1/32 vs 1/18

pickelhaube · Post by **pickelhaube** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 6:12 pm

Ok Guys,
I do have a few 1/32 scale stuff. I know 21st even has a web page on 1/32 scale and smaller on this forum. It is safe to say that I have only checked it out 3 times! There are sooooo many mores subjects in 1/32 scale than 1/18 scale. ! 1/32 scale does not really interest me. It would be so cool if 21st made all of there 1/32 scale into 1/18 scale. Alright collectors time to anti-up. WHO ARE 1/32 SCALE FANS AND WHO ARE 1/18 SCALE FANS ? If you had to make a choice wich one will it be? I guess I should post this on the 1/32 forum as well to make it fair but that is life.

VMF115 · Post by **VMF115** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 6:34 pm

The only way I would go 1/32 scale is if they looked like this.

http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/F ... fea987.htm

http://modelclub.gr/joomla/index.php?op ... &Itemid=39

http://picasaweb.google.com/akhalif68/A ... 1276098050

http://www.markwaki.com/pages/Focke%20W ... 0page1.htm

normandy · Post by **normandy** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 6:40 pm

I'm going with 1:18th! I've been building models longer then some members are old. Over the years I have worked in many scales 1:72nd, 48th, 35th, 32nd but when I found 1:16 - 1:18th that was it. Tamiya armor and Verlinden Figures theres nothing like it, big bucks but very cool...... lots of detail. Then one day at a TRU I saw my first 1:18th Panther and P-51 Mustang and thats where I'm at!
I'm not knocking 1:35th or 1:32nd,I just like the larger scale and NO I'll never run out of space for it. I still enjoy the smaller scales.......... on the 4th of July.

USCGSARdog · Post by **USCGSARdog** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 7:09 pm

I am a 1/18 scale fan. I do have some 1/48 scale models (I used to build these exclusively) of some subjects I know I'll never see in 1/18, but nothing compares to the WOW-factor of 1/18 scale models.

1/32 is great, if only for the variety of subjects available in this scale. Unfortunately, I haven't been overly enthused with the fit and finish of the 32X stuff.

So, my vote is for 1/18 scale........ nothing more, nothing less.

-Rob

tosborne3 · Post by **tosborne3** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 7:18 pm

1:18, Because I like the idea of "action figures". The problem I have with 32x is that you can't pose them. If they had articulation I'd collect them as well. I like playing with my toys as well as posing them.

Coreyeagle48 · Post by **Coreyeagle48** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 7:45 pm

Greetings:

I agree with many of the sentiments on here.

For the World War I aircraft in my collection, I chose to collect bigger models just because of the wow factor as many of you stated. I also feel they are easier to keep clean and not break (I broke many of my smaller models just because they are so delicate). With my World War I aircraft, I also like the wood frame construction that really makes them look authentic. Details like that are hard to do in a smaller scale. Wooden props and frames, spoke wheels and metal accents make them great. (For photos of these planes in case no one knows what I am talking about, see my post for my collection in the 1/32 scale forum).

For the World War II stuff, I stick with the 1/32 scale. It offers more variety and allows for bigger subjects plus the planes are so nice. I very seldom build anything anymore because of the cost (the cost to build my B-25 was insane) and because the models by 21st and BBI are so great. Honestly, I could not build a Phantom as good as BBI did theirs. I will gladly purchase one for the price it was sold for simply for the ease of collecting. I don't have to spend hours of time doing it, which I don't have a lot of time of as a teacher to begin with. For the price, all the companies do a terrific job on their products. Some are better than others, but that's what everyone is here for.

Very recently I began getting back into the 1/18 stuff again after an absence. I bought the first two models way back when and was disappointed when my Lou IV P-51 broke after only a few months of owning it. However, I feel the latest models are much better and haven't had a bad example. The Canadian CF-104 is excellent, and the Spitfire a board member also sent me is well done as well. I recently purchased a P-51 for the great deal on target.com. Because of my space, I can't collect everyone, but I will buy ones I like and try to get at least one example of each. I won't collect the bombers because of size (Avenger is just too big) but some of the World War II heavy hitter fighters I will get. It is amazing to me how many planes are readily available on ebay still. Pretty cool as it allows people to catch back up in their collections.

