The Most Popular Model Scale, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the model scale you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:43
In the world of model collecting, enthusiasts often wonder which scales are favored by their fellow hobbyists. By providing a space for votes and opinions, this site offers a unique opportunity to gauge what's currently trending. This not only helps new collectors understand where to start but also gives seasoned hobbyists insight into how preferences shift over time.
The importance of knowing the most popular model scales extends beyond mere curiosity. It influences market trends, guides manufacturers on what to produce next, and fosters a connected community of collectors. Your votes help shape this dynamic landscape, ensuring that the ranking reflects the true favorites of the collecting community.
What Is the Most Popular Model Scale?
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185votes
1:18 Scale Model Cars
Various manufacturersThis is one of the most popular scales for model cars as it offers a good balance of detail and size. It also allows for more intricate features to be included, such as opening doors, hoods, and trunks.The 1:18 Scale Model Cars are highly detailed miniature replicas of real-life cars, built to a 1/18th scale. These beautifully crafted models accurately replicate the design, features, and intricate details of the full-sized cars they are based on. They are highly regarded among collectors, hobbyists, and automotive enthusiasts for their level of realism.- Scale: 1/18
- Size: approximately 9-11 inches in length
- Detailing: Highly detailed interior and exterior, replicating the original car's features
- Materials: Die-cast metal body with plastic parts
- Opening Parts: Doors, hoods, trunks, and sometimes even removable roofs can be opened
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243votes
1:72 Scale Model Aircraft
Various manufacturersThis scale is popular for model aircraft because it allows for a good level of detail while still being small enough to display a large number of models. It is also the scale used by many model kit manufacturers.The 1:72 Scale Model Aircraft is a popular model scale used for creating miniature aircraft replicas. It is highly detailed and mimics the appearance of real aircraft in a reduced size. This scale model is commonly used by hobbyists, collectors, and enthusiasts to display, study, or recreate historical or modern aviation designs.- Scale: 1:72
- Size: Approximately 10-18 cm wingspan
- Level of Detail: Highly detailed with accurate markings and surface features
- Materials: Plastic, resin, or metal components
- Assembly: May require glue and paint for assembly
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319votesThis scale is popular for military vehicle models because it allows for a good level of detail while still being large enough to include features such as movable tracks and working suspension. It is also the scale used by many model kit manufacturers.The 1:35 Scale Model Military Vehicles is a widely popular model scale used in the hobby of military vehicle modeling. It allows enthusiasts to create highly detailed replicas of various military vehicles to display or engage in diorama building. The scale refers to the ratio of the model's size compared to the real vehicle, with 1 unit on the model representing 35 units on the actual vehicle.
- Size: 1:35 scale
- Detail level: Highly detailed with intricate parts
- Versatility: Allows customization and modification
- Historical accuracy: Offers accurate representations of real military vehicles
- Material: Typically made of injection-molded plastic or resin
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412votesThis scale is popular for model trains because it allows for a good level of detail while still being small enough to fit into a reasonable space. It is also the most popular scale among model railroad enthusiasts.The HO Scale Model Trains, also known as Half-O Scale, is a popular model train scale used for assembling miniature train sets. It is precisely 1:87 scale of the real-life trains. The compact size and reasonable level of detail make this scale widely used by model train enthusiasts and hobbyists around the world.
- Scale Ratio: 1:87
- Track Gauge: 16.5mm
- Dimensions: Approximately 7mm track height
- Prototype Compatibility: Wide range of locomotives and rolling stock prototypes
- Size: Medium-sized scale model trains
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515votes
1:48 Scale Model Aircraft
Various manufacturersThis scale is popular for model aircraft because it allows for a good level of detail while still being small enough to display a large number of models. It is also the scale used by many model kit manufacturers.The 1:48 Scale Model Aircraft is a popular scale used by hobbyists and collectors to replicate aircraft in a smaller size. This scale is chosen for its balance between detail and size, making it easier to handle and display.- Scale: 1:48
- Size: 12 inches or 30.5 cm wingspan (average)
- Level of Detail: High
- Material: Plastic, metal, or resin
- Assembly: Typically requires glue and paint
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618votesThis scale is popular for model cars because it allows for a good level of detail while still being large enough to include features such as opening doors, hoods, and trunks. It is also the scale used by many die-cast model manufacturers.1:24 Scale Model Cars are miniature replicas of real cars, built to a ratio of 1 unit in the model representing 24 units in real life. These models are highly detailed and sought after by collectors and hobbyists alike. They provide a realistic representation of the original vehicle in terms of design, features, and proportions.
