Alexei Volkov
Plastic models are designed in a variety of sizes, with the most common sizing method being scale, which is the size of the model relative to the actual item. For example, a 1/24 model car will be 1/24th the size of a real car. The smaller the number in the scale, the larger the model will be. There are also larger individual figures that come in 1/16 scale, and larger car models in 1/12 scale. The size of a plastic model can vary depending on the manufacturer and the intended use, with some models being designed for tabletop wargames or collections, which will influence their size.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of plastic models | Cars, ships, aircraft, tanks, armored vehicles, motorcycles, figures, buildings, animals, human(oid) dolls/action figures, characters from pop culture, etc. |
| Scale | The size of the model relative to the actual item, e.g. 1/24 for a model car means it will be 1/24 the size of a real car. |
| Common scales | Cars: 1/24, 1/12, 1/32; Motorcycles: 1/12, 1/6; Ships: 1/350, 1/700, 1/1200; Figures: 1/72, 1/35, 1/16; Trains: 1:160; Formula 1 cars: 1/20 |
| Complexity and price | As models get bigger, they tend to be more complex and therefore more expensive. |
| Assembly | Plastic models may be snap-together or glue-together. Snap-together kits are more challenging than glue-together kits. |
| Tools and supplies | Basic tools and supplies are needed for assembly, including glue, paint, and brushes. |
| Instructions | Plastic model kits come with instructions, usually with pictures, that detail the parts to use and the order of assembly. |
| Customization | Plastic models can be customized with different colors, decals, and techniques. |
| Brands | Popular brands include Airfix, Hasegawa, Tamiya, DML, AFV Club, and Trumpeter. |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic models are available in different sizes, with the most common being 1/24 scale for cars
- The size of a plastic model kit is relative to the actual item, so a 1/24 model car will be 1/24 the size of a real car
- The smaller the number in the scale, the larger the kit will be. For example, a 1/48 aircraft will be larger than a 1/72 aircraft
- Plastic model kits can be purchased as starter sets, which include glue, a brush, and the main paint colours required
- The price of a plastic model kit typically increases as the size of the model increases, due to added complexity
Plastic models are available in different sizes, with the most common being 1/24 scale for cars
Plastic models are available in a variety of sizes, with scales indicating the size of the model relative to the actual item. For instance, a 1/24 scale model car is 1/24 the size of a real car. The smaller the number in the scale, the larger the model will be. Therefore, a 1/48 scale model is larger than a 1/72 scale model.
The 1/24 scale is a popular size for model cars, particularly in the USA, due to many construction kits and dealer promotional models being this size. Manufacturers such as Franklin Mint, Trax, Monogram, and Revell US use this scale. The 1/24 scale offers a sizeable model with a variety of openable parts and detailed features, making it a great option for collectors.
Other popular scales for model cars include 1:12, 1:18, 1:32, 1:34, 1:36, and 1:43. The choice of scale depends on the user's preference, with larger scales offering more intricate details but also being more expensive. The 1:12 scale, for example, is targeted at adult collectors and is larger and more detailed than the 1:18 scale.
When choosing a plastic model kit, it is important to consider the skill level required and the availability of tools and supplies. While some kits may require glue and paint, others, like the classic snap-together kits, only require assembling the pieces without any additional adhesives. It is recommended to start with minimal tools and gradually expand your collection as you gain experience and interest in the hobby.
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The size of a plastic model kit is relative to the actual item, so a 1/24 model car will be 1/24 the size of a real car
Plastic model kits are sized by "scale", which is the size of the kit relative to the actual item. For instance, a 1/24 model car will be 1/24 the size of a real car. So, if the real-life Ford Mustang is 188 inches long, the 1/24 kit will be about 7.8 inches long. Similarly, if you have a 12-foot-long vehicle, a 1:12 scale model will be approximately 14-15 inches long. The smaller the number in the scale, the larger the kit will be relative to the item. For example, a 1/48 P-51D aircraft will be larger than a 1/72 P-51D. However, a 1/24 model car will be much smaller than a 1/72 B-52G because the B-52 is much larger in real life.
The scale size of a model is a fraction of its real size. A 1:18 scale model is 1/18th the size of the real vehicle. So, if you have a 1/24 scale diecast model car, one unit of measurement (e.g. inch, centimetre) on the model corresponds to 24 units on the actual vehicle. This means that if you were to line up 24 models end-to-end, they would be roughly equivalent in length to one real car. For example, an average mid-sized sedan typically measures around 180 inches long. A 1/24 scale model of this car would be approximately 7.5 inches long (180 divided by 24).
The 1/24 scale is a popular choice among collectors due to its balance between size and detail. It is large enough to showcase intricate details that might be lost on smaller scales, yet compact enough to not take up too much display space. There is also an extensive variety of models available in this scale, from classic vintage cars to modern sports cars. Compared to larger scales like 1:12 or 1:18, these models are also more affordable while still offering high-quality craftsmanship.
When getting started with plastic modelling, it is not necessary to spend a lot of money on tools. Start with the minimal amount needed to put a kit together and slowly increase your collection over time. Every model kit comes with instructions and numbered parts, so simply follow the steps and remember to let the model solidify before handling it. Once you have mastered the basic snap-together kits, you can move on to more challenging glue-together kits.