I tend to stay away from 1/48, 1/72 and 1/100 because there is so much to collect and if I did those scales my wallet would destroy itself. LOL

So honestly, I collect a little of everything and anything. To me, the quality, price and detail combined with a unique piece is what makes me buy it in the end.

Corey

1958Zelda · Post by **1958Zelda** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 8:07 pm

I like and collect all scales,but if I had to pick one it would be 1/18.

Quixote511 · Post by **Quixote511** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 8:49 pm

I like both scales for planes, but only XD for figs and armor.

gary1930 · Post by **gary1930** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 9:03 pm

Hell, I have everything from HO to 1/6th.
Currently I'm on a 1/32nd kick, mainly because of the variety available, and the fact that you can supplement the ready-made stuff with models.

Post by **aferguson** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 9:19 pm

The only way i'd go with 1/32 is if they were about twice the size.

immeww2 · Post by **immeww2** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 9:22 pm

For me it's 1/18 all the way!!!!

Sabrefan · Post by **Sabrefan** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 9:25 pm

I use to only collect 1/18th scale stuff, but lately I have really been in 1/32nd. The quality and detail of planes like the BBI F-4J, and the new 21st Century FW-190F are every bit as nice as any 1/18th scale model. Plus, I can put more of them on my shelves, and the biggest bonus of all...........they are less expensive.

RA5BS · Post by **RA5BS** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 9:49 pm

I have a limited number of 1/6 items- the newer 21C weapons sets for example. And I have a large selection of 1/18 planes, vehicles and figs. But awhile back I began picking up the occasional 1/32 offering which struck my fancy until lately when that practice has simply mushroomed due to the plethora of interesting goodies that has been made available. The newest offerings from 21C in 1/32 are quite nice: the Corsair ( better than its XD counterpart by far), the Bf109, the B/C Mustangs, the Opal trucks, the Long Tom and the 8-inch howitzer, both Marders (III and IIIM), the Hetzer. Great stuff. Even the latest 21C 1/32 figures are vast improvements on the originals. Got some of them too.
So for the moment, I am comfortable piling up both scales- until the room in the basement where I stick everything becomes impossible to get into.

KAMIKAZE · Post by **KAMIKAZE** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 9:58 pm

If I could only have one scale it would be 1/18th scale. 1/32 is so close to 1/35th scale that I could get a far better selection building models. I like the size and OMG

factor that 1/18th has on people that see my collection.

Mark

STUKA · Post by **STUKA** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 10:09 pm

I'm 99.9999 1:18 - but the Marder and 38T sucked me in....
I traded off all my 1:32 last year and now sort of wish I at least kept my PZ III....
what also sucks is finding on the 1:32 model kits chaffee, 88 atc for $5-7 dollars at WM - -I don't want them - but then I do....what is wrong with me....

olifant · Post by **olifant** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 11:54 pm

I collect both but am a rare bird on this forum; I moved from 1/32 to 1/18 last year. I began with 1/72 AC but this scale is so darn toy-like.

1/32 made much more sense due to cost and space, plus they were easier to hide from my wife. How in the heck do you hide a 1/18 P-38? Last year though I picked up some 1/18 aircraft at great prices with WM clearance and Target BBI. The bug really bit me and I have gone on a great 1/18 binge. I now have 19 AC/Helos, 18 AFVs and about 50 figures.

The WOW factor and the recent figure releases had me wondering if I was buying 1/32 because of habit or because I really still liked it. Somehow my fifteenth 21C Sherman that I bought because of a bulldozer blade doesn't compare to my new 1/18 Hornet! I found myself wondering "why pay $50 for a FOV tank when I could get a 1/18 AC?

Luckily the new 1/32 Mustangs, FWs, Phantom and Pz38t chassis releases have brougth back the joy of 1/32. Also, I am not much of a modeler but I feel better about potentially ruining one of my many $15 Shermans than I do messing with a $60 1/18 piece.

