Modelcar scale doesn't have to be hard: Check out this guide

So you’ve decided to have your very own collectibles of miniature cars but came down to one question: What are the sizes? This brings us to our topic about scales and your preference in choosing the right scale model for your collection. Nevertheless, this is not limited to only cars but also applicable to busses, trucks, motorcycles, etc.

What is Scale model?

It is defined as a physical representation or a copy of an object that is larger or smaller than the actual size being represented while preserving the exact appearance of the object being replicated. Very often, the scale model is smaller than the original and used as a guide to making the object in full size. Scale models are used in many fields including engineering, architecture, film making, military command, salesmanship, and hobby model building.

That said, let's proceed to our main point: Model car scales

Model cars are manufactured in various scale sizes and the most common being 1:87, 1:64, 1:43, 1:32, 1:24, 1:18.

How does scale works?

The “scale” of a model is its size compared to the size of the “real” version. For example, a 1:24 model, the real version is 24 times larger in size than the model or 1:1 in scale.

Let’s look at the figure below. The 1:18 scale model means it is one eighteenth the size of the real thing. The 1:32 model scale means, it is one thirty-second of the real thing and smaller than 1:18. The 1:43 scale model means, it is one forty-third of the real thing and smaller than 1:32 and the list goes on. 

Let me give you some more insights on different scales:

1:12 scale- Aimed at adult collectors. They are large, highly detailed, and is approximately 14 to 15 inches (36 to 38 cm) long.

1:18 scale- This is a traditional scale commonly used for diecast automobile models, military vehicles, armor, and aircraft. They are large and are often intricately detailed with moving parts not regularly seen on smaller scales. They are approximately 8 to 11 inches (18 to 20 cm) long for automobiles.

1:24 scale- A scale that is built and collected by both children and adults. Previously, a very popular scale for larger models. They are approximately 7 inches (17.78 cm) long.

1:32 scale- Formerly known as the standard size and once so common for toy trains, autos, and soldiers. It is approximately 5.5 inches (13.97 cm) long.

1:43 scale- The most popular scale for diecast model cars and traditionally known as the "Collectors Scale". It is approximately 4 inches (10.16 cm) long.

1:50 scale- Popular size for diecast models from European manufacturers for construction vehicles, tower cranes, and truck models.

1:64 scale- This scale can be easily held by small hands. Matchbox and Hot wheels use this scale to describe their vehicles. It is approximately 3 inches (7.62 cm) long.

1:87 scale- It is the most popular scale of model railway in the world and is approximately 2 inches (5 cm) long.

So there you have it. I hope this page enlightens you on how you want your model car size to be. For different car models on different scales, our webshop @ www.hmkt.nl offers a wide range.