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I would switch scales if...

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4.7K views 28 replies 21 participants last post by  initiald  
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#1 ·
I've made up my mind that if AUTOart or Minichamps or Kyosho ever produces a 1:12 Koenigsegg, I am going to sell all my 1:18's and switch scales to 1:12. I figure my collection is probably worth $1200 or $1300, so I should be able to swing two 1:12's. I'll get a 1:12 Veyron and a 1:12 Koenigsegg and be content with that for a while.

Eventually, I would try gradually to add my other favorites in 1:12: XJ220, F50, F40, 288GTO, Countach, Murcielago roadster, Ford GT, Carrera GT.

It'd be fabulous. I think I would experience an exhilaration similar to how I felt when I got my first 1:18 AUTOart, the Veyron, after collecting only budgets.

But if the Koenigsegg is only in 1:18, then I'm sticking with 1:18.
 
#3 ·
Just FYI, the 1/12 Autoart Veyron is less detailed than the 1/18 Autoart Veyron. Also, once you make the switch, don't miss out on Tamiya Enzo, it's a piece of art. I highly recommend the Minichamps McLaren F1, and Autoart's CLK-GTR (If you ever end wanting race cars) Good luck. If you want 1/12s, save up for them and keep the 1/18s, as for some reason 1/12s don't have the charm of the 1/18s. But again, getting rid of your entire collection of what? 35-50 1/18 cars in favor of couple of 1/12s seems a bit extreme in my opinion.
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#4 ·
Thanks, I forgot about the 1:12 McLaren F1. Another one for the wish list if I ever switch scales.

The 1:12 Veyron less detailed than the 1:18? How so? Please explain, because that's the sort of info that might keep me in 1:18.

I only have 25 models right now, and am only really fond of about 15. And most of the ones I really love are available in 1:12, so even though my collection would shrink to two temporarily, I'd have a new thrill of the chase and the enjoyment of gradually building back up again. I also think that it might be cheaper to keep up with new supercar releases in that scale.

Minichamps
 
#5 ·
I have taken a small step into 1:12 scale (Kyosho Enzo Test car, Kyosho F40-black and Tamiya Enzo-black) and the problem I have is displaying them. I have two of them in individual display cases and they to take up a lot of room. But they are quite nice. I plan on adding the AutoArt 1:12 Nissan GT-R when it is released.
 
#6 ·
I wish you the best of luck. I used to build 1/12th plastic race car model kits (got nearly every Tamiya) but space was a major deterrent and I eventually sold them all. If I ever get my mansion
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, I might consider it, but I'll be content if I can get the 1/10th Exoto Ford Mk. II I've been lusting after for at least a decade. ALMOST pulled the trigger on it in January, but chickened out again so it's 1/18th for now...
 
#8 ·
I am not interested in 1:12 scale at all. Way out of my price range, very little to choose from in subject matter, and for your average sized room and shelves I truly believe 1:18 is the perfect scale. The detail on 1:12's are impressive, but to me they look like R/C cars from enough distance.

Matt, if you're bored with your collection, why not expand it without switching scales? Most of the greatest supercars ever thought up were concept cars or limited production or such. The way I see it, that doesn't take anything away from them, in fact it adds to their exotic allure that they are more distant and unobtainable.
 
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#18 · (Edited)
Matt, if you're bored with your collection, why not expand it without switching scales? Most of the greatest supercars ever thought up were concept cars or limited production or such. The way I see it, that doesn't take anything away from them, in fact it adds to their exotic allure that they are more distant and unobtainable.
Mike, I'm in total awe of your concept collection, and would love to do that if I had the budget. I love the shapes of most of the cars that didn't make it to production -- the VW Nardo, Italdesign Nazca, Audi Avus, Pininfarina Mythos, Bugatti Chiron, and Hispano-Suiza HS21 are some of the sexiest mid-engined shapes ever devised. My principled decision not to collect them has nothing to do with how much I like their looks or performance. It's simply a pragmatic measure to keep me from spending too much money. Maybe someday I'll find another $2000 lying around, and branch out into concept supercars.
 
#9 ·
I'll second the notion that 1/12s look like rc cars. I have both the autoart clk gtrs, and whilst they hold signficance for me as a racecar, I wouldn't want a whole collection in that scale. 1/12 in my opinion is great for a centrepiece model. For the record, I'd never switch to 1/43. There are cars that I'd give my left n** for in 1/18 that are available in 1/43, but I'd never go to the lower scale.
 
#10 ·
I always thought you had an awesome very focused collection... I'd have a very hard time letting go of all those cars that you spent all this time bringing together!

Although I totally see where you're coming from. I'd imagine that buying a 1/12 and checking it out for the first time would all feel more special somehow... ...now I feel like buying a 1/12...
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#11 ·
In the long term, 1/12 might be a cheaper scale than collecting 1/18 scale. I know this may sound weird, but have a think. There is not that many models to collect in 1/12 scale (provided you only stick to supercars) , whereas in 1/18, there are tons and tons of supercars available , with a new one being released very often. So you are much more likely to overspend in 1/18 than 1/12, and yes, i do realise 1/12 cost lot more than 1/18 (that's my opinion). The main issue you need to deal with is space.
 
