What is available in 1:48 scale....

This subject has always made me wonder also. I'm sure the answer is something simple, and obvious once I hear it, but I have just never heard; Why is 1/35 the armour scale, not 1/ 48 or 1/32? Or vice versa why aren't 1/32 scale aircraft produced in 1/35 instead? Basically I just wonder why the scales are set where they are? Who dedided?

Well, Bandai used to have some really nice looking (and extremely well detailed for the time) armor kits back in the 70s. Those are quite rare now... There are a few companies producing 1/48 armor, but I'm talking about 'garage' companies, and short-run kits. This scale is apparently coming back in France and it is possible that Squadron would carry the kits of those companies (DesKit, Gasoline,...). Those are top of the mark kits, mostly in resin, but they are expensive!

Another company, here in the UK, produces 1/48 aircraft and airfield accessories, including vehicles (tugs, staff cars, tankers,..). Their name is Airfield Accessories, I think (help here guys!). Those are also excellent offerings.

Then there is Hart Models, also in the UK, specialising in British and US world war II armor and softskins. Those can be purchased in kit or fully built and painted. Hart Models' offerings are white metal, not resin.

Hope this helps!

I forgot to mention a few here..! Academy is releasing a number of 1/48 armor kits, mostly modern stuff. Unfortunately, they are motorized, and my experience with those would make me stay away from them. I'm wondering if they are re-boxed Zenghdefu kits..? This Chinese manufacturer also has a number of modern AFV in its catalogue. All have the same bottom hull, wheels and tracks...! I built their Leclerc MBT, and I spent hours modifying the running gear. I also spent hours re-working the turret and the side skirts as they were really bad. I'd stay away from those as well!

I've bought some 1/48 armour but it is all fairly modern and not very good quality. It's another Chinese company called Kitech. There website is www.kiuhung.com

I bought them because they were cheap $7 Australian and are a bit of fun, but for someone looking for qualtiy then these aren't for you.

The very nice Bandai 1/48 kits were re-released a few years ago by Fuman, based I believe in Hong Kong. They had some interior detail, and were excellent value for money. As for why 1/35 is the common armor scale, it is a convenient size to use with 54mm figures, though the figures will be slightly overscale. This scale also gives a kit with room for detail, yet still of a convenient size to handle or move. They also used to be affordable!

As you guys mentioned, the old Bandai kits are quite nice. I've only seen German armor, though. I don't know if there still making them, but the kits are still quite common on shelves here in Japan.

Anything you need from the UK in exchange...?????!!? Ha!

QUOTE: Originally posted by djmodels1999 I forgot to mention a few here..! Academy is releasing a number of 1/48 armor kits, mostly modern stuff. (snip) I'm wondering if they are re-boxed Zenghdefu kits..?

Yes they are. All basically the same lower hull. But to cloud the issue a bit, Academy did rebox some of the old Bandai kits long ago. I have the M-12 GMC in an Academy box that has Bandai artwork as well as the Bandai marked sprues inside.

Aside from the Bandai kits, there are the old Aurora kits. I guess they are more valued as collector's kits, and not very detailed or accurate for the serious modern builder.
I have them all, though! Why I painted that Panther light gray, I'll never know...

I built a Russian T-76 and a 75mm M4A1 Sherman. I have a KV-1and a British Matilda that I have't gotten around to yet. There were also cannon (88 & 155) and a mix of half tracks. You can find them at model shows frequently and I think Fuman also re-released some of these as well.

What I would love to see would be a Katyusha that I could use in that diorama with the Soviet planes.....

Thanks guys for all the info so far though.....