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Plastic scale modeling is a popular hobby that has been around for quite a while. Most modelers have a brand that is close to their hearts—brands that have stood the test of time and have been making our favorite models for a long time now. Have you ever wondered about the history of some of these beloved scale model brands? Where did it all start? Join us as we answer these questions while exploring the history of some of the oldest plastic model brands out there. Let’s get right into it!
Summary
- A Brief History of Plastic Scale Modeling
- The Oldest Plastic Model Brands
- Conclusion
The History of Plastic Scale Modeling
Scale modeling has been around for a long time, but it was only recently that it was introduced as a pastime instead of being used for practical purposes. Scale models were used to represent a subject to observe various aspects of its construction and architecture and determine if it needed further improvement. Before the 20th century, assembling a model for simple recreation was uncommon. So where did all the interest start?
The first plastic scale model was an aircraft model called "Penguin" that was manufactured by Frog, a company that is widely known as the first modeling kit producer, in 1936. Soon after, in 1951, Revell introduced its first all-plastic model kit of the 1910 Maxwell, and other brands started following suit. Little by little, plastic scale modeling was getting recognition, and it was not hard to see why. The deconstructed model kits enabled the modelers of the time to customize the models and have their very own versions of popular cars of the period at an affordable price. But it was not until the 1960s that plastic scale modeling started gaining mainstream popularity. As more brands entered the market and the level of competition increased, the quality of the products improved steadily. From there, it grew into the plastic modeling kits we are familiar with today.
AIRFIX
Airfix was established in 1939 by Nicholas Kove in London. Airfix used to manufacture inflatable rubber toys and was once the largest manufacturer of pocket combs in the UK. The brand started producing model kits in the 1950s and has been doing so ever since. At the height of its popularity during the 1960s, they launched an Airfix catalog and were producing over 250 model kits in 19 different ranges. Currently, their name is heavily associated with plastic modeling kits, and they are among the top producers of the world’s aircraft scale models. Check out our top picks from Airfix:
AIRFIX 1/72 Blackburn Buccaneer S.2C
AIRFIX 1/32 Mini Countryman WRC
AIRFIX 1/48 Folland Gnat
TAMIYA
Tamiya Incorporated (株式会社タミヤ) was established by Yoshio Tamiya in 1946 in Shizuoka, Japan. In its earlier years, the company worked in lumber operations and produced wooden models of aircraft and ships on the side before later moving completely onto model-making in 1953. After focusing all their resources on manufacturing models, they produced their first ever plastic model, the Japanese battleship Yamato, in 1960. Following the release of their first plastic model, Tamiya’s reputation only grew more and more unparalleled when it came to model quality, earning the company’s motto, "First in Quality Around the World." Take a look at some of our favorites from Tamiya:
TAMIYA 1/72 Messerschmitt Bf109 G-6
TAMIYA 1/24 Ford Mustang GT4
TAMIYA 1/12 Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon
ITALERI
Italeri, an Italian scale modeling company, was founded in the 1960s by Giuliano Malservisi and Gian Pietro Parmeggiani in Bologna, Italy. Born from the founders' dissatisfaction with the models that were available at the time, Italeri models were made with the promise of accurate scale models that can fulfill a modeler’s dream. The company released its first modeling kit, a 1/72 model of the Italian fighter Fiat G.55 Centauro, under the name Airplast, which was later changed into Italaerei before finally being called Italeri to cater to its international customers. Its iconic logo bears the colors of the Italian flag and a front-facing aircraft, an easily recognizable insignia that fits this equally unique brand. Take a look at some of our favorites from Italeri:
ITALERI 1/24 Mercedes Benz G230
ITALERI 1/72 Sea Harrier FRS.1
ITALERI 1/48 Lockheed Martin TR-1A/B
AMT
AMT (Aluminum Model Toys) is an American toy manufacturer founded by West Gallogly Senior in 1948 in Troy, Michigan. In its early years, the company created friction-motor models and promotional model vehicles. As the company moved from producing aluminum models to producing plastic model kits, the name "Aluminum Model Toys" was eventually changed to "AMT" to avoid associating it with aluminum models. Because of dealerships and contracts with various companies, Vintage AMT is a true gold mine of oddly wonderful models that each have their own distinct design. Check out our top picks from AMT:
AMT 1/25 1965 Chevelle (Modified Stocker Drag)
AMT 1/25 1953 Chevy Corvette (USPS Stamp Series)
AMT 1/25 Batman Batboat
Dragon
Dragon is a plastic model kit manufacturer from HongKong that was founded in 1987. The company’s main products are military vehicles and figurines that boast intricate details that surpasses even Tamiya in terms of quality. Because of the nature of their products, models from Dragon are geared towards more advanced modelers. Models from this brand are on the more expensive side, with their unique livery and incredibly realistic details being their most coveted feature. Check out some of our favorite DML models:
DRAGON 1/35 U.S. Navy Seal Team 3
DRAGON 1/48 Fw190A-5/U14
DRAGON 1/35 Afrika Korps Infantry
In Conclusion
The rich history of each plastic scale brand gives a glimpse at the key to their success. Among the sea of companies all coveting a spot in the world of hobby modeling, these brands have stood the test of time.
At Hearns Hobbies, we offer a wide range of models from beginner models to high-quality models for experienced modelers. Find the best one for your needs and preferences here!
Did we miss anything? Let us know at hh@hearnshobbies.com.
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