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#15 · (Edited)
I'm also considering moving, and I think 2 pieces in 1:12 scale would be easier to transport than 25 in 1:18.

I like my very focused collection a lot. But a 1:12 Koenigsegg would be a must-have for me, and once I take that plunge, there'd be no looking back, and I'd have to start in on 1:12 in earnest.

I guess the "1:12 Veyron less detailed than 1:18" is just Reza being contrary again. Sort of like his "AUTOart Countach looks like Bburago" remarks. The proof never comes, but it's fun to poke a stick in the beehive.
 
#17 ·
Problems with 1:12 are not only prices and space, but also subject availability. How many models of 1:12 are out there? Ok, exclude those crazy 1:8 or 1:10 insanely expensive models. I would be bored no matter how detail is the 1:12, but rather go with more 1:18 or 1:43. Anyway, I got one 1:12 GMP Ford GT40 and that's where I stopped. I think one or two is enough. I rather have more 1:18 or maybe 1:43.
 
#19 ·
I think with Matt's very focused few but very satisfying models, the 1/12 route can be a reasonable and may be a satisfying one to take. He's set only on a few models that apparently exist in 1/12 (except the CCX). 1/18 is a nice balance of detail and variety of models available. 1/43 is mainly for variety of models.

You may stop at one or two 1/12 models but he's already stopped at the few 25 1/18 models that he has.
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So no difference if he gets one or two 1/12 models and stops at that.
 
#20 ·
1:18 is the preferred choice for me. They are big enough to admire without magnifying lenses and small enough to hold them without feeling clumsy. The AUTOart CLK GTR I had for a few days didn't inspire me much and the weight of the car had broken off the (rather poorly designed) rear axles to instill enough fear in me to stay away from the bigger scale.
 
#23 ·
I would never part with my 1/18.. nuff said...

1/12 are okay but the companies that produce them (AUTOart, tamiya, kyosho) although great companies will never touch the 1/18 BBR, EXOTO, CMC etc...

1/18 are just crammed with soooo much detail. I would never make the switch
 
#24 ·
Your going from one limited scale (compareed with 1:43rd ) to an even more limited scale 1:12. I have a number of 1:12 scale models but I would never change scale altogether form one to another it just limiting your self to whats available. Some manufactures model are not as good in 1:12th as 1:18th anyway. why don't you just cherry pick those that are good from each scale. I have models of racers in 1:43rd that I know will not make it to 1:18th and the odd 1:12th that I know are good mostly GMP's Cobra's and Ford GT 40's and I have one Exoto 1:10th scale model which is fantastic but costly.
 
#26 · (Edited by Moderator)
I've only one 1:12 in my collection, a Maisto Jag XJ220 that I bought on clearance for $30. I never did buy a 1:18 so I can't compare quality, but I did get carpet in the 1:12, and everything else seems to be at least as good as the 1:18. While I can't imagine switching scales due to the limited selection in 1:12, I am ,however, very tempted to get the Tamiya 1:12 288 GTO. There's nothing comparable in 1:18, and it's my favorite car of all time. I can't justify the $500 pricetag to wife, yet.
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I'm sure I could easily afford the switch by selling off my 1:18s, but most of them just aren't available in 1:12, so I'll just have to save up for the 288 in the mean time. I guess I'm saying that lack of variety and price of entry would keep me from switching.
 
#27 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have two 1/12th scales in my collection now ...

Revel Mercedes SLR Gullwing - actually out on display
1958 Corvette ... in a box stashed away somewhere.

I have no interest or temptation to go up a scale. If some one approached me and made me a good offer for my whole 1/18th scale collection ... I might ... go for it and stop collecting entirely or go to a smaller scale. Were I to try and sell them individually ...
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... it would take the rest of my life time to sell 'em all.
 
#28 ·
I got first dips on Matt's CCX if he switches scale
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Matt, if you have the room and finance to support 1/12, then go for it. However, are you switching to 1/12 because you want more details? Try expanding 1/18 instead of switching scale. I used to only collect street cars, but now expanded to racing as well. You'll be suprised.
 
#29 ·
I think bigger does not automatically mean more details. For me, parts tend to be formed and made better when they are bigger size. Whether more detail or less detail depends on the maker itself. If they choose to put more details, then it would be easier to do on the bigger 1/12.

Taking the 1/12 Autoart R35 that mac47 loves so dearly, yes it does have more details as well as centre console interiors better defined. The two chairs lean forwards / backwards and don't have a hint of being plastickly made. Undercarriage have openings that reveal more detail on the exhaust system in the rear and engine in the front.

Forgot to mention that I agree with b-ry89 to expand the 1/18 collection instead of dumping it for 1/12 scale. But to expand to racing cars? That's asking for trouble.
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I think mac47 has no plans of expanding his collection seeing the limited space that he has. I may be wrong. So he thinks that for around the same budget and the same limited space, he could pull off fewer 1/12 cars that would give equal or more satisfaction than his current one.