BIGGER new models?

PaintsWithBrush

This is clearly the kit manufacturers responding to the declining eyesight of their aging customer base. The move to larger scale, more detailed kits shows that manufacturers are fully aware of who buys their product and are going all out to cater to that demographic. 

We're older, we have diminished eyesight, we crave "more" from our kits and we have the money to buy what we have asked for and we are the largest percentage of customers.

Now what to do with all these 1/48 kits in the stash?

Well, I'm one of those older modelers with the declining eyesight and glad the manufacturers are coming out with larger kits. I've been finishing up any kits up to and including 1/72 and moving on to larger sizes. I have been drooling ever since the big Gato came out. I'm hoping that they come out with a Destroyer of the same size. Got a few ideas for a dio using both of them. I have a set of plans buried somewhere for a destroyer but don't feel like scratch building it. Have already got a few 1/32 aircraft and checked them out. They are a sight for these old eyes. The prices on the ships will come down by the time I'm ready to build.

Jim

Wingnut Wings have, along with Roden, proven that 1/32 is actually the ideal scale for WWI aircraft. Many of their offerings are actually not much bigger than the 1/48 single engine WWII birds from other manufacturers.

And some of the nice, new armor kits are 1/24 and 1/16 scale. Manufacturers are recognizing the fact that their target audience is getting older and one of the common signs of aging is weakened eyesight.

Plus they can cramp a lot more detail into a larger scale model and we have deeper pockets now that we're older.

Once upon a time, about the biggest sub kit you could get would be 1/350 or 1/400. Today there are several 1/72 scale submarines. Eventually, you'll see smaller but similar sized surface craft in 1/72 scale.

This is clearly the kit manufacturers responding to the declining eyesight of their aging customer base. The move to larger scale, more detailed kits shows that manufacturers are fully aware of who buys their product and are going all out to cater to that demographic. 

We're older, we have diminished eyesight, we crave "more" from our kits and we have the money to buy what we have asked for and we are the largest percentage of customers.

I have a few 1/350 ships,but that is the biggest I will go,no large a/c above 1/48 or armor above 1/35,just no place to display it

When it comes to aircraft i am a 72nd scale builder anyway. I don't consider it to be small, just the norm. I do have a small selection of 32nd kits, but its very select. But i am not a big fan of these larger scales. But, if others like it thats fine, just as long as 72nd doesn't lose out.

Big kits are one of the main reasons I returned to the hobby after a 20 year hiatus.  I only had 1/72 kits as a kid and always wanted to work in larger scales.  Now, I have enough income to indulge in my desire to build bigger models, but space is becoming an issue.  I have several things on hold until I can sort out the long term storage and display problem.

I love it. I love the presence the big kits have. While I can certainly appreciate the artistry people can put into a 1/72 this or 1/700 that, they don't grab me the way a big 1/32 Jug does, or a 1/144 destroyer. 

I think there is a point where the sizes start becoming ludicrous, and if you're building something large in a large scale, it's going to have to be almost the flagship of your collection. But what that point is depends on the modeler, the display space they have, and how much they're willing to spend. For me, it's 1/48 four-engine bombers and I guess the new crop of 1/32 twin-engines coming down the line. I've got Revell's Ju 88A-1, have HK's B-25J on pre-order, and REALLY WANT WingXL's B-26, if it becomes a reality. They eat room fast, though, that's for sure, and I don't think I'd be willing to throw down for, say, the planned HK B-17 and Lancaster. Maybe if either one of those was my absolute favorite, it'd be a different story...and I'm also fortunate enough to have largely cleared up my display space issues (though I still need to actually get things sorted, I at least have a plan).