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"Scale" is a term that you will often encounter when getting into the modeling hobby. If you still do not quite get what they mean, then you might find yourself in a bit of a pickle. It is an important factor to consider when looking at a model, especially when you wish to purchase one. If you still find scales confusing, then you have come to the right place. In this blog, we will be exploring the different model scales and hopefully help you better understand the concept. Let us get right into it!
Summary
- What Is Scale?
- Understanding Model Scales
- In Conclusion
What Is Scale?
Scale is a form of measurement that is employed in scale modeling. In terms of size, scale is the size of the model in comparison to the size of the subject that it is modeled after. To put that into perspective, a 1/24 scale Baby Yoda figure is 24 times smaller than Baby Yoda’s actual size. In scale, the bigger the numbers that you see, the smaller the model is going to be.
There are a variety of scales available on the market; however, there is no standard size for each of those scales. Scaled models can differ widely from one another depending on where they are modeled. A 1/8 scale motorbike will naturally be smaller than a 1/8 scale dump truck because, even though they are the same scale, trucks are still bigger than motorcycles, even if the two vehicles are scaled down to an eighth of their size.
Scale can also be written with a ":" instead of /," so do not be surprised if you see one or the other being used; both are correct, and it is up to preference which of the two will be used. Some scales are also not written as numbers but rather with letters that represent a specific scale size. The best example of this is train scales; HO scale in railway modeling is equivalent to 1:87 scale, and the other common scales like OO scale or N scale each have their own numerical equivalents as well.
Understanding Model Scales
Different categories of scale modeling, such as diecast or aircraft modeling, each have their own standard scales that they go by. Each of these scales can differ wildly from one another depending on what category you are looking at, so let us explore some of them to better understand what we are dealing with. Hopefully, by the end of it, you will have a better understanding of model scales!
Model Train Scales
In railway modeling, models come in scales ranging from 1:220 scale to 1:24 scale and are denoted by letters rather than numbers. If you have a keen eye, you may have noticed that I switched from using "/" to ":" because in railway modeling, the latter is more commonly used than the former. This small detail is something you might notice more of as you go along. Now, what are the different model train scales? Well, here they are:
- Z scale (1:220 scale)
- N scale (1:160 scale)
- HO scale (1:87 scale)
- S scale (1:64 scale)
- O Scale (1:48 scale)
- G Scale (1:24 scale to 1:32 scale)
In terms of sales, the HO scale is by far the most popular model scale in the market, along with the other scales, the N, O, and G scales. The S and Z scales, on the other hand, are lesser-known scales, with only a few models being produced.
Check out our collection of everything railway modeling here.
Diecast Model Scales
Diecast model scales have a relatively large collection to choose from. The most common diecast CAR model scales range from 1/18 scale to 1/64 scale; for diecast TRUCK model scales, on the other hand, the popular scales range from 1/87 scale to 1/50 scale.
Diecast Car Models Scale: 1/64 Scale, 1/43 Scale, 1/32 Scale, 1/24 Scale, 1/18 Scale
Diecast Truck Models Scale: 1/87 Scale, 1/76 Scale, 1/64 Scale, 1/50 Scale
Diecast model scales come in a large collection of scales you can choose from. These are just some of the more popular ones; however, there are other scales available in the market, like the 1/25 scale, that you can explore with a little bit of research and searching.
Check out our collection of everything diecast here.
Model Kit Scales
Model kit scales are extensive, and that can be said to be an understatement. From cars, trucks, motorcycles, aircraft, and ships, there are a variety of model kits available on the market, resulting in a humongous category of scales that those model kits come in. Here is a short summary of the popular scale each category model kit comes in:
Car Model Scales: 1/87 Scale, 1/72 Scale, 1/64 Scale, 1/43 Scale, 1/25 Scale, 1/24 Scale, 1/18 Scale
Aircraft Model Scales: 1/144 Scale, 1/72 Scale, 1/64 Scale, 1/48 Scale, 1/32 Scale
Truck Model Scales: 1/48 Scale, 1/43 Scale, 1/25 Scale, 1/24 Scale
Motorcycle Model Scales: 1/16 Scale, 1/12 Scale, 1/8 Scale
Ship Model Scales: 1/720 Scale, 1/700 Scale, 1/350 Scale, 1/192 Scale, 1/144 Scale, 1/96 Scale
These are just some of the common scales these models are available in, but there are still a lot more out there for you to discover.
Check out our collection of everything model kits here.
In Conclusion
Scale is an important measurement in modeling that keeps things consistent and easy to understand. If you understand the basic concepts of it, you can utilize this system and use it to choose the best possible scale model for you. In scale modeling, size always matters, especially if you want to use your scale models for specific purposes such as creating dioramas. Understanding it is essential for these simple concepts will be ever-present in your modeling journey and will be something you will commonly encounter. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of scale to kickstart your modeling game!
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