I am not new to modeling in general however I am new to military modeling and making dioramas. This is something I have wanted to try my hand at this for awhile and decided to make th plunge. My question is does anyone have an "opinion" on what scale is good to start off with. As I am not really familliar with the scales available in the military arena. I am looking at either 1/35 or 1/72 any suggestions?

Definatley 1/35th!

As in model railroading, scale plays a major factor as to what is available on the market.

1/35th being the dominate scale for armor. Where as 1/48 is the dominate for aircraft and HO(1/87th) is the same for railroading.

Now, all you have to decide is what era. WWII is the dominate era for armor modeling. You can turn your head in any direction and find a slew of things for WWII.
I, myself, prefer modern armor

So, whats your next question. Oh, by the way, welcome to Armorama. Once you start coming here, your going to get hook. And like everyone says, no question isa dumb question. Where not experts or beginners here, we are just a bunch of modeling fools!!!!!

Welcome to armorama, I am sure you will find it a helpful and entertaining site. Everyone is willing to lend a hand. As for scale 1/35th is a good scale to start in. You will find dio acccesories and vehicles more plentiful. Cheers Kevin

id sugest starting of with a little 1/35 dio. it will give you a chance to start off good since 1/35 has a lot of details. 1/72 is good for bigger dios, like d-day. something like that. btu obiously has less details

Frank

Welcome to Armorama.....for my 2 cents, the scale you "dabble in" is directly related to how good your eyesight is!! :-) They don't call it Braille scale for no good reason! Anyway, have fun with whatever you do

1/35th is the scale that i work from.... well ever scine i bought two boxes of australian infantry only to find that my fingernail is bigger than them!

Thank you to all that responded,that was fast. I was already leaning towards 1/35 but was looking for some insight from some more seasoned in the area. I appreciated all the responses. Now to decide where I want to start. What are some of everybodies favorite online shopping hot spots?

For me, Dios and armor are all 1/35. For stand alone figures, 1/16 cant be beaten! Tamiya and dragon have some nice kitsin this scale if you want to try your hand at a few figures!

Rebel,
I usually get my stuff from

Squadron Mail Order

I try and get most of my things at the local hobby shop. Always support your local hobby shop. But the main reason why i shop at Squadron is becuase its so close to me. I get stuff within 3 to 4 day once I order it.

Check out the links area here. It has most of the good online shops listed.

I do recomend that you start with 1/72, even if you don't plan to stay on that scale, it helps you decideif you really like military modelling. those kits are cheap and quick to build, I also recomend Dragon or Revell for small scale.

what you don't want is to spend in a 40$ kit with PE and aftermarket barrel and tracks only to find that you don't really like it. good luck

I'm having the same problem choosing scale. But, as the experienced say, you have a lot more to choose from in 1/35. I think I will start with that scale. But you can sure begin with 1/72 to see what you think about modeling as Dragonslain said. But in the future work with 1/35.

Just wanted to give a big thanks to all that replied to my question. My first model(1/35 scale) arrived today in the big brown truck. So now to see where it goes from here.
I'm sure I will have many questions as things move along.

Well Rebel? Are you going to tell us what arrived in the big brown truck or do we have to wait until you are done building it?

You should give 1/72 a try aswell quick easy and fun to built, well if you have good eyesight ofcourse. I will be ordering my 1st 1/35 armor soon :-) . I really like the new tamiya Challenger 2, its the only mordern tank that has really cought my eye.

I am starting with a 1/35 scale Schwimmwagen w/ a reconnaissance team (both by Tamiya). As for the scene nothing really written in stone yet. But was thinking of something simple like dirt road. I don't won't to get to complicated on my first attempt.

Dont be scared off by 1/72. I used to be scared to death of it, but once you get a few kits under your belt, they become really easy. My 1/72 armor collection has grown to over 50 in just a few short months. 1/35 is the big seller, but I think 1/72 is making up ground quickly. Have fun with your new arrival and send us some pics when its done.....oh yeah, welcome aboard!! "Q"