So to sum this up: if 1/18 releases followed the detail of the new Hellcat and the frequency of 1/32 releases that is where my money would go. But since we appear to be getting only a couple-three 1/18 items each year that leaves me with plenty of toy $$$s left and too many dry spells without getting my fix, 1/32 will continue to get my attention.

And lets face it, 1/18 will never see the diversity of subjects the smaller scales do. I have thought about picking up the new 1/72 IXO models because they are not available in any other scale. Luckily all my money and effort have been spent on picking up the 1/18 I missed over the years!

HardenSteel · Post by **HardenSteel** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 12:27 am

I have to agree with kamikaze. 1/32 is too close to 1/35. The detail is just so much better in 1/35, not to mention the variety, and you can build it.

However,1/18 scale rules. Wow factor is a major part. Keep it growing and expanding. I am getting the B-35, the Dauntless, the F 4, the Mig 21, the King Tiger II, the 88 .... crap, there goes the wallet!

1/16 is really too expensive. One of our modellers spent over $3400.00 on his Tamiya 1/16 Tiger ! when they first came out, including all the extra detail kits. He did it up brilliantly.

It is amazing.

However, it cost him his marriage. Not to mention, you can buy a pretty darn good 1/1 auto for that kind of money.

1/18 scales rules!

I'm thinking some British tanks & crew would look pretty good right now. Same with a late model Spitfire and a Tempest or Typhoon.

Now, I'm still waiting for a 1/18 AV-8b Harrier!

HD

holensock · Post by **holensock** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 6:17 am

tosborne3 wrote:1:18, Because I like the idea of "action figures". The problem I have with 32x is that you can't pose them. If they had articulation I'd collect them as well. I like playing with my toys as well as posing them.

You got this right! I like a lot of tank riders, or infantry troops, etc. With 32 you may get ONE soldier just walking-but most are all squating and shooting or standing and shooting-ya gotta buy alot of packages just to get a few 'walking' soldiers...
I'd even give 32 a second look if the figures had some 'limited' articulation like moving their legs to make 'em sit, walk, run, arms that could hold a weapon and move up or down...til then...
It's also 1:18 for me too!

Light.Inf.Scout · Post by **Light.Inf.Scout** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 7:10 am

I like both but for price and variety and space 1/32 will win out. Now is the best time to collect 1/32 with all the new awesome vehicles being released!

thetatau87 · Post by **thetatau87** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 8:14 am

Up to recently I've collected 1:18 planes only, but I bought the 1:32 F-4J and I'm hooked. For large planes like this the only way to make it practical is a smaller scale like 1:32. The manufactures are very reluctant to make big planes in 1:18 because of the cost of the molds is so high. The high retail price drives down the number that can be sold and reduces the opportunity to recoup tooling investment. Also the sheer size prohibits economical shipping and display/storage.

I will continue to collect 1:18, but mostly the single engine planes that are a reasonable size. I might buy bigger stuff like an F-4 in 1:18, but I could only have a few due to price and size. I doubt that many big planes will ever be made in 1:18. 1:32 seems to be the future for all the big multi-engine WWII aircraft and the modern birds that would be enormous in 1:18, but managable in 1:32.

vulgarvulture · Post by **vulgarvulture** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 8:16 am

1:18 all the way, unless a Phantom is involved (I'm not THAT principled!).

Valentin · Post by **Valentin** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 9:05 am

1/18 scale for me. Since I don't just collect military stuff, but also other action figures, like starwars and Gijoes.

killoff · Post by **killoff** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 9:33 am

I like both... only if the detail is there. Some of the newer stuff by 21st is looking pretty cool.

blurx7 · Post by **blurx7** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 11:03 am

I do all scales. Multi-scale addiction is my life.

aktiger · Post by **aktiger** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 1:05 pm

I started out in 1/18 and, early on, had an extensive collection. I have since migrated to 1/32 and have paired back on 1/18. Why? I got tired of waiting for the next release and all of the repaints. The selection and quality of 1/32 is amazing. And the price point can't be beat. I would have to say this is the golden age of 1/32 collecting.

On the other hand, if I were still into 1/18 I would be saving a ton of money right now.

Small Scale Military Headquarters

1/32 vs 1/18

1/18 vs 1/32

1/32 vs 1/18