[WWI] What happened to 1/72 plastic?

[Helen and Chris]

Tom said

"I am tired of this I went to a bigger scale because I can't see it if it is 1/72. I am 64 and I still build in 1/72. I need my glasses and optivisor to attach the small photo etch parts. Right now I am working on a Roden 1/72 Fokker D.VII. I have added a cockpit using kit, photo etch, and scratch built parts. I added spark plug wires to the engine and cut away the top cowling pieces so you can see them. I have cut away the controls surfaces and have added hinges(not workable ones). If I can do it anyone can do it."

Sorry Tom, but that doesn't wash.  If we all aged at the same rate, you might have a point.  But we don't.  I needed reading glasses at 45 and had to wear full time varifocals in my late 50's.  My father started to need reading glasses in his early 80's!

" I build models in 1/144, 1/72, 1/48, 1/32, 1/28, 1/24 and 1/35. Why, because I really like something I like it in any scale."

Now that makes a lot more sense.

Chris.


  T.O.M.

    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Steven Perry 
    To: World War I Modeling Mailing List 
    Sent: Saturday, January 30, 2010 12:27 PM
    Subject: Re: [WWI] What happened to 1/72 plastic?


     Maybe it's time to start building in a scale you can see.  I think that's why we're seeing so many new kits in the larger scales.  So many Baby Boomers.

    When you produce a product, you produce it for a specific market. When you produce an injection molded kit, you expect several runs over a period of years in order to recoup development costs and finally turn a profit. The largest part of the target market for plastic WWI models will soon be unable to see or manipulate 1/72 parts. So if you expect several runs of an injected kit, you better make it big enough so the people most likely to buy it can see it. Young people are not getting into this hobby fast enough to ensure that future and economically essential runs of 1/72 kits will sell well. 

    Simple solutions:
     Maintain a stash of simple kits and pass them out to kids when you see a flicker of interest. 
    Help out with the Make & Take at the next contest you attend.
    Local Parks & Recreation Depts. put on a variety of summer camps. Contact one near you and organize a Make & Take.

    I have done all these things and can assure you that the rewards far exceed the few bucks and hours you spend to make it happen.

    sp



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