I would likevto know if there are issues of 1/16 scale(principally Armor) in making a breakthrough in the modeli g community. I am aware if the arguments concerning size, costs etc. However I also know how much easier the assemblies are, the greater vuual acuity that is had with the scale. But also how much fun there is ACTUALLY seeing how much of your work can actually be seen and appreciated. So how do my modeling buddies out there in modrling land can and ir do appreciate the 1/16 scale kits?
Personally, I don’t think it will replace 1/35. While I agree there is “more to see” in 1/16, the size itself will be the limiting factor. There is a considerably larger footprint in 1/16 than 1/35. The only 1/16 kit I currently have in my stock is the Andy’s M113. So, by comparison, a 1/35 M113 is roughly 5.5 inches long where a 1/16 M113 is about 12 inches long.
I do know that technologies are improving, but my experiences with 1/16 in the past has been the “toy-like” appearance. Look at the earlier Trumpeter M1 Abrams and M-ATV. Good kits, but have some almost simplified toy-like parts.
I really enjoy the 1/35 scale. I for one am a glutton for punishment and enjoy doing interiors, which you mostly can not even see in 1/35, but I know it’s there! 
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Having just finished my first 1/16 kit, I’d say no. While it was fun to build and even the small parts are larger, I don’t see it replacing 1/35 for the vast majority of modelers, myself included.
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I agree with the others above. 1/16 will find its niche but not replace 1/35. Some said the same about 1/48th armor, and it has not become dominant either. Personally, I am too invested in 1/35 with all the figures, accessories, decals, detail items, 3D files, etc., etc., etc. in 1/35 to change to another scale.
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I am not a fan of 1/16 scale Armor models for myself. I appreciate them and the joy that some Modelers get from them. I do not see it ever eclipsing 1/35th Armor.
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Hey all,
Those are great responses. However I am not ratifying the case if replacement. Actually as a addendum to the modeling scale and having people understand the relevance of this 1/16 scale. I cannot agree that the scale is toy like rather that some products are toy like. The quality of the models dictates the "toylike"aspect. The latest batch of quality is definitely above the toy factor. They actually can be true works if “art.” So i do understand all other points if view. I’d just like to see a greater acceptance, plus the seeing more in the competitions. Thanks to all who haveabswered and those that will. Have a super modeling day.
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I don’t think 1/16th will ever replace 1/35th. As an someone who builds quite a bit of armor, I for one have never built a 1/16th scale kit. For me they are simply to big, and too expensive. I am running out of space to display my built 1/35th kits, let alone a 1/16th M1 Abrams or Tiger I. I find I am going in the other direction. I enjoy building Tamiya 1/48th scale kits, although 1/35th is still my favorite scale.
They have definitely found a niche,they are not toylike anymore,but just like 1/48 didnt replace 1/35 20 years ago,neither is 1/16.
I have built one and have one in the stash,but thats it,just a novelty for me due to size and price…
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Space and cost makes 1/16th scale a non starter for me, although I have the 1/16 scale Tamiya Leopard 1 A4 with radio control.
A 1/16th model has slightly over 4 times the footprint as a 1/35th scale kit, it is also slightly more than twice as tall which reduces the number of shelves I can fit into the display cabinet.
The number of models I can fit into any given space is
thus only 1/8th compared to 1/35th scale.
I chose 1/35 as a compromise between detailing and size, if I switched to 1/72 I could fit 8 times as many models into the display cabinet but the details become too small or non-existent.
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Get a new display cabinet?
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I haven’t got that much floor space (apartment), 8 times the floor area used today simply does not fit.
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No Kellerabteil?
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Thieves Paradise?? I would never store anything valuable there even if I had a storage space down there.
When my suburb was built 1976-1978 the architects had the bright idea to increase the size of the apartment by a few square meters to make space for an internal “kellerabteil”.
In my apartment there is a 2x4 meter windowless room which I have divided into an almost 2 square meter hobbyroom and a space for linen cupboards et.c.
On the upper floor there is also an attic which is used for typical attic purposes.
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We are just getting older and the bigger parts are a godsend.
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I think the space issue will prevent 1/16th taking over. Not everyone has unlimited display space. A 1/9th Italarei BMW with sidecar takes up a whole shelf of my display cabinet. There are 1/16th kits I wouldn’t mind trying, but I’m running out of space as it is, which precludes them.
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Hey there,
And I do agree. But that should be for the purchaser to decide. Not, not purchase it because they don’t have space. But buy or not buy on the merits of the kit, not whether they have room. I too, have several 1/35 scale kits, that now I most likely will never build. Simply because of the detail and weathering you can absolutely explode with the kit. So I say, buy one, nuild it, give it a chance, grade it on the kits merits. I think you’ll truly be amazed.
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