|
|
A Note About Model Scale
(Or I didn't realize it was so small...)
I've been making, looking at, enjoying, and now selling scale models for
most of my life. A consistent scale (such as 1/43) allows you to compare
things, and appreciate how shapes and sizes have changed over the course of
automotive history. Since we take great pride in locating and selling high
quality, hard-to-find diecast models from around the world, you can be sure that one
thing we have an appreciation for is model scale.
So when I recently received unhappy feedback concerning the size of a
particular scale diecast model, I was a bit surprised! My surprise turned
to frustration when I attempted in vain to explain that a 1/24 scale
motorcycle is in fact approximately three and half (3.5) inches long.
In order to prevent any future confusion, we've compiled this page explaining
how a model's size is calculated based on its scale and real world dimensions.
Model Scale Tutorial
(Size isn't everything...)
A model's "scale" consists of two components, usually represented as:
X/YY or X:YY
The first number "X" (which is always the number "1") equals one unit
of measurement of model dimension.
The second number "YY" equals the number of units of measurement of real world
dimension. Taken together, the model scale indicates that there are "YY" units
of real world measurement for each model unit of measurement. You
can use inches, feet, meters, centimeter or even cubits as your unit of
measurement -- it doesn't matter, as long as you are consistent. That is:
X model inches = YY real world inches
BUT NOT
X model inches = YY real world feet
In a 1/43 scale diecast model, one inch of model equals 43 inches in the real world.
To further illustrate what we've learned, let's calculate the scale model height
of a 72-inch (6-foot) human figure rendered in the various scales:
| Model Scale | Scale Height of 72-inch Man |
| 1/18 | 4.00 inches |
| 1/24 | 3.00 inches |
| 1/43 | 1.67 inches |
| 1/48 | 1.50 inches |
| 1/64 | 1.125 inches |
| 1/72 | 1.00 inches |
| 1/100 | 0.72 inches |
As you can see from the above table, the larger "YY" is, the smaller the model.
Hence "small" scales are those in which "YY" is large, and "large" scales are
those in which "YY" is small.
The Real World vs. The Model World
As an example, let's use measurements of the venerable 1967 Ford Mustang to
"build" a 1/43 scale diecast model:
(NOTE: Photo of 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback provided courtesy of
www.mustangsmustangs.com.
A great site with lots of info, links and photos of North American P-51 Mustangs
(the WWII fighter) and classic Ford Mustangs. Check out
'the car that changed the way we drive, and the aircraft that changed the course
of a war!')
| Comparison |
| Dimension | Real World | 1/43 Model |
| Length | 183.6 inches | 4.27 inches |
| Width | 70.9 inches | 1.65 inches |
| Height | 51.6 inches | 1.20 inches |
| Wheelbase | 108.0 inches | 2.51 inches |
Finally, Where the Model Meets the Road
So, if you'd like to know how an object (no body parts, please!) "scales down,"
use this simple scale calculator. Enter the real world measurements, select your
unit of measurement and scale, then hang on to your hat.
|
|
|
