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Author Topic: Scale  (Read 3741 times)

Offline Ramshackle_Curtis

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Scale
« on: August 17, 2008, 04:47:17 PM »
Scale is quite frustrating sometimes. I play with 30 and 28mm models, but when it comes time to buy bits for scenery online Im always confused as to what scale to go for.

Which railway scales are most appropriate for 28mm modeling? Also, what scale is it as represented by the 1:xx format?

Offline Maenoferren

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Re: Scale
« Reply #1 on: August 17, 2008, 05:08:55 PM »
I believe you are looking for '0' scale, but even then it isnt 100% accurate.... As for the 1:xx theory. I have been informed that (theoretically) it is 1/56 but.... :? then again other say it isnt, and as some manufacturers take 28mm to be eye level and other to the top of the head things get a bit more confusing... Best thing to do is see what fits in with what you want, there are loads of people who ask will such and such manufacturer fit in with another... As for terrain. I tend to make my own - so cant be much help I am afraid.

Offline Dolmot

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Re: Scale
« Reply #2 on: August 17, 2008, 06:17:34 PM »
The fundamental problem is that our ~28mm models aren't sculpted to any scale per se. You can calculate a height ratio but their heads, hands, weapons, equipment etc. can be more like 1/48, 1/35 or practically anything. The sculptors seem to prefer "looks good" or "easy to sculpt/cast/paint" when deciding any single part's size. Therefore your best option for accessories is also "whatever looks good".

1/56 is a fine starting point. However, you may actually prefer 1/48 or something even larger, depending on how heroic your miniatures are.

The terminology is a huge mess. Nobody really knows any more what "28mm", "true" or "heroic" mean. Ask three people and you're quite likely to get at least two different answers. The very same miniature can be marketed as 25mm, 28mm or 30mm, depending on what's currently selling best. That's why scale pics are worth a thousand words whereas scale terms are nearly worthless.

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_modelling_scales
Another: http://www.smallcuts.net/articles/vehicle_comparison.jsp
« Last Edit: August 17, 2008, 06:19:25 PM by Dolmot »

Offline Hammers

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Re: Scale
« Reply #3 on: August 17, 2008, 06:19:47 PM »
Scale is quite frustrating sometimes. I play with 30 and 28mm models, but when it comes time to buy bits for scenery online Im always confused as to what scale to go for.

Which railway scales are most appropriate for 28mm modeling? Also, what scale is it as represented by the 1:xx format?

The Topic That Wouldn't Die.

Model train scales are not absoulte, O scale, 0 scale, N, HO etc refer to the gauge between the rails. O scale could there for mean anything from 1:45 to 1:65 scale depending on which kind of railway you want it to be (narrow gauge for example)

 

Offline vikotnik

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Re: Scale
« Reply #4 on: August 17, 2008, 06:28:28 PM »


The Topic That Wouldn't Die.


 

Yes, Hammershield!

A while ago, I had a similar question...  ::)
The ULTIMATE Link that answers all questions concerning scale was in one of the replies:

http://theminiaturespage.com/ref/scales.html


Zafarelli at 01:00 am:
\"...everything is strange in a way. ... Always."

Offline Dolmot

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Re: Scale
« Reply #5 on: August 17, 2008, 07:13:05 PM »
The ULTIMATE Link that answers all questions concerning scale was in one of the replies:

http://theminiaturespage.com/ref/scales.html

While the information there is certainly useful, please keep in mind that its main content was written in 1998 - that is, ten years ago. Thereafter there's been some major scale creep. I quote:
Quote
The "large" 25mm figures are sometimes listed as being 28mm.

There's hardy a fantasy/adventure miniature today advertised as 25mm. 28mm is the minimum, while many companies are calling their single models 30mm, 32mm or even larger. It's not just names. For example, GW's 2000s plastics are easily 3mm taller than their 90s metal lines. My new Foundry vikings are truly colossal compared to their old counterparts. Weapons have gone more and more heroic too.

A good link but starting to show its age. Take it with some salt.


Offline Ramshackle_Curtis

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Re: Scale
« Reply #6 on: August 17, 2008, 09:25:14 PM »
I ask mainly because I would like to buy brass railing and other terrain features from online stockist. And companies who have masses of train terrain on thier site tend to be run by people who dont thing photos are important!

 

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