What scales/lines and why? aka just starting out in non 1:18

SuRrEaLNJ · Post by **SuRrEaLNJ** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 1:38 pm

While working on a gi joe custom project i have been doing alot of researching of modern armor. Throughout this process my csope and apreciation of armor have been increased, and ive found myself looking towards other scales and lines.
Ive looked around a bit and i kind of have an idea whats available, as well as sifted through the threads on this 1/2 of the forum lookin for some info.
With that said, what scales and lines do you colect, and why? Whatare the pros and cons of the lines (cost, detail, range of products available, bang for your buck, etc..)
Im open to info here on anything 1:144 - 1:35, and im looking for peoples opinins to help a newbie to non 1:18 sort through the range of companies and products out there.
Thanks in advance.

hworth18 · Post by **hworth18** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 2:03 pm

I don't specifically collect any one scale except in 1/72.. I mostly buy what appeals to me and my only real requirement is that the object not be less than 1/72, but in saying that, it must also be in another standard scale that I already have.. Here is a rundown of what I collect:

1/32:
Corgi WWII Aircraft
Ultimate Soldier WWII Aircraft

1/48:
Armour/Franklin Mint WWII aircraft
Eagles International WWII aircraft

1/72:
Corgi WWII aircraft
Dragon WWII aircraft
IXO WWII aircraft
Witty WWII aircraft
Dragon WWII Armor
Matchbox WWII Armor

Philip · Post by **Philip** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 2:33 pm

There are great models in almost every scale. If space is a problem, stay away from 1/32. I have 3 1/32 models, which are FOV line(Forces of Valor). They are very nice, but take up a good bit of room. They are priced ca. $32.00. The 1/48 and 1/50 scales are anywhere from $20.00 - $50.00 and up, depending on the model; much smaller and also are well made. I prefer the 1/72 and 1/144 line of tanks. The 1/72 Dragon line is very good and not too pricey(ca. $12.00 - $15.00 for most). The 1/144 Dragon line is also excellent. These models are from $4.00 - $8.00, for the most part. You can find them on sale periodically for $2.00(Pete's Collectibles).
Below are listed some websites that can be of help. Also, this forum will help you a great deal. Welcome to the money pit!

1. Mike's Tanks - He has everything, but nothing for sale. Good reference website.
2. Onsite Diecast
3. Pete's Collectibles
4. Stratton's Toys - Flat Shipping Rate
5. The Battle Rhino - Very good prices
6. Voyager Toys
7. The Motor Pool
8. Hobby Bunker
9. Diecast Direct
10. The Flying Mule
11. DJs Toys and Collectibles
12. The Panzer Place - Ebay Store which has good collection of 1/144 tanks other than Dragon - Takara(WTM), Metal Troops Creation(nice, but expensive), etc.
13. Bad Cat Toys
14. The Model Warehouse
15. Past Time Hobbies - pthinc.com
16. Alnavco

This should give you enough to look at! There are even more than these, but this list includes some of the best sites on the web. I'm sure if I've missed one, the Forum will add to it.

hworth18 · Post by **hworth18** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 2:51 pm

Sorry, I guess you wanted an opinion on why I collect these specific scales..
I like the 1/32 stuff because with the size, you get details not found in small scale stuff, like moving dive slats on the Bf-109G..
I like the 1/48 stuff because of the range that is made that hasn't been made in other scales I.E.: P-51 B-C Mustang, Me-262 and it also goes with plastic models I build..

The 1/72 is mainly what I collect because of size constraints and variety of models.. (You can get a whole bunch more 1/72 stuff on a shelf than you can the larger scales)..

Hope this helps..

jrs · Post by **jrs** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 3:42 pm

Me I am 1:32 only.

I guess its because when I was a kid this was the scale of the toys I most loved. So the first time I saw a detailed 1:32 Tiger from 21st I thought just how great that would have been when I was a kid.Thats how it started. Also I like the idea that the scale has so many players. FOV, 21st, Airfix,Marx, etc etc etc. Also the upscale, Britians, Frontline and Conte, ONWTC. Just about every WWII piece I could want can be had in this scale.

hawkonevoodoo · Post by **hawkonevoodoo** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 5:23 pm

I started out by collecting 1/32 FOV (Forces Of Valor) but after 22 models I realizes I was going to run out of display very quickly. I looked around and saw that 1/72 scale was really becoming a scale that is popular with collectors and manufacturers. Only a few years ago this scale wasn't collected much because the quality and detail wheren't available. Also you were limited to the number of companies that make 1/72. Within the last year and a half, more companies have come on line in this scale and the ability for them to make high quality models has greatly improved. The price is reasonable and I can display about 5 or 6 1/72 where I could only display 1 1/32. So add it all up, great quality, great detail, good pricing, great size to display and oh yeah, great variety that just keeps on getting better. I haven't regretted it for a second.
As my name implies, I prefer FOV, their 1/32 where terrific in all aspects. Since this is their first year in the 1/72 scale there is some room for improvement, and they will. FOV prices are the best in this scale and the company really cares about the collector. They monitor this and other forums looking for comments, good or bad. You won't find other companies that are so concerned about the customer. So if you have anything to comment on, just post it on this forum or the other forum that I visit and they will see it. If they don't, I collect them and forward them to the appropriate person at Unimax (FOV Hong Kong).
As for the best prices I deal pretty much with one shop, for FOV and any other lines. http://www.thebattlerhino.com/
Good luck.

KAMIKAZE · Post by **KAMIKAZE** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 6:07 pm

I collect all scales. I like 1/6th and 1/18th
because no one has ever made an affordable toy that size before. I like 1/32nd scale because of the diaramas that can be made and the quality of the tanks and planes have never been better! 1/72nd scale offers war game options and a very reasonable price. Again, there are more choices than ever available in the past. Pick the scale you like best. Watch the forum recons. A lot of us are in the stores every day. (Not me).

Mark

SuRrEaLNJ · Post by **SuRrEaLNJ** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 8:03 am

Thanks For the info guys. That list of links has kept me not working at work for a while

One thing i cant really seem to find info on, or maby im just not lookin in the right place, is how the running gear is on the Dragon models. I read somewhere that the FOV has rubber treads that roll, (correct me if im wrong) but im not sure bout the Dragon series.

easy8 · Post by **easy8** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 9:06 am

Dragon tanks have fixed running gear. I currently don't have any of the FOV tanks, and some say they do turn, although not very easily. For me though, it's not a big deal, I just like 'em to look good on the shelf!

easy8

hworth18 · Post by **hworth18** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 9:11 am

easy8 wrote:Dragon tanks have fixed running gear. I currently don't have any of the FOV tanks, and some say they do turn, although not very easily. For me though, it's not a big deal, I just like 'em to look good on the shelf!

easy8

Easy is right.. The only moveable parts on the Dragon tanks are the turrets and gun traverse... The FOV tank tracks do roll, but it is hard to make them do it.. I will be interested to see if they make them roll on the upcoming TigerI and II..

SuRrEaLNJ · Post by **SuRrEaLNJ** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 10:04 am

Thanks again guys
From all the lookin ive been leanin toward 1/72 because of both space constraints, and dragon has a slection of Leopard IIs available in that scale, which i havent seen in 1/32. Lower cost kinda helps to. I want to try and stick with oe scale as the differences between tanks is more comparable when theyre in scale.