1:72 scale

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1:72 scale is a scale used for scale models, most commonly model aircraft, corresponding to one sixth of an inch representing one foot. In other words, 72 of a given model placed end to end would represent the length of the real thing. Nicknamed 'God's Own Scale' or 'God's Own',^{[citation needed]} in recent years this scale has also gained popularity for model military vehicles, and is also used for Japanese anime science fiction models, die-cast model cars, figures, and radio-control model ships. This scale originated with the Skybirds and Frog Penguin aircraft model ranges produced in the the United Kingdom during the 1930s and was subsequently used for aircraft recognition models by the Allies of World War II.^{[1] [2]} More subjects and genres are covered in this scale than any other.^[3] This scale is widespread in Western and Eastern Europe, Japan, Latin America, and is extremely popular in the UK. It is less popular in Australia, Canada, and the USA, where 1:48 is more prevalent.

Contents 1 Die-cast models 2 See also 3 References 4 External links

[edit] Die-cast models

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1:72 scale is becoming increasingly popular for die-cast toys. The beginning of die-cast production in this scale can be connected to the famous Hong Kong model car producer Hongwell Company. The company opened its factory dedicated to these model cars in 1997.

The success of this scale in the die-cast market has multiple reasons. One of them is that these models may be precisely designed even using Zamak as a basic alloy, which is a real advantage in contrast to 1:87. The other reason is that these models are sold in perspex boxes that can easily be organized into columns, thus helping collectors to keep their collection in good condition.

Unlike 1:64, 1:72 die-cast models are strictly produced in true scale even if they don't fit the original box size. The number of complementary plastic parts (lamps, mirrors) and a higher amount of tampoo decorations make these models much more lifelike, yet still allowing them to be produced in large numbers as they might be used as toys as well.

Models in this scale are admired by collectors because their finishing may be compared to most 1:43 models, but their size allows one to build up a large collection in smaller spaces.

Emergency vehicle models started a new way of collecting in this scale. As most of the manufacturers offered emergency models in the local markets in local liveries, swapping these cars soon became an everyday procedure in the lives of collectors. Thus international online communities for 1:72 die-cast models are more popular than for older scales.

The most well-known manufacturers in this scale are Hongwell (Cararama brand), Real-X, Yat Ming and Realtoy. Other brands such as Schuco, Abrex, Bumi Cars or Motorart also have these models in their portfolio but the manufacturers behind these brands are Hongwell or Yat Ming. Italian Bburago also announced its 1:72 scale range at the 2005 International Nuremberg Toy Fair. This product line would have been a spin-off of Schuco's Junior Line extending the portfolio with the models of Real-X. As Bburago has been sold by Dickie-Schuco Group shortly after, these models never reached the European market under the Italian brand.

[edit] See also

• Scale model
• Model aircraft
• List of scale model sizes

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Task Force 72 1/72 scale R/C ship modeling club, Australia.
• Queen's Own 1/72 scale R/C ship modeling club, USA.