One of the first questions new diecast collectors ask is: what do all those scale numbers mean? Whether you're shopping for aviation models, military vehicles, or naval vessels, understanding scale is essential to building a cohesive and visually impressive collection. Here's your complete guide to diecast scales at Diecast Bay.

What Is Scale?

Scale refers to the ratio between the size of the model and the size of the real vehicle it represents. For example, a 1/400 scale model is 400 times smaller than the actual aircraft. The larger the second number, the smaller the model. So a 1/700 scale model is smaller than a 1/400 scale model of the same vehicle.

Aviation Scales

1/400 Scale
The most popular scale for commercial airline models. A 1/400 Boeing 747 measures approximately 7 inches in length — a perfect size for display cases and shelves. This scale offers an excellent balance between detail and size, making it the go-to choice for serious aviation collectors. Most major airline liveries are available in 1/400 scale.

1/500 Scale
Slightly smaller than 1/400, the 1/500 scale is popular among collectors who want to display larger fleets in a smaller space. A 1/500 Boeing 747 measures approximately 5.5 inches in length. Herpa Wings is one of the most respected manufacturers in this scale, known for their exceptional detail and wide range of liveries.

1/200 Scale
Larger and more detailed than 1/400, the 1/200 scale is favored by collectors who want maximum visual impact. These models are significantly larger and more expensive, but the level of detail is extraordinary. Ideal as centerpiece display models.

1/100 Scale
The largest commonly available aviation scale, 1/100 models are impressive display pieces that command attention. These are typically found as special edition or limited release models.

Naval & Ship Scales

1/700 Scale
The most popular scale for naval and ship models. At this scale, a full-size aircraft carrier measures approximately 15.5 inches in length — impressive yet manageable for display. The 1/700 scale offers exceptional detail for warships, submarines, and civilian vessels alike.

1/1000 Scale
A smaller naval scale ideal for collectors who want to display entire fleets together. At 1/1000 scale, even the largest warships fit comfortably on a standard shelf, making it perfect for diorama-style battle scene displays.

Military Vehicle Scales

1/72 Scale
One of the most common scales for military vehicles including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery. A 1/72 M1 Abrams tank measures approximately 6 inches in length — detailed enough to appreciate every panel and feature.

1/35 Scale
The premium scale for military vehicle collectors. At 1/35, models are large enough to showcase extraordinary detail including individual track links, crew figures, and realistic weathering effects. These are statement pieces for any military collection.

Monster Truck & Commercial Vehicle Scales

1/24 Scale
The most popular scale for monster trucks and performance vehicles. At this scale, models are large, bold, and packed with detail — perfect for showcasing the oversized personality of monster trucks like those in the Monster Jam lineup.

1/64 Scale
A smaller, more affordable scale popular for both monster trucks and commercial vehicles. The 1/64 scale is great for collectors who want variety without sacrificing too much display space.

Which Scale Is Right for You?

The best scale depends on your collection goals:

• Limited space? Choose 1/500 for aviation or 1/1000 for naval models
• Maximum detail? Go for 1/200 aviation or 1/35 military
• Best variety? 1/400 aviation and 1/700 naval offer the widest selection
• Monster trucks? 1/24 for display impact, 1/64 for fleet collecting

At Diecast Bay, we carry models across all major scales so you can build the collection that's right for you. Browse our full collection and filter by scale to find your perfect match.