1/48 scale biplanes?

[JediNinja]

Not sure where I should post this, so I apologize beforehand.     I'm looking at running a pulp era type role playing game and need to use props.  It'll take place between WWI and WWII.  There will be airfields, dirigibles, mad scientists, etc.  So with that being said, should I buy 1/48 scale biplanes for the 25mm or so sized figures I plan on using?  All help and suggestions appreciated.   

[Dewbakuk]

Yes

Unless you're planes will only be flying in which case, use a smaller scale as the variety tends to be better.

[Dolmot]

I've been investigating this as well. Here are a few links to discussions I found...

1/48 scale planes
28mm (1/55th- 1/56th scale airplanes)
WWI-Planes in 28mm
Model planes and other vehicles for 28mm
WW1 planes
Suitable planes?

Unfortunately, what I found out after browsing TMP as well is that:

- 1/48 would be good.
- Smer is cheap but their range consists of military planes with an odd prototype thrown in.
- The best fitting option for civilian planes is a company making coin banks with different brandings, and they've all become "collectables" with silly prices.

So if there's a plane which is 1/48, a civilian model for pulp golden era (20s-30s) and easily (cheaply) available, I'd like to know about it as well. Even after reading the listed topics. Drop just one condition and you already have choice. This even baffled two reputable and well informed scale model shop owners.

[Blackwolf]

1/48 is the way to go( there's one in my current LPL round).
  For ease of construction Lindbergh,Smer or if you can find one,old Hawk models are the way to go.Visit my blog there are one or two examples

[Johnnytodd]

I'm perhaps the only LAF member who insists that 1/48 aircraft are TOO BIG fo 28mm.  So I make my own airplanes in 1/56 scale - because very few airplane models exist in that scale. However, unless you're willing to scratchbuild your own, you are bound to the 1/48 or 1/72 choice.  There are some interesting (& accurate) paper models being produced now - possibly these could be easily resized into the scale of your choice, then printed, then assembled?
John

[Blackwolf]

Oh and if you want some kits though go together really well,though a little pricey check Finemolds il porco rosso  series of 'planes,lovely I have all of them

[doowopapocalypse]

Another option
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Classic-Wing-Diecast-Military-Biplane-Model-Pullback-Action-Spin-Prop-Camo-NEW-/180975183667

Based mostly off the Martin Kitten. Mind you, it'll need some tlc.

[Vanvlak]

Is the old Airfix Hawker Fury 1/48 scale kit still available?

[pocoloco]

Also check ebay for Testors 1/48 planes... good stuff (cheap, builds easy etc)

[Wirelizard]

Testors has a line of 1/48 easy-build cheap kits ($9 or so) that includes several useful for WW1 or pulp-era gaming.

I've painted up a SPAD XIII and a Nieuport for my Russian Civil War forces. I wrote both builds up on the blog; the SPAD starts here and the Nieuport build begins here.

[Michi]

Grumman J2F-1 "Duck", amphibious bi-plane, capable of landing and taking off from land and water alike (perfect for any pulp scenario, I thought) and for the interwar period you have in mind. Plus it is a two-seater with passenger/cargo compartment:

[JediNinja]

Wow!  Thanks everyone for your guidance.  I purchased a Fokker Dr.1 kit on the cheap (it was a "going out of business" sale).  Now the super big question is, what crazy color scheme should I use on it?  Lime green with yellow stripes? Classical red?  Purple and white checks? Decisions, decisions.... 

[FramFramson]

Purple and white checks?

Now THAT sounds different.

Of course a truly outlandish scheme would be something like Burberry plaid, or neon paisley, or something extra goofy like that.

[Amalric]

Well the Triplanes color scheme should reflect the personality of the pilot
Good guy/ hero?
Enemy ace?
Fem fatal?
Young and enthesiatic or old WWI vet?

Regardless I look forward to seeing it in action.

[mysteriousbill]

The airplane banks are not all 1/48. Here is some links to my blog dealing with the airplane banks I found that were of usable size.

http://mysteriousbill.weebly.com/2/post/2011/05/stop-buying-airplanes-bill.html

http://mysteriousbill.weebly.com/2/post/2011/03/lockheed-air-express.html

(I ended up selling this one at a loss because I had so many planes and didn't want to take the time to strip and paint it)

http://mysteriousbill.weebly.com/2/post/2010/08/airplane-models-suitable-for-2528mm-gaming.html