One of the most common questions we hear from people getting into model making is: "what does 1/72 actually mean, and why does it matter?" Model kit scales explained simply: the scale tells you how much smaller your model is than the real thing. A 1/48 scale Spitfire is 48 times smaller than the actual aircraft. That's it.
But the why it matters part is more interesting. Different scales suit different subjects, different levels of detail, different shelf spaces, and different building styles. Here's a practical breakdown.
1/72 Scale — The Classic Small Scale
What it is: One of the most popular scales ever, especially for aircraft. A typical 1/72 Spitfire comes out at around 18cm wingspan.
Best for: Aircraft, large vehicle collections, limited shelf space, beginners.
Why hobbyists love it: The sheer range of subjects available in 1/72 is extraordinary. From WWII fighters to modern jets to obscure prototypes — if it flew, there's probably a 1/72 kit of it. Airfix has been producing 1/72 kits for decades and their range is enormous.
The trade-off: At this scale, cockpit detail is small and some finer details can be fiddly. It's not the most forgiving scale for beginners, but the manageable size and lower price point make it popular for first builds and large dioramas.
Shelf space needed: Modest. A large collection fits into a bookcase.
1/48 Scale — The Sweet Spot
What it is: Sometimes called "quarter scale" — four times smaller than real life. A 1/48 Spitfire has a wingspan of around 24cm.
Best for: Aircraft modellers who want better detail without committing to a large kit. The most popular scale for serious aircraft modelling.
Why hobbyists love it: You get noticeably more detail than 1/72 — cockpit interiors, wheel bays, and surface textures all benefit from the larger size — but the kits remain manageable. Tamiya's 1/48 range is particularly well-regarded for fit, finish, and detail.
The trade-off: Takes up more space than 1/72, and kits tend to cost more.
Shelf space needed: Moderate. A dedicated display shelf makes a real difference.
1/35 Scale — The Military Modeller's Standard
What it is: The dominant scale for armour and military vehicles. A 1/35 Tiger I tank is around 27cm long.
Best for: Military vehicles, tanks, AFVs, dioramas with figures. 1/35 is to armour what 1/48 is to aircraft.
Why hobbyists love it: The detail at 1/35 is superb. You can replicate weld seams, equipment stowage, tools, track links, and crew figures in meaningful size. Tamiya essentially defined this scale for tank modelling, and their 1/35 range remains the benchmark. Eduard, Trumpeter, and Dragon also produce outstanding kits at this scale.
The trade-off: Large kits take up serious shelf space. A full diorama setup demands real estate.
Shelf space needed: Significant. Plan your display space before buying your third Tiger tank.
1/24 Scale — Cars and Detail Builds
What it is: A popular scale for car kits — 1/24 puts a Ferrari or classic Mini at around 18cm long, with enough size to fit detailed engine bays and interiors.
Best for: Automotive modelling, motorbikes, some aircraft where you want maximum detail.
Why hobbyists love it: At 1/24 you can really go to town on interiors, engines, and realistic finishes. Tamiya's 1/24 car kits are some of the most satisfying builds in the hobby — well-engineered and detailed without being overwhelming.
The trade-off: Relatively few non-automotive subjects at this scale. If you want a tank or aircraft, you'll be looking at fewer options.
1/16 Scale — For the Detail Obsessive
What it is: Large. Very large. A 1/16 Tiger I is around 52cm long.
Best for: Display centrepieces, figures and busts, single-subject builds where you want maximum impact and detail.
Why hobbyists love it: Everything is bigger, which means everything can be more detailed. Weathering effects, paint work, and surface textures all show better at this scale. Tamiya's 1/16 tank range is extraordinary in person.
The trade-off: Price, build time, and display space are all significant commitments. These are not casual weekend builds.
Shelf space needed: A 1/16 tank is the shelf.
Quick Reference
| Scale | Best For | Typical Size (aircraft) | Shelf Space |
|-------|----------|------------------------|-------------|
| 1/72 | Aircraft, large collections | 15–20cm wingspan | Small |
| 1/48 | Aircraft, best detail/size balance | 22–28cm wingspan | Medium |
| 1/35 | Armour, vehicles, dioramas | N/A (tanks ~25–30cm) | Medium–Large |
| 1/24 | Cars, motorcycles | N/A (~18cm for cars) | Medium |
| 1/16 | Display centrepieces, figures | 40–55cm for tanks | Large |
The Simple Answer
If you're not sure where to start: 1/48 for aircraft, 1/35 for armour, 1/24 for cars. These are the most popular scales for good reason — the range of subjects is broad, the community is large, and the kits are plentiful.
Whatever scale catches your eye, we stock kits across all of them — from Airfix and Tamiya through to Eduard and Trumpeter. Browse our model kit range and find your next build.