miniaturescale

Miniaturescale refers to the relative size of miniature models compared to real-world objects. It is used across several hobbies, including tabletop wargaming, model building, dioramas, and model railroading, to ensure that figures, vehicles, buildings, and terrain pieces proportionally fit together. The scale is expressed as a ratio, such as 1:72 or 1:56, indicating how large a model is relative to the real object.

Common scales vary by hobby and product line. 1:72 is widely used for military vehicles and aircraft in historical and modern settings. 1:56 is common for 28mm tabletop miniatures, while 1:35 is a standard for plastic and resin military models. Model railroading uses HO (1:87) and N (1:160) scales, among others. Other frequently used scales include 1:144 for small dioramas or micro armor, 1:100 for architectural figures, and 1:600 for ships. Heroic or “gaming” scales often skew larger, such as 28mm figures around 1:56 to 1:58 or 32mm figures near 1:50 to 1:48.

Scale accuracy is influenced by measurement methods. Some hobbyists measure a figure’s height in millimeters to estimate its scale, while others treat scale by the intended use of accessories and terrain. Because manufacturers designate scales independently, precise dimensions can vary even for similarly labeled products.

In practice, miniaturescale provides a framework for building cohesive scenes and converting or combining products from different brands. Understanding common scales helps hobbyists select compatible figures, vehicles, and scenery, plan basing, and manage fabrication or conversion work.