Classification of Scale Models

This is a first known attempt to create a classification of scale models, which we divided into two sub-classifications: by Type and by Purpose. Understanding of type and purpose of specific scale model is important as each of them has its own set of requirements as for appearance, level of detailing, durability, finish and a lifespan. Note a cross reference of product development related models such as masters and prototypes which should be recognized as both, type of scale model and purpose as well.

Classification of Scale Models By Type

Architectural Models
* exterior
* interior
* urban

Scale Replicas (including desktop models)
* AFV
* vehicles
* aircraft
* maritime
* machines/devices
* architectural
* props

Dioramas
* museum dioramas: A. constant scale diorama B. perspective diorama
* miniatures/collectibles
* film/TV sets

Sculpted Models
* mannequins
* figurines
* action figures
* sculpted miniatures/collectibles

Masters
* fabricated
* sculpted

Prototypes
* pre-production prototypes; includes concept, study and appearance models
* production prototypes; fully engineered and functioning appearance models

Classification of Scale Models By Purpose

Display
* concept
* study
* presentation
* sales
* fundraising
* museum/exhibit
* litigation
* decorative/collectible

Test
* aerodynamic
* hydrodynamic
* other

Training
* simulators
* sets
* identification replicas
* terrain & urban study

Product Development
* concept study
* masters
* prototypes

Movie/TV Production
* props
* sets

Measurement Systems and Bridging Between MMGS and IPS Systems

The MMGS (millimeters, grams, seconds) or metric system became universal and was accepted all around the globe. No doubt, it is simple, handy, decimal by nature and use decimal fractions. Millimeters are small units, easy to visualize and reflect acceptable for model making tolerance. I personally love millimeters as main measurement units and train my crew to think in millimeters as well.

Truth is, however, that the main measurement system in the United States is traditional IPS (inch, pound, second). We can argue endlessly about convenience of this system, advantages, disadvantages and reasons why Americans are holding onto this system. This argument is not relevant and article is not about it. IPS system in the United States does exist, it’s alive, used every day and will be in active use for a while. It is a fact that has to be accepted.

Professional model maker working in USA or with US specialists must comprehend in both measurement systems and operate freely with metric and non-metric units. Bridging between MMGS and IPS is surprisingly simple. There is no a slightest reason to feel confused or frustrated, there are only a few numbers to remember.

1″ (1 inch) = 25.4mm (25.4 millimeters)

1mm (one millimeter ) = 0.040″ (forty thousands of an inch)

And that’s simply ALL you have to know! Remember these values and you will be comfortable with both systems from now on.

Model Scale, Part 4 – Selection of Scale for Architectural Model

In some cases architects request a specific scale in which they want the model to be built. In many cases architects are setting a target size for the future model and ask  model maker to come up with suitable scale.

The main objective is to select a scale that will match or will be very close to one of  standard scales in modeling industry. Why? Because of scenery elements that are pre-manufactured and available to buy off shelf and to add to the model. Use of scenery produced by railroad models manufacturer is preferred – this industry provides a greatest assortment of such elements, which are usually of high quality, available and affordable.

Scenery elements include first of all people figurines, cars and vegetation. Adding scenery to the model is not only a way to make it fancier and life-like looking. It provides instant comparison reference for understanding a size of the subject.

Below is a table showing some of the most usable architectural model scales along with transcription to standard US inch/foot scales and recommended scales for accessories/scenery elements.

Below is a chart that may assist in selecting an appropriate scale range for the future architectural model, based on model content and purpose.  After selecting an appropriate scale you might refer to the chart published in article “Model Scale, Part 3 -Architectural Scales” to see which standard scales are appropriate for use of scenery elements. Of course, described here only the most common types of models, as I would not be able to cover all possible combinations in one chart .

Model’s Content	General Purpose	Recommended scales
Single, up to 1-2 story, small to medium size building, no landscape development	Museum, exhibit	1:24, 1:32 , 1:50
Single, up to 1-2 story, small to medium size building, limited landscape development	Museum, exhibit, architectural presentation	1:32, 1:50 , 1:48
Single, up to 5-7 story, medium size building, limited landscape development	Museum, exhibit, architectural presentation	1:75, 1:100
Single, multi story building, tower/skyscraper type, limited landscape development	Museum, exhibit, architectural presentation	1:100, 1:120, 1: 150,   1:160, 1:200
Single, school/hospital type building, expanded landscape development	Architectural presentation	1:150, 1:160, 1:200, 1:220,   1:240
Multi building complex consists of small to medium size buildings, expanded landscape development (residential block type)	Architectural presentation	1:220, 1:240
Multi building complex consists of medium to large size buildings, expanded landscape development (commercial, industrial type)	Museum, exhibit, visitor center, architectural presentation	1:300
Medium size resort complex, expanded landscape development	Visitor center, architectural presentation	1:240, 1:300
Large size resort complex, greatly expanded landscape development	Visitor center, architectural presentation	1:480, 1:500
Urban model, several building blocks, doors, windows and other details still be required, expanded landscape development	Urban development support	1:480, 1:500
Urban model greater than a preview one, buildings are fabricated as blocks, no doors, windows required, mono or duotone painting scheme	Urban development support	1:1000, 1:1200, 1:2000, 1:2400 depending on area’s size

Model Scale, Part 3 – Architectural Scales

Common architectural scales are in most cases different from standard scales developed by modeling industry, although some of them are come very close.

In United States architects used to scale represented by inch/foot relations and sometimes have little knowledge of unit-less “international scale”. It is not a place and goal of professional model maker to educate architects. We have to speak with architects their language, equally comprehending in both systems.

Below is a table showing some of the most usable architectural model scales along with transcription to standard US inch/foot scales and recommended scales for accessories/scenery elements.

International Scale	1” of the model based equivalent	1′ of the origin based equivalent	Other equivalent	Recommended standard scales for scenery elements
Architectural Models
1:10	1” = 10”			1:9
1:16		3/4″ = 1′		1:16
1:20	1” = 20”			1:22.5
1:25	1” = 25”			1:24
1:24 *	1”= 2′	1/2”=1′		1:24 , 1:22.5
1:32	1”= 2.66′	3/8”=1′		1:32 , 1:35
1:48	1”= 4′	1/4”=1′		1:48 , 1:50
1:50 *	1”=4.16′			1:50 , 1:48
1:75	1”=6.25′	3/16”=1′		1:72, 1:76
1:100*	1”=8.33′	1/8”=1′		1:100, 1:87(HO)
1:125	1”=10′	3/32”=1′		1:122(TT), 1:100
1:150	1”=12.5′			1:160(N)
1:160*	1”=13.33′		3/4”=10′	1:160(N)
1:200*	1”=16.66′	1/16”=1′		1:220(Z)
1:240*	1”=20′			1:220(Z)
1:250	1”=20.83′			1:220(Z)???
Urban Models
1:300	1”=25′			1:287
1:360	1”=30′			n/a
1:384		1/32”=1′		n/a
1:480*	1”=40′			1:500
1:500*	1”=41.66′			1:500
1:600	1”=50′			1:500???
1:1000	1”=83.3′			n/a
1:1200*	1”=100′			n/a
1:2000*	1”=166.6′			n/a
1:2400*	1”=200′			n/a

Table legend: * most recognizable scales; ??? be careful, scale deviation is significant