So, you want to start modelling and are looking at getting a Supermarine Spitfire Mk1 but you’re staring at all the different versions with following in the description 1/144, 1/72, 1/48, 1/32, 1/24 and you’re wondering what does this mean?
This number ratio found in the description of a model kit product is the scale and simply put, scale means size.
The first number on the left is representative of the item (usually 1) and the number on the right is how many times large the original object is by comparison.
So, using the actual size of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk1 we can work out roughly the size of the plastic model kit as seen below.
| Scale | Fuselage | Wingspan |
| 1/1 (Actual size in real life) | 9.12 meters | 11.23 meters |
| 1/144 | 63mm | 77mm |
| 1/72 | 128mm | 156mm |
| 1/48 | 191mm | 235mm |
| 1/32 | 302mm | 352mm |
| 1/24 | 380mm | 467mm |
Thankfully most of the time kit manufactures put the size of the built model on the box so we don’t always have to do the math!
Usually when it comes to scale, the larger the scale, the more individual pieces are needed so while the overall model will be larger with say a 1/32 scale kit, the parts that make up that model will be smaller as therefore are more detailed.
If you are new to Model Aircraft Kits, we recommend starting with 1/72 scale kits.
If you are looking at Land Military kits like Tanks or Military Vehicles we recommend 1/35 scale kits.
