I strongly believe that 1/500 is the best scale for most WWII fighters. If you compare HBG and AA sculpts, you will see that most have an average wingspan of 2.2 cm. If you want medium bombers like the B-25 then you should look at 1/600 which will give you a wingspan around 3.5 cm. For larger planes like the B-17 then you would want start looking around the 1/700 scale. If you’re not sure then us a scale calculator on the web along with the original planes spec’s from Wikipedia to find the right scale you need for that specific plane. This is what I do.

If your like me you love seeing a variety of pieces on your board, but for many years it has been a challenge to find WWII fighters in the 1/500 scale. I’m not referring to the common ones, but the other fighter aircraft that are often overlooked by the more popular ones. If you want some variety then you have to check out Echoco on Shapeways. He now offers a many of his WWII fighter’s in the perfect 1/500 scale. If there is one that you see in his shop that’s not the scale you like, he is more than likely willing to re-scale it. He has done a lot for me and he he had been really quick. I just wanted to pass this info on.

I strongly believe that 1/500 is the best scale for most WWII fighters. If you compare HBG and AA sculpts, you will see that most have an average wingspan of 2.2 cm. If you want medium bombers like the B-25 then you should look at 1/600 which will give you a wingspan around 3.5 cm. For larger planes like the B-17 then you would want start looking around the 1/700 scale. If you’re not sure then us a scale calculator on the web along with the original planes spec’s from Wikipedia to find the right scale you need for that specific plane. This is what I do.

If your like me you love seeing a variety of pieces on your board, but for many years it has been a challenge to find WWII fighters in the 1/500 scale. I’m not referring to the common ones, but the other fighter aircraft that are often overlooked by the more popular ones. If you want some variety then you have to check out Echoco on Shapeways. He now offers a many of his WWII fighter’s in the perfect 1/500 scale. If there is one that you see in his shop that’s not the scale you like, he is more than likely willing to re-scale it. He has done a lot for me and he he had been really quick. I just wanted to pass this info on.

Those look really nice especially the Hurricane.  I am following him and have been for some time. I bought several of his ships, now I have to see if he has time to make some new fighters.  Maybe some French, Russian, or Italian ones.

Again, thanks.  I’m just surprised as I don’t see many requests for this scale of fighters.

Thanks, I’ll reach out to him.

Is there a company or designer on Shapeways providing 1/500 fighters?  Think of all the Russian, British, Italian, French, and Japanese aircraft represented in WWII and yet very few of them are on my board.  I know that HBG has a descent selection, but is there anyone else out there providing WWII fighters in this scale?

Yes, the fighter aircraft are 1/500.  It’s sad to because there is not a market out there that makes 1/500 other than HBG. There are so many different fighters I would love to add to my game, but nothing out there.

I’m looking forward to HBG’s set, but if you need some pieces prior to their release check out Shapeways and GHQ.  Ebard has a great selection of French ships and GHQ,though pricey, has an equally great selection of armored vehicles. Planes are hard to come by, but I was able to find a few in the right size from Shapeways.

I don’t know the rules about placing links, but I can tell you where to find them.  Go the HBG website.  Then the following: Home > HBG Battle Pieces > Battle Pieces By Country > See All Battle Pieces.  On this page you will find it.

Yes they can. I’ve used GHQ, CinC, and HBG armor units together and they fit together nicely. There is a difference in detail so when sitting GHQ pieces next to HBG ones you will see a difference, but HBG is much easier on the pocket book.  I wouldn’t recommend GHQ and CinC navel pieces as they are noticeably bigger than OOB. They only exception is the destroyers, they a very close to OOB and HBG destroyer pieces. I also find the 1/600 is too small for fighters, I’ve found that 1/500 is closer to the OOB size for most fighters.  Here is the scale chart that I use.

Carrier: 6.5 cm
Light/Escort Carrier: 5cm
Battleship: 6 cm
Cruiser: 5.5(HBG)
Light Cruiser 5 cm to 5.5cm
Destroyer 4.8 cm

Planes: (cm is wingtip to wingtip)
Heavy Bomber: 4.7 cm 1/700
Medium Bomber: 3.5 cm 1/600
Heavy Fighter: (Twin engine) 2.8 cm 1/600
Fighter: 2.2 cm 1/500
Light Fighter: 1.7 cm 1/600
Dive/Torpedo Bomber: 3 cm 1/500