A Guide to Scales

A guide on what 1/72 or 1/16 means!

Common Scales in Scale Modeling

Introduction to Scale Modeling Scales

Scale modeling is the art of creating miniature representations of real-world objects with precise proportional accuracy. The scale represents the ratio between the model's size and the actual object. For example, in a 1:48 scale model, one unit on the model equals 48 units on the real object - meaning a 1-inch measurement on the model represents 48 inches on the actual object.

Today's standardized scales allow modelers to create consistent collections, combine models from different manufacturers, and build accurate dioramas with multiple subjects. Each modeling category has developed its own set of preferred scales based on historical developments, practical considerations, and market preferences.

A Brief History of Modeling Scales

The evolution of modeling scales has a fascinating history that spans over a century:

  • Early 20th Century: The first commercial scale models appeared in the early 1900s with toy trains. The O scale (1:48) was among the first standardized scales, developed for model railroads around 1909.
  • 1920s-1930s: Ship modeling scales emerged from naval recognition models used by military personnel. The "box scale" era began, where model size was determined by what would fit in a standard box rather than strict proportional accuracy.
  • Post-WWII Boom: The 1950s saw an explosion in plastic modeling kits. Companies like Revell, Monogram, and Airfix popularized scales like 1:72 for aircraft and 1:35 for military vehicles. The HO scale (1:87) became dominant for model railroads as hobbyists sought more space-efficient options.
  • 1960s-1970s: The metric system's adoption influenced scale standardization. The popular 1:35 military vehicle scale was chosen because a 5mm model measurement conveniently represented 175mm on the real vehicle.
  • 1980s-1990s: The rise of Japanese manufacturers brought new scales like 1:144 and 1:100 for Gundam and anime models. Car modeling settled on 1:24/1:25 as primary scales.
  • Digital Era: Computer-aided design has allowed for unprecedented accuracy in modern kits. Smaller scales like 1:350 for ships and 1:144 for aircraft gained popularity as enhanced manufacturing techniques allowed for greater detail in smaller sizes.

Today's scale modeling community benefits from this rich history, with scales that have been refined over generations to balance detail, size, practicality, and manufacturing capabilities. Different scales cater to varying interests, space constraints, and modeling objectives.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the various scales used across different modeling categories:

Aircraft Modeling Scales

  • 1:144 - Small commercial airliners, military aircraft
  • 1:100 - Commercial airliners
  • 1:72 - Common aircraft scale
  • 1:48 - Detailed aircraft, fighter jets
  • 1:32 - Large detailed aircraft
  • 1:24 - Very large aircraft models
  • 1:16 - Museum quality large aircraft
  • 1:8 - Mostly for RC aircraft

Military Vehicle/Armor Scales

  • 1:700 - Micro armor
  • 1:285/1:300 - Micro armor for wargaming
  • 1:144 - Small tanks and vehicles
  • 1:76/1:72 - Common British/European armor scale
  • 1:56 - 28mm wargaming vehicles
  • 1:48 - Medium sized armor models
  • 1:35 - Most common armor/military vehicle scale
  • 1:25/1:24 - Larger armor models
  • 1:16 - Large detailed armor, also for RC tanks
  • 1:6 - Museum quality, extremely detailed

Ship/Naval Modeling Scales

  • 1:1200/1:1250 - Waterline series, wargaming
  • 1:700 - Common scale for warships
  • 1:600 - Airfix series
  • 1:570 - Revell scale
  • 1:400 - Larger warships, ocean liners
  • 1:350 - Detailed capital ships
  • 1:200 - Large ship models
  • 1:144 - Submarines and smaller vessels
  • 1:96/1:100 - Historic sailing vessels
  • 1:72 - Submarines, PT boats, smaller craft
  • 1:48 - Small boats, submarines

Car Modeling Scales

  • 1:87 - HO scale, tiny car models
  • 1:64 - Hot Wheels/Matchbox size
  • 1:43 - Popular collector scale
  • 1:32 - Slot cars and detailed models
  • 1:25/1:24 - Most common plastic car model scale
  • 1:20 - Formula 1 cars
  • 1:18 - Larger die-cast models
  • 1:12 - Large detailed models
  • 1:8 - Museum quality large models

Figure Modeling Scales

  • 1:72 - Small military figures
  • 1:48 - Medium sized figures
  • 1:35 - Military figures matching armor scale
  • 1:32 - 54mm traditional size
  • 1:24 - 70-75mm figures
  • 1:22.5 - G-scale train figures
  • 1:16 - 110-120mm figures
  • 1:12 - 150mm - 6 inch figures
  • 1:9 - 200mm - 8 inch figures
  • 1:6 - 12 inch action figure size
  • 1:4 - Quarter scale busts
  • 1:3 - Third scale busts
  • 1:2 - Half scale busts
  • 1:1 - Full-size replicas

Railroad/Train Modeling Scales

  • 1:450 - T scale
  • 1:220 - Z scale
  • 1:160 - N scale
  • 1:120 - TT scale
  • 1:87 - HO scale - most popular
  • 1:76 - OO scale - popular in UK
  • 1:64 - S scale
  • 1:48 - O scale
  • 1:32 - 1 gauge
  • 1:29/1:32 - Garden railways
  • 1:22.5 - G scale

Science Fiction/Fantasy Model Scales

  • 1:144 - Small mechs and vehicles (Gundam High Grade)
  • 1:100 - Medium mechs (Gundam Master Grade)
  • 1:72 - Star Wars vehicles (common scale)
  • 1:60 - Large mechs (Gundam Perfect Grade)
  • 1:48 - Star Trek vessels (some kits)
  • 1:35 - Sci-fi vehicles and dioramas
  • 1:24/1:25 - Sci-fi cars and small craft
  • 1:6 - Large character figures
  • Various - Unique scales for franchise-specific models

Scale Conversion Examples

  • 1:35 scale = 1 inch represents 35 inches of real object
  • 1:72 scale = 1 foot represents 72 feet of real object
  • 1:700 scale = 1 inch represents 58.3 feet of real object
  • 1:24 scale = 1/2 inch represents 1 foot of real object
  • 1:48 scale = 1/4 inch represents 1 foot of real object
  • 1:87 (HO) = 3.5mm represents 1 foot of real object
  • 1:160 (N) = 1.9mm represents 1 foot of real object

Scale Selection Tips

  • Consider available display space for your models
  • Larger scales offer more detail but require more space
  • Smaller scales allow for larger subjects in limited space
  • Match scales when creating dioramas or combined displays
  • Consider availability of kits in your preferred subject
  • Some scales have more aftermarket parts and detailing options
  • Your eyesight and manual dexterity can influence ideal scale
  • Popular scales typically have better kit selection and support