1:72 vs 1:48 vs 1:35: model kit scales explained

What the ratio means

A scale is the ratio between the model and the real thing. Airfix puts it simply: a 1:72 scale kit is 72 times smaller than the original, and the smaller the scale number, the larger the model. 1:72 and 1/72 mean the same thing.

Working out the size

Divide the real length by the scale number. Thunderbird Models' worked example: a 15-metre jet at 1:72 is 15,000 mm divided by 72, about 208 mm long. The same jet at 1:48 would be about 312 mm.

Which subjects come in which scale

1:76: Airfix's scale for tanks, trucks, guns, figures and buildings that all stand together, and compatible with OO gauge model railways (4 mm to the foot).

1:72: Airfix calls this its home scale, led by aircraft. It is a good balance of detail and shelf space.

1:48: aircraft again, half as large again as their 1:72 equivalents, with room for more detail.

1:35: Airfix describes it as the scale most of the world builds its armour in. Tamiya's long-running military range is 1:35 too.

1:24: cars, and a handful of very large aircraft kits. At three times the linear size of 1:72, it is a project rather than a weekend build.

1:72 vs 1:35 for tanks

A 1:35 tank is roughly twice the length of a 1:72 one, so detail is easier to paint and there is room for a full crew. A 1:72 tank takes far less space and suits building a whole unit or pairing with 1:72 aircraft.

For wargaming figures, 1:72 and 1:76 sit close to the 20mm figure scale, while 1:56 is commonly used for 28mm wargame vehicles (general hobby convention; check the maker's stated scale).

Choosing

For display, pick one scale per collection so models sit in proportion. For a first kit, a small, low-part-count 1:72 aircraft is a good start; Airfix also gives each kit a skill level from 1 to 4 on the box.