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Hi,

Does anyone use 1/48 plastic military kits in 40k was thinking of a black hawk as a troop transport - i know there are no rules for such a model just thought it might be a fun project? TIA

I bought some 1/48 German tanks to use for my imperial guard. Compared to 40k tanks they look rather small. Some people recommend 1/36, as it better fits with GWs heroic scale. I can't really comment on how well a flier would fit, my impression is that GWs fliers are rather on the small side of the scale. Depending on the price, buy one, check how it feels, and if its too small or just feels off just turn it into terrain. Terrain scale is less important in my experience.

Ty will try a cheaper one to see how it works out scale wise - as you say can always use as scenery

Two main problems with that. One, 1/48 is a bit too small for 40K and two, the style and proportions of historical models look out of place next to 40K models. GW models are chunky, so if you want to use historicals seamlessly you'd have to put in conversion work. I once converted a 1/48 Huey into a Valkyrie proxy, back before the plastic Valkyrie came out. It came out okay, but I haven't used it in a long time.

I've seen a couple of old 1/48 MiGs used as Ork aircraft, but the scales do vary wildly even between manufacturers. I think Orks are probably the only race you could get away with it.

Thanks everyone - might give it a miss then and just buy a GW scale flyer

Brickfix wrote:
I bought some 1/48 German tanks to use for my imperial guard. Compared to 40k tanks they look rather small. Some people recommend 1/36, as it better fits with GWs heroic scale. I can't really comment on how well a flier would fit, my impression is that GWs fliers are rather on the small side of the scale. Depending on the price, buy one, check how it feels, and if its too small or just feels off just turn it into terrain. Terrain scale is less important in my experience.

For WW2, there's no blanket "1:48 or 1:35" statement due to the wild variations in tank production over the time. From the universal carrier (tiny - but one of the base designs for the guard centaur) to the matilda (again, really small tank) to the king tiger (huge tank). The former 2 are better in 1:35 - the matilda in 1:35 comes out around the same footprint as a chimera hull. The tiger in 1:35 is a lot bigger and could probably be used as a small superheavy.

1:48 aircraft models (and helicopters) were something my friends and I used in the early days of 40k (1st/2nd edition) suitably 40k-ified, though.

Ty maybe a 1/35 would be better

When I first started playing RT, my buddy sculpted some orks with pompadour hair squigs and sequin jumpsuits (to look like Elvis) and threw them in the back of a pick-up truck, but I forget the scale. He ended up doing some minor conversion work on the truck (to make it a Truk).

GSC Limousines are another thing that has made me consider the scale of 3rd party models- that is before Wargames Exclusive cornered the 40k Car market.

I suggest 1/35 scale as well.

I tried once, but it looked like a Looney Toons character wandering around in an anime. The art styles aren't compatible.

A korean KIVF look exactly like a rhino, minus the storm bolter, and the kit costs 1/3 of the money, even less if you order more then one. And the 1:35 model is not much different in size then a rhino. Specialy those old ones from the 90s.

thanks everyone for your advice

My grots use an assortment of WWII vehicles as trucks.
Pictured are:
1/35 scale Universal Carrier by Tamiya
1/56 scale M3 half-tack - Bolt Action
1/56 scale Opal Maltier half-track - Bolt Action
1/56 scale Italian IZM armored car - Bolt Action
1/56 scale Universal Carrier - Bolt Action

1/48th would definitely have worked.

The Bolt Action Carrier looked way to small. Hence replacing it with the Tamiya kit.

 chromedog wrote:

Brickfix wrote:
I bought some 1/48 German tanks to use for my imperial guard. Compared to 40k tanks they look rather small. Some people recommend 1/36, as it better fits with GWs heroic scale. I can't really comment on how well a flier would fit, my impression is that GWs fliers are rather on the small side of the scale. Depending on the price, buy one, check how it feels, and if its too small or just feels off just turn it into terrain. Terrain scale is less important in my experience.

For WW2, there's no blanket "1:48 or 1:35" statement due to the wild variations in tank production over the time. From the universal carrier (tiny - but one of the base designs for the guard centaur) to the matilda (again, really small tank) to the king tiger (huge tank). The former 2 are better in 1:35 - the matilda in 1:35 comes out around the same footprint as a chimera hull. The tiger in 1:35 is a lot bigger and could probably be used as a small superheavy.

1:48 aircraft models (and helicopters) were something my friends and I used in the early days of 40k (1st/2nd edition) suitably 40k-ified, though.

Yeah, I find 1/35 light tanks/armored vehicles work well to get the additional height needed to fit in with 40k since real life tanks tend to be a lot lower to the ground. I've been testing out 1/35 M8 Scott tanks as proxies for Leman Russ, they have the right length, height and are just slightly narrower. The narrowness could probably be solved with some additional armor plating on the sides.

Plus since the M8 isn't a common WW2 vehicle it doesn't have that instantly recognizable profile that ruins trying to 40k-ify a Sherman or Tiger.

 Beaker07 wrote:
Hi,

Does anyone use 1/48 plastic military kits in 40k was thinking of a black hawk as a troop transport - i know there are no rules for such a model just thought it might be a fun project? TIA

I did a long time ago, even 1/35 makes for a good speudo Banablade Chassis.

I've used a 1/48 Russian Mig as an Ork Fighta.

about 12 years ago I got a bundle of 5 WWI 1/35 Emhar British Mk5 tanks for $50. They make great Land Raiders (same height, a bit longer, a little narrower).