Scale Model FAQs
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A scale model is a representation or copy of an object larger or smaller than the actual size of the object represented.
Often the scale model is smaller than the original and is used as a guide to make the object full size.
Scale models test the possible performance of a design object at an early stage at the expense of creating a full-size prototype; in remote control vehicles; In the TV and film industry, as a hobby; To create models of aircraft, ships, trains, cars, figures, military vehicles, figures or sets that cannot be built in full size.
Sample:
- 1:43 Scale is a model approximately 3 to 5 inches in length.
- 1:24 scale is a model approximately 5 to 8 inches in length.
- 1:18 scale is a model approximately 8 to 11 inches in length.
- 1:12 scale is a model approximately 14 to 16 inches in length.
Sometimes hobbies for children can be difficult to find, especially parents can attend. Scale modeling is a long-term, complex and rewarding hobby that can be handled with the right guidance of all ages. With a wide variety of replica cars, ships, planes, trains, motorcycles, and pop culture replicas, it’s the perfect time for the younger generation to create scale models. If you’re looking for the best hobby for your kids, there are five reasons for scale modeling to be on your list!
| Ratio | Inches per foot | Millimeters per foot | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:20000 | 0.015 mm | Are produced injection-molded kits in this scale of the very large Zentradi spacecraft from the science fiction anime series Macross. | |
| 1:4800 | 0.064 mm | This scale has been used for fictional spacecraft for the board game Star Cruiser, originally from Citadel Miniatures. A small set of British and German WWII warships on this scale were produced by CNC for use in the North Cape tabletop game. | |
| 1:3900 | 0.078 mm | Star Trek toys and miniatures are available on this scale. | |
| 1:3000 | 0.102 mm | Science fiction miniatures were produced in this scale by Brigade Models for the board game Starmada and an established scale for Naval wargaming in Britain, e.g., NavWar. | |
| 1:2500 | 0.122 mm | A European size for naval wargaming ship models. Also a popular scale for large fictional spacecraft used in gaming, (esp. Star Trek). | |
| 1:2400 | 0.127 mm | British and American size for naval wargaming ship models. Some science fiction miniatures on this scale. | |
| 1:2000 | 0.152 mm | Valiant Enterprises produces its “Fighting Sail” line of “sailing men of war” and related subjects on this scale. The scale is used in Japan for plastic Naval models, waterlines, and full hulls. | |
| 1:1400 | Die-cast ship models (e.g. by Siku),[1] Star Trek spaceships.[2][3] | ||
| 1:1250 | 0.244 mm | The dominant European size for ship models, the most comprehensive range. | |
| 1:1200 | 0.01 | 0.254 mm | British and American sizes for ship and harbor models. Airfix is used to produce on this scale. |
| 1:1000 | 0.305 mm | This is a scale used in Germany for pre-finished airliner models. Herpa and Hogan Wings produce several models on this scale. Bandai produces spacecraft models from Space Battleship Yamato 2199 Ares Games and produces the Sails of Glory line in this scale. Common scale for architectural modeling. | |
| 1:800 | 0.381 mm | This is a scale used for some aircraft carrier models. This scale is also used for some pre-finished die-cast airliner models. | |
| 1:720 | 0.423 mm | This was a standard size for ship models produced by Revell and Italeri but they have moved from it. | |
| 1:700 | 0.435 mm | This is the scale that most manufacturers chose to produce the largest series of waterline plastic model ships and submarines. Full hull models are popular on that scale as well. | |
