Come on, this is FUN!!! At leat it shows the huge attention for the scale issue; I just love a debate like this, there should be more topics that create such long and interesting exchange of views.

Back to scales: I have some 1/35 as well and I will, for armour, most probably stick to this scale because of its wealth of available models.

I can't see how 1/48 could replace 1/35 for pure armour but for airplanes I find 1/48 the top. A correct balance between size and detail.

I welcome the new emphasis on 1/48 because I hope that it will allow me to make dioramas combining vehicles, airplanes, figures....

I continue to regret that scales seem to have developed at random concentrating on one issue and not trying to encompass as many different things. It is difficult to look open minded to new 1/48 scale AFV when you have a stash of 1/35 models which are impossible to combine with...

It seems everyone is focusing on plastic kits, which is understandable due to the Tamiya and future Skybow releases. Lets not loose sight of all the resin kits that are, and have for some time, been available from the smaller concerns such as Gaso-line/Tarmac and Wespe.

Geoff, it's a valid point - very valid indeed. The problem is that many people have an instrinsic 'distrust' of anythng resin. Part of that is due to the cost, part of it due to the fact that resin (for many) is difficult to get hold of...

However, in the last week I have probably run 5 news stories concerning resin and PE sets for 1/48th (including Gaso.Line). Also added to that is the news that Think One-Eighty Studios are going to be expanding their range of resin figures along with Warriors and certain others.

The core problem seems to come with the 'Prime Material' i.e. the 'donor' kits as it's a relatively 'new' scale (in the sense of the new kits) then it will take time for the new releases to 'feed-in' to the stores.

I still remain optimistic however, and for the sake of an increase in new kits, I think people should give them the benefit of the doubt....Jim

You're seeing an explosion of interest because one of the BIG players is evidently putting some muscle behind the releases. We'd be seeing the same buzz if it was DML or Trumpeter doing 1/48. I think also the excitement stems from quarter scale being a nice size compromise, especially for those with limited display space, but not good enough eyes for SERIOUS 1/76 projects... like yours truly.

Again though, it's only because this is Tamiya doing it and also because they're releasing kits that they haven't done in 35th scale. With luck, this will trigger another pop of the Bandai/Fuman/Frog kits, and a few more bold steps on Tamiya's part. How about a FAMO tractor or Dragon Wagon in quarter scale?

Who knows, maybe DML will give it a tumble too.

I'm not wedded to any one particular scale, and if I'm interested in the subject anything from 1/700th up will do for me. So please do carry 1/48th news.

Looked at Tamiya's site yesterday and the T-34 is an STZ model, not the Zavod 183 of the 1/35th one, or of Bandai's old 1/48th issue. That's (at least) one sold to me....