- Scale: 1:24
- Size: Approximately 7-8 inches in length
- Materials: Die-cast metal, plastic, and rubber components
- Detailing: Highly detailed interiors, exteriors, and engine bays
- Opening Features: Doors, trunk, and hoods can often be opened
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79votes
N Scale Model Trains
K. KatoThis scale is popular for model trains because it allows for a good level of detail while still being small enough to fit into a small space. It is also the second most popular scale among model railroad enthusiasts.N Scale Model Trains is a popular model scale within the hobby of model railroading. It is known for its smaller size and ability to recreate intricate details of real-life trains and landscapes. The scale represents a ratio of 1:160, meaning that 1 foot in real life is represented by 160 feet in the model. This allows for more compact layouts and the ability to fit more scenery and tracks in a limited space. The creator of N Scale Model Trains is a Japanese company called K. Kato, which introduced this scale in the 1960s. Since then, it has gained widespread popularity among model railroad enthusiasts worldwide.- Scale Ratio: 1:160
- Size: 9mm gauge track
- Dimensions: 1/160th of the real size
- Space Requirements: Compact layouts, fits more in limited space
- Detail Level: Intricate and realistic detailing of trains and landscapes
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85votes
1:144 Scale Model Aircraft
Various manufacturersThis scale is popular for model aircraft because it allows for a good level of detail while being small enough to display a large number of models. It is also the scale used by many manufacturers of plastic model kits.The 1:144 Scale Model Aircraft is a popular miniature representation of real aircraft in a scale of 1:144. It is commonly used by modelers and collectors alike. The small size of this scale allows for a larger number of models to be displayed in limited space, making it a convenient choice for enthusiasts. These model aircrafts are meticulously crafted to replicate the smallest details of the actual planes.- Scale: 1:144
- Size: Approximately 2 to 6 inches wingspan
- Level of Detail: High
- Materials: Typically made of plastic or resin
- Accessories: Includes landing gear, cockpit details, and sometimes display stands
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96votes
1:87 Scale Model Vehicles
Various manufacturersThis scale is popular for model vehicles because it allows for a good level of detail while still being small enough to fit into a small space. It is also the scale used by many manufacturers of model vehicles.The 1:87 Scale Model Vehicles, also known as HO Scale Model Vehicles, are a popular miniature representation of real-life vehicles. These models are built to a scale of 1:87, meaning that every inch on the model represents 87 inches on the actual vehicle. They are widely used in model railroading and dioramas to add realistic detail to miniature scenes.- Scale: 1:87
- Size: Approximately 2.36 to 3.15 inches in length
- Materials: Typically made of plastic, die-cast metal, or a combination of both
- Variety: Wide range of vehicles available, including cars, trucks, buses, construction vehicles, and more
- Detailing: High level of detail, with intricate features such as realistic paintwork, interiors, and movable parts
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103votes
1:32 Scale Model Military Vehicles
Various manufacturersThis scale is popular for military vehicle models because it allows for a good level of detail while still being large enough to include features such as movable tracks and working suspension. It is also the scale used by many model kit manufacturers.The 1:32 Scale Model Military Vehicles is a line of highly detailed miniature replicas of military vehicles from various time periods and nations. The models are made to a 1:32 scale, meaning that they are 32 times smaller than the original vehicles.- Scale: 1:32
- Material: High-quality plastic and die-cast metal parts
- Size: Approximately 6-8 inches in length
- Level of Detail: Highly detailed exterior with accurate markings and insignia
- Moving Parts: Some models feature movable wheels, turrets, and hatches
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Ranking factors for popular model scale
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AvailabilityThe availability of the models and their components is a key factor. Some scales may be more popular simply because they are more widely available and easier to find.
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SelectionThe selection of models in a particular scale has a significant impact on its popularity. A wide range of models, including various vehicles, buildings, and figurines, will attract more enthusiasts.
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Detail and realismThe level of detail and realism in the models is essential for many hobbyists. A scale that offers more detailed and realistic models will likely be more popular.
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CompatibilityMany hobbyists like to mix and match different models and components in their layouts. Scales that are compatible with other popular scales or that have a wide range of components that can be used interchangeably will be more popular.
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AffordabilityThe cost of the models and components is a significant factor for many hobbyists. More affordable scales are typically more popular, especially among beginners and those with a limited budget.
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Community and supportA robust community with clubs, forums, events, or groups dedicated to a specific scale can drive its popularity. Such communities offer hobbyists support, ideas, and inspiration and make it easier for newcomers to get started.
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Space requirementsThe amount of space required for a layout greatly affects the choice of scale. Scales that cater to different space limitations or preferences are more popular and versatile.
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Intended useThe intended use of the model also plays a role in determining the popularity of a particular scale. For instance, scales used for dioramas, gaming, or study purposes will attract different enthusiasts.
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Ease of assembly and customizationSome scales may be easier to work with, assemble, or customize than others, which can impact their popularity.
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Historic or regional preferencesCertain regions or historical periods may have specific scales associated with their models. These preferences can influence the popularity of a scale in particular regions or among enthusiasts of specific historical periods.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular model scale. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or model scale is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2204 views
- 214 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each model scale once every 24 hours. The rank of each model scale is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular model scale
When it comes to model building, enthusiasts are presented with a wide array of options in terms of scale. The scale refers to the ratio between the size of the model and the real-life object it represents. The most popular model scales are typically selected based on their level of detail, affordability, availability, and ease of assembly. Some of the most commonly used model scales include 1:72, 1:48, 1:35, and 1:24. However, the most popular model scale can vary depending on the type of model being built and the preferences of the builder. Whether you're a seasoned model builder or just starting out, choosing the right scale is an important decision that can greatly impact the outcome of your project.
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