| 1:600 | 0.508 mm | Popular for ships, especially liners, and capital ships. This is the traditional scale for comparative drawings of ships, used by the Royal Navy as it is about one-tenth of a nautical mile to the foot. Warship models are produced by Airfix. Schabak/Schuco also produces airliner models on this scale. | |
| 1:570 | 0.535 mm | This scale was used by Revell for some ship models because it was one-half the size of the standard scale for wargaming models used by the U.S. Army. | |
| 1:500 | 0.610 mm | This is a scale used by the military in World War II for ship models used for war games and naval recognition. Several Japanese companies such as Nichimo Co Ltd. and Fujimi Model produce plastic ship models on this scale. It is also used by European companies for pre-finished die-cast airliner models. Common scale for architectural modeling. | |
| 1:480 | 0.635 mm | T scale, using a 3 mm gauge track to represent standard gauge railways. | |
| 1:450 | 0.677 mm | T scale, using a 3 mm gauge track to represent 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) gauge railways. Hasegawa also produces plastic ship models on this scale. | |
| 1:432 | 0.706 mm | The scale was used during World War II by the U.S. Navy for aircraft recognition. | |
| 1:400 | 0.762 mm | A European size for ship and submarine models and die-cast aircraft. e.g. Heller products | |
| 1:350 | 0.871 mm | Though assumed to be a Japanese size for ship models, its origin lies in the UK, with the release of the 1:350 Javelin and Tribal Destroyer kit in December 1945 in the FROG Penguin range. These are typically full-hull models that are substantially more detailed than 1:700 waterline models. | |
| 1:300 | 1.016 mm | A scale closely associated with the 1:285 scale. The smallest scale is commonly used for micro armor. “6 mm figure scale” for miniature wargaming. | |
| 1:288 | 1.058 mm | A scale for aircraft and rockets. | |
| 1:285 | 1.069 mm | Also known as the “6 mm figure scale”, the U.S. Army scale for sand-table wargames. The standard used in hobbyist miniature wargaming, where is considered interchangeable with a 1:300 scale. Commonly used for micro armor. | |
| 1:270 | 1.129 mm | Used by Fantasy Flight Games Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game for their small and large ships. | |
| 1:250 | 1.219 mm | Used by Heller for model ships. | |
| 1:239 | 1.275 mm | Used by some model aircraft. | |
| 1:220 | 1.385 mm | Same as Z gauge. | |
| 1:200 | 0.06″ | 1.524 mm | A scale is used for high-end model aircraft and very detailed paper and plastic model ships. 9 mm figure scale. Many airlines distribute models on this scale for free as a means of advertising. Airplane model brands on this scale include Flight Miniatures, JC Wings 200, Wings of Glory, and others. Common scale for architectural modeling. |
| 1:182.88 | 1.667 mm | A newer scale is utilized in ancient, fantasy, and sci-fi hobbyist miniature wargaming. Known as a “10 mm figure scale” in wargaming circles. | |
| 1:160 | 1.905 mm | American and European model trains in the N scale. Commonly used for mini armor. 10 mm to 12 mm figure scale for miniature wargaming. | |
| 1:152 | 2.005 mm | 2mm scale / British N scale railway modeling. | |
| 1:150 | 2.032 mm | Used by Heller for model ships, and proposed by the Japanese to supersede 1:144 scale trains. | |
| 1:148 | 2.117 mm | British N model railroad scale. | |
| 1:144 | 1⁄12″ (0.083″) | 2.117 mm | W scale – Popular for ships, aircraft, rockets, and spacecraft. Occasionally used with NASCAR cars. Also some Japanese N-scale trains, as well as Japanese giant robot models and toys. Dollhouse for a dollhouse scale of 1:12 dollhouses. Commonly used for mini armor. Used for 12 mm, and 12.5 mm figure scale miniature wargaming. |
| 1:128 | 3⁄32″ (0.094″) | 2.381 mm | A few rockets and some fit-in-the-box aircraft are made to this size. |
| 1:120 | 0.1″ | 2.54 mm | TT model railroad scale. |
| 1:110 | 2.771 mm | Used for some model ships, aircraft, and diecast cars. | |
| 1:108 | 2.822 mm | A historic size for ships is also used for rockets and spacecraft. The 15 mm figure scale for wargaming is considered interchangeable with this scale.[4] | |