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The smaller the number in the scale, the larger the kit will be. For example, a 1/48 aircraft will be larger than a 1/72 aircraft
Plastic models come in various sizes, and the size of the kit is usually denoted by its "scale". The scale of a model kit refers to the size of the kit relative to the actual item. For instance, a 1/24 model car will be 1/24th the size of a real car. So, if an actual Ford Mustang is 188 inches long, the 1/24 kit will be approximately 7.8 inches long. This scale logic applies to other types of models as well, such as military kits.
When deciding on the size of a plastic model kit, it's important to understand the relationship between the scale and the resulting kit size. A helpful rule of thumb to remember is that the smaller the number in the scale, the larger the kit will be. To illustrate this, consider two aircraft models: a 1/48 scale model and a 1/72 scale model of the same aircraft type. The 1/48 aircraft model will be larger than the 1/72 model. This is because the denominator of the fraction (the second number) represents how many times the original object has been scaled down. So, 1/48 means the original object has been reduced to one-forty-eighth of its size, while 1/72 indicates an even smaller size, as the original object has been reduced to one-seventy-second.
The choice between different scales, such as 1/72 and 1/48, often depends on personal preferences, the level of detail desired, and the available display space. Some modellers prefer the 1/48 scale as it offers more detail and is easier to work with, especially when dealing with smaller parts. However, 1/48 scale kits tend to be more expensive and require more space. On the other hand, the 1/72 scale is favoured by those who appreciate the small and "model-like" appearance, even if the assembly process can be more challenging due to the tiny parts.
It's worth noting that the popularity of certain scales can vary over time and across different regions. For example, the 72nd scale (1/72) was widely used during World War II to aid soldiers and aircrew in recognizing different aircraft types. While it once dominated the market, its popularity may have declined in recent years, with other scales like 1/48 and 1/32 gaining traction. Nevertheless, the 72nd scale still holds a significant presence in the model kit world, especially in Europe and Asia.
When starting out with plastic modelling, it's recommended to begin with a basic snap-together kit that doesn't require glue or paint. These kits are usually more affordable and help beginners develop their skills before advancing to more complex glue-together kits. Additionally, it's important to follow the instructions provided with the kit, take your time, and allow the model to dry properly between steps.
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Plastic model kits can be purchased as starter sets, which include glue, a brush, and the main paint colours required
Plastic model kits are available in a variety of sizes, with the size typically indicated by a "'scale' that represents the size of the kit relative to the actual item. For instance, a 1/24 model car will be 1/24th the size of a real car. The smaller the number in the scale, the larger the kit will be in comparison to the actual item.
Plastic model kits can be purchased as starter sets, which are ideal for beginners and include everything needed to get started, such as glue, a brush, and the main paint colours required. These sets are designed to be beginner-friendly, with clear and easy-to-follow instructions tailored for those new to the hobby. They typically include iconic vehicles, historical landmarks, and models from different eras and themes, such as tanks, aircraft, ships, and cars.
The benefit of purchasing a starter set is that it provides an all-in-one package, eliminating the need to purchase additional items separately. This saves time and ensures that beginners have all the necessary tools to begin their new hobby without incurring high initial costs. The kits are also designed with fewer parts than larger models, making them suitable quick projects for more experienced model makers.
While some kits may require glue and paint, there are also classic snap-together kits that do not need glue or paint for assembly. These snap-together kits can be more challenging and are recommended for those who want to test their skills before moving on to glue-together kits. Once you have mastered the basics, you can gradually expand your toolkit and explore more advanced techniques, custom colour schemes, and intricate details.
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The price of a plastic model kit typically increases as the size of the model increases, due to added complexity
Plastic model kits come in a variety of sizes, with the most common sizing metric being ""scale". Scale refers to the size of the kit relative to the actual item. For example, a 1/24 scale model car is 1/24 the size of a real car. The smaller the number in the scale, the larger the kit will be. So, a 1/24 model car will be much bigger than a 1/72 model.
The size of a model kit is an important consideration when purchasing a plastic model kit, as it impacts not only the price but also the level of difficulty in assembling the kit. Beginners are often advised to start with smaller, less complicated projects to develop their skills before progressing to larger and more complex kits. This allows modellers to gain experience and build their skills progressively.
Additionally, the size of the completed model should be considered in relation to the space available for displaying or storing it. Larger models may require more room and can be more challenging to store or display. As such, it is recommended to determine the available space before selecting a model kit, especially when considering larger-scale kits.
The price increase with larger model kits is also influenced by the materials and tools required for assembly. Larger kits may necessitate the use of additional materials, such as glue and paint, which can add to the overall cost. Moreover, the assembly of bigger models can demand more advanced tools and techniques, potentially increasing the financial investment needed to complete the project.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic models come in a variety of sizes, with the larger models generally being more complex and expensive.
Most plastic models are sized by "scale", which is the size of the model relative to the actual item. For example, a 1/24 scale model car is 1/24 the size of a real car.
The most common scale for model cars is 1/24 scale, which is large enough to have a good level of detail without taking up too much space. Larger car models are also available in 1/12 scale.
Yes, plastic model figures come in various sizes, with 1/72 scale being the smallest, followed by 1/35 scale, and the largest being 1/16 scale.
Yes, for example, a large plastic model kit of the Starship Enterprise from Star Trek: The Original Series is available in 1/350 scale, measuring 32 inches long.
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