[Diecast/Models] Why are model cars at this scale?

[sunny.traveller]

Can anyone tell me why the scale models of cars are generally at 1:43 or 1:18?

As a 1st year architecture student I wanted to put outlines of really good cars into some hand drawings of plans at 1:50 for uni using my boyfriend's collection of models. I was able to photograph & resize them but I just wondered if there was a reason why the scales are so unlike the ones used in building.

I'm sure someone here will know, thanks a lot

[Woolley]

Are they 1:43? Aeroplanes are usually 1:48, and I assumed cars were the same. In my youth of aircraft building, they were set at 1:12, 1:18, 1:24, 1:48, 1:72 or 1:144. The reason being feet and inches. 1:12 is 1 inch = 1 foot, so convenient for the model maker who could easily calculate the conversions.

[MikeHoyer]

Yeah, 1:43 is a common size for models. I should know, I've got enough!

[pirenzo]

Wolley is right about model aircraft scales.

Most plastic "build it yourself" cars are 1:24, or in the case of Tamiya F1 series, 1:20.

I think most slot cars are in the region of 1:32.

On the other hand, most diecast collectables are 1:18 or 1:43. I think this is purely for practical size reasons. 1:43 and 1:18 must just produce models that look the right size for the purpose, and have just become industry standard through years of use.

[TimD]

It goes back to model trains, I believe. Marklin started making clockwork railway sets in the early 1900s and their standard "O" gauge scales out at 1/43. Model cars built by Dinky (to go with Hornby's trains) and European manufacturers were scaled on or about 1/43 for maximum marketing compatibility.

However, American "O" gauge scales out at 1/48! It's also an easier scale to calculate in imperial measurements which I suspect is what is behind the predominance of 1/48 and 1/72 in aircraft modelling.

Slot cars have always traditionally been 1/32 and 1/24 (1/32 was the original Scalextric scale, so Airfix made their car kits and their MRRC models to be compatible with it) 1/24 is the preferred American scale - again imperial measurements come into play.

And just to complicate things, bear in mind that the average Matchbox car is scaled to "fit in the box" but most are around 1/64
The later Dinkies were 1/35
OO gauge is 1/76, as are most small soldiers
HO is 1/87 or (Half "O")
A lot of "collectable" buses and lorries such as EFE and Days Gone are 1/50
And I once had a tiny weeny little Mercedes built to go with a "Z" gauge railway. No idea what that scale was though!

[John Turner]

Tim, just one small correction! I think you will find that all EFE models are to 1/76 scale, as are Corgi's Original Omnibus Company series, in order, as you say, to be placed in OO gauge railway layouts.

Rather interestingly, Tri-ang opted for 1/42 for their Spot-On models in the 50's and 60's. They had some unusual models in their range but the scale just didn't fit in with anything. You'd be surprised how much visual difference the slightly larger scale made.

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by TimD

It goes back to model trains, I believe. Marklin started making clockwork railway sets in the early 1900s and their standard "O" gauge scales out at 1/43. Model cars built by Dinky (to go with Hornby's trains) and European manufacturers were scaled on or about 1/43 for maximum marketing compatibility.

However, American "O" gauge scales out at 1/48! It's also an easier scale to calculate in imperial measurements which I suspect is what is behind the predominance of 1/48 and 1/72 in aircraft modelling.

British model railway scales use an odd combination of Imperial & metric units. '0' gauge is 7mm = 1ft, '00' is 4mm = 1ft. No doubt the Americans use all-Imperial units!

Remember Dinky's '00' scale model vehicles - Dublo Dinkies?

[rescue dude]

Car models are 1/43 or 1/18 so they can fit in the boxes!!!