Luke Pitt hosts MMI’s examination of the growing world of 1:48 scale military models, figures and accessories
NO MODEL IS 100% ACCURATE
Like a lot of things in life, accuracy and its importance to you is relative. I say this because what you may find important, others may not.
I used to get pretty upset when I was younger when viewing old black and white Hollywood war films on TV. I thought to myself, with all these restored tanks all over the place, why on earth are they using M41 Walker Bulldogs as German tanks! As I matured, something became abundantly clear - it’s all about cost versus what people perceive. For most people - and this may shock some so you may like to sit down - one tank looks pretty much like any other to the average punter. Accuracy in terms of shape, might be important, and being a reviewer it’s a qualifier.
But one must ask the question, how does a reviewer or a judge for that matter really know so much?. Are the drawings or plans he is referring to accurate? Does he have all the current information on hand? The answer, in most cases is probably not, but here is the rub - it’s all about interpretation of the data on hand. This can be open to interpretation.
In all my years in the hobby I have seen similar points being debated on a fairly regular basis. Take for example our brothers in 1:48 scale aircraft modelling community, There are some reviewers that make no mention of engraved panel lines. Why? Because this is now the accepted norm. Are these accurate? Probably not. If a real plane had these engraved lines all over it to the degree that some manufacturers depict them, it probably would not fly! Does the average model builder really care? No. He will buy it and build it. That’s what’s it’s all about - perception
The simple truth is that most kits are bought by people who don’t really care if it is accurate or not. What they want is something that goes together easily and looks good when complete. It’s really is that simple. People like me, and I dare say a few of you that read this column, make up a very small percentage of the purchasing public. It really comes down to the old shades of grey debate. There is no real black and white in terms of accuracy but rather an infinite number of shades of grey and that even may come down to who you ask.