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What scale of plastic model aircraft kit should I buy?

If you have never constructed a plastic model aircraft kit before, the subject of scale may well be far down on your list of priorities when shopping for one, a more probable factor determining which model you take to the checkout is likely to be how much appeal the picture on the box has.
One of the reasons we dismiss scale is that most of us have a preconceived idea of how big a model aircraft will be based on childhood memories of a Spitfire hanging from the bedroom ceiling, but since those happy days a lot has happened in the world of modelling resulting in a range of scales being readily available so care should be taken that you don't end up choosing a model that is significantly different in size to what you are expecting.
Having said that, there are still many models available that will meet your expectations with a shelf-compatible model size remaining in favour. Meeting this demand, popular models of larger real-life aircraft often have a smaller scale while smaller Spitfires and the like have a larger scale to achieve a similar-sized model, but, be careful, this rule is not set in stone and most model manufacturers cover a range of model sizes.
On balance, the most popular scale for model planes is the same as it's always been (1:72 scale), but, things are changing and as modellers become more interested in detail, a larger 1:48 scale is fast becoming a serious contender for the number one slot in popularity.
When choosing a model plane you should think about what is important to you, a larger model will likely provide more detail, but if you require it to take pride of place on a particular shelf, the completed size of the model should be considered, it would be a mistake to assume that big planes are big and small planes are small, some commercial airliners are available in scales as small as 1:400 while smaller planes can be obtained in scales as large as 1:24.
In most cases, new modellers will enter the hobby using a starter kit, here the decision is made for you as these are generally only available in 1:72 scale, but, if you're venturing into something a little more advanced, a quick peek in the box before purchasing at the wings or fuselage will be enough to give you an idea of how big your model will be.
Posted in: Kit building

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