| 1:100 | 3.048 mm | Aircraft by Tamiya and Plastic art, military vehicles, and ships by Zvezda. Kits of historic and modern spacecraft. Japanese aircraft, spacecraft, and giant robots. Also referred to as a “15 mm figure scale” for use with the mini armor & miniature figurine-based tabletop strategy/skirmish warfare games, Flames of War, Axis & Allies Miniatures, as well as The Face of Battle, and I Ain’t Been Shot Mum!. Common scale for architectural modeling. | |
| 1:96 | 1⁄8″ (0.125″) | 3.175 mm | A historic scale for ships was also used for spacecraft. |
| 1:91.44 | 3.333 mm | A popular scale for World War II hobbyist miniature wargaming. Also known as the “20 mm figure scale” in wargaming circles. | |
| 1:90 | 3.387 mm | A scale was proposed by some European manufacturers (e.g. Wiking) to supersede the H0 scale. | |
| 1:87.1 | 3.5 mm | Exact HO scale (half O of 7 mm = 1 foot) | |
| 1:87 | 3.503 mm | Civilian and military vehicles. Often used to describe the HO scale. Original nominal 25 mm figure scale; though a 6-foot human in 1:87 is closer to 20mm. | |
| 1:82 | 3.717 mm | An intermediate scale (HO/OO) is intended to apply to both HO and OO scale train sets. Also used for some military models | |
| 1:80 | 3.810 mm | HOj scale. Very close to the 20 mm figure scale in wargaming circles (20mm is actually 1:80.5).[5] | |
| 1:76.2 | 4 mm | UK model rail scale 4 mm scale (OO Scale, etc.). | |
| 1:76 | 4.011 mm | Military vehicles. Used with 4 mm to 1-foot models as well. | |
| 1:75 | 4.064 mm | Used by Heller for model ships. Also some Japanese aircraft kits from the 1960s. | |
| 1:73.152 | 4.167 mm | Common hobbyist miniature wargaming scale for sci-fi games. There are also a large number of miniatures in this scale for fantasy & sci-fi wargaming and role-playing games (RPGs) such as Striker, Gamma World, and Classic Battletech RPG. This scale is popularized by Dungeons & Dragons, but there has been a scale creep over the years. | |
| 1:72 | 1⁄6″ (0.167″) | 4.233 mm | It is handy because 1 inch on this scale = 6 feet (man’s height) in the real world. Aircraft, science fiction, space non-fiction, figures, vehicles, and watercraft. Now the most prolific[6] small-scale (i.e. less than 1:35) for plastic injection armored fighting vehicle (AFV) models, and also plastic model figurines and scale model vehicles and aircraft by companies such as Airfix. There is a growing popularity for scratch-built radio control model ships on this scale, as shown by the activities of Task Force 72 an international 1:72 scale radio control model ship association. More genres are covered on this scale than any other.[7] |
| 1:65 | 4.689 mm | Ships, die-cast cars. Similar to 1:64. | |
| 1:64 | 4.763 mm | Ships, die-cast cars. Matchbox and Hot Wheels use this scale to describe their vehicles, although the actual scale of the individual models varies from 1:55 to beyond 1:100. the Same as S Scale. Also called 3⁄16 in. scale. Known as a 25 mm figure scale in wargaming circles.[8] | |
| 1:60.96 | 5.000 mm | Common scale for pre-1970s hobbyist miniature wargaming figures. Some companies such as Privateer Press are producing new figures on this scale. Because 28 mm figure scale wargaming miniatures have crept in scale over the years, these new “30 mm figure scale” wargaming miniatures are similar in proportion to the current 28 mm figure scale wargaming miniatures. Force of Arms, Westwind, and s&s models also use this scale for their range of resin and metal in World War II and modern 28 mm figure scale vehicles. | |
| 1:60 | 0.2″ | 5.080 mm | Used by Dungeons & Dragons Miniatures. A handful of high-detail, Japanese giant robot model kits primarily produced by Bandai are of this scale. Some Japanese toy manufacturers also produce aircraft toys on this scale. Rare model rail scale from Germany. |
