortunately, one of my Corsair orders got cancelled, no stock, and the other is from an iffy online dealer who has yet to ship the order.

So I'm waiting. If the remaining deal falls through, I'm moving forward with a Model 21 Zero and a Corsair from a dealer who I know, but is charging a higher price.

Oh well, that's what happens when you're late to the game.

Here's how it looks.

You might want to check Aiken's airplanes. They have the BBI Marines and Daisy June in stock for $59 and $69 respectively which is still a pretty good price for these.
http://www.aikensairplanes.com/bluebox.htm
Good luck.

^^^ Thanks! Will do.