| 1:56 | 5.442 mm | Another common scale for 28 mm figure scale wargaming vehicles – manufacturers in this scale include Wargames Factory, Die Waffenkammer/JTFM Enterprises, NZWM/Army Group North, Force of Arms, and Warlord Games. | |
| 1:55 | 5.644 mm | Used by Siku for cars and trucks. Also used by Mattel for Disney’s “Cars” toys. | |
| 1:50 | 6.096 mm | Many European die-cast construction vehicles and trucks. Some early Japanese aircraft kits are also of this scale, and it is the standard scale for hand-crafted wooden aircraft models in Japan. Common scale for architectural modeling. | |
| 1:48 | 1⁄4″ (0.25″) | 6.350 mm | For dollhouse applications, 1:48 is commonly known as a quarter-scale (as it is one-quarter of the 1:12 “standard” dollhouse scale). Mainly military aircraft, but in 2005 Tamiya launched a new series of armored fighting vehicle (AFV) models on this scale. It is the American O scale. The architectural model scale corresponds to the widely used architectural drawing scale in the U.S. Also the main Lego scale, is known as the minifig scale. The rather uncommon 40 mm figure scale wargames figures fit approximately into this scale. |
| 1:45 | 6.773 mm | This is the scale that MOROP has defined for 0 scales because it is half the size of the 1:22.5 Scale G-gauge model railways made by German manufacturers.[citation needed] | |
| 1:43.5 | 7.02 mm | The exact O scale of 7 mm = 1 foot. | |
| 1:43 | 7.088 mm | Still the most popular scale for die-cast cars worldwide, metric or otherwise. It originates from the British 0 scale. | |
| 1:40 | 0.3″ | 7.620 mm | The very early models of the British Coronation Coach and a few other horse-drawn wagons were made on this scale. Cheap soft plastic soldier figures are also made to this scale; there are a few kits to make vehicles for them. |
| 1:36 | 8.467 mm | Popular scale for period ship plans — 1 inch = 3 feet. | |
| 1:35 | 8.709 mm | The most popular scale for military vehicles and figures. Used heavily in models of armored vehicles. It was originally conceived by Tamiya for the convenience of fitting motorized parts and batteries. Corresponds well with 54mm figures. | |
| 1:34 | 8.965 mm | A popular scale for collecting vintage and modern American truck models. Established by First Gear, Inc. in the early 1990s with growing popularity in Europe and Australia. | |
| 1:33 | 9.236 mm | The most common scale for paper model kits of aircraft. | |
| 1:32 | 3⁄8″ | 9.525 mm | 54 mm figure scale toy soldiers are supposed to use this scale as well. Same as Gauge 1, cars, common for slot cars. Apart from 1:24, the largest scale for aircraft kits. Commonly referred to as Stablemate size in model horses. |
| 1:30.5 | 10 mm | Often quoted as the alternative to the 1:32 scale. | |
| 1:30 | 0.4″ | 10.16 mm | Toy soldiers and military vehicles including King & Country and Figari. |
| 1:29 | 10.51 mm | American model trains run on a 45 mm Gauge 1 track. | |
| 1:28 | 10.89 mm | Biplane fighters, “brass era” cars (Midori, Union, Revell of Germany), die-cast cars (Spec-cast, First Gear). | |
| 1:25 | 12.19 mm | Cars, figures. AMT (now combined with Ertl), Revell, and Jo-Han diecast cars. Chinese painted human figures in this scale are marketed for use with (but are slightly undersized for) G Scale train layouts but are often used as passengers in 1:24 or 1:22.5 cars and trains. In Europe, this scale is preferred over 1:24. The Netherlands has whole toy villages on this scale. This scale is also standard in most theatre design models used to represent set designs before being built | |
| 1:24 | 1⁄2″ (0.5″) | 12.70 mm | Largest scale for model aircraft, usually produced by Airfix. Common scale for cars and figures. Some American dollhouse brands. Die-cast vehicles by Danbury and Franklin Mint. American G Scale trains by Delton Mfg. and Aristocraft Classics. Model horses (“Little Bit” size). |
| 1:22.5 | 13.55 mm | G Scale trains are made by German manufacturers. | |
| 1:20 | 0.6″ | 15.24 mm | Cars are common for Formula One models. |
| 1:19 | 16.04 mm | 16mm scale Live steam model railways. This is also the scale for those[which?] “four-inch” adventure movie figurines. | |
| 1:18 | 0.67″ | 16.93 mm | Cars made from kits, 1:18 scale diecast models, and children’s dollhouses. The 3.75″ G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero line of figures and vehicles is on this scale, although the figures are compatible with 1:16 vehicles rather than 1:18 cars. |
| 1:16 | 3⁄4” (0.75″) | 19.05 mm | Live steam trains (non-ridable), Figures. Ertl’s popular line of farm and construction machinery is produced in this size. RC Tanks produced by Tamiya, Heng Long, Matto, AsiaTam, WSN, and Torro, Scale model kits by Trumpeter, Eduard, Kirin, Dragon |
| 1:15 | 0.8″ | 20.32 mm | Used for some animal figures and automobile models. |
| 1:14 | 0.8571428″ | 21.77 mm | Tamiya 56301 RC 1:14 King Hauler, RC Tractor Trucks 1:14 Scale. |
| 1:13.71 | 22.225 mm | Model railway scratch builders’ scale at 7⁄8″ to a foot, commonly used with a 45 mm gauge track to represent 2′ gauge prototypes. | |
| 1:13 | 59⁄64“ | 23.44 mm | Aurora “Monster Scenes” and “Prehistoric Scenes” Kits. |
| 1:12 | 1″ | 25.40 mm | Action figures, Model cars (static and R/C drove), Live steam trains (non-ridable), dollhouses for adult collectors, motorcycles, and model horses (“Classic scale”). |
| 1:10 | 30.48 mm | Motorcycles, Radio-controlled cars (off-road buggies, stadium trucks), 7-inch Action Figures (Marvel Legends & DC Universe). | |
| 1:9 | 1.2″ | 33.87 mm | Motorcycles, Miniature park, Mego 8-inch [203.2 mm] dolls (World’s Greatest Super Heroes), model horses (traditional scale). |
| 1:8 | 1 1⁄2″ (1.5″) | 38.10 mm | Cars, motorcycles, Live steam trains (ridable), Miniature park, IC radio-controlled cars, Japanese garage kit figures, Aurora Classic Monster Kits |
| 1:7 | 43.54 mm | Common scale utilized by Japanese companies for figures of anime characters, especially[citation needed] when the portrayed character is supposed to be young in age. The scale of a standard 4-stud × 2-stud Lego brick compared to the unit size of a standard house brick (9 × 4 1⁄2 × 3 inches). | |
| 1:6 | 2″ | 50.80 mm | EFRA regulation off-road radio-controlled buggies. Articulated 12-inch figures, such as G.I. Joe, and Dragon, children’s fashion dolls like Barbie, and Dollfie, and static display figures (commonly of anime characters). Motorcycles, rail cannons, armored vehicles, military dioramas. |
| 1:5 | 60.96 mm | Large-scale radio-controlled cars | |
| 1:4 | 3″ | 76.20 mm | Radio-controlled cars, ridable miniature railways, steamrollers, traction engines, plastic model engines, larger 18-inch [457 mm] collectible fashion dolls, pocket bike racing, Minibikes, Mini chopper, Quarter Midget racing |
| 1:3 | 4″ | 101.60 mm | P scale – ridable narrow gage park railroads, steamrollers, traction engines, Ball-jointed dolls, Super Dollfie, Dollfie Dream |
| 1:2.4 | 5″ | 127.00 mm | Park railroads, where 15 in (381 mm) minimum gauge models are based on 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge prototypes |
| 1:2 | 6″ | 152.40 mm | “My Size” (3′) fashion dolls |
| 1:1 | 12″ | 304.80 mm | Full-scale, life-size |
A scale model is a representation or copy of an object that is larger or smaller than the actual object. Scale models are used in many fields including architecture, engineering, and mapping. The most common type of scale model is the plastic model kit.
Plastic model kits are manufactured in a variety of scales. The most common scales for plastic model kits are 1:48, 1:72, and 1:144. The number on the left side of the colon represents how many units of the real-world object are represented by one unit of measure on the model. For example, in the scale 1:48, one foot (12 inches) on the real-world object would be represented by half an inch on the model.
The choice of scale is often determined by the size of the finished model, as well as practical considerations such as cost and ease of construction.