1. Scales for Gaming
The miniature gaming scales are all for above the waterline naval miniatures used flat on a tabletop in miniature gaming recreations of battles. These scales range widely depending on how many ships you want in a particular area of play. 1:6000 is the smallest through to 1:600.
For modern military battles, the most common scale is 1:2400 (World War I & WWII).
Pre 20th century sailing battles, most commonly use 1:2000
Check with your local naval gaming group to make sure your miniatures will match the scale they use for games. Scales available are 1:6000, 1:4800, 1:3000, 1:2400, 1:1250, 1:1200, 1:700, 1:650, 1:600.2. Plastic/Resin Construction Models
Plastic ship models often come in FTB or Fit the Box scale rather than a standard size.
Where standard scales are used for a collection, 1:700 is the main collectors scale offering hundreds of models in a scale where one foot equals 700 feet of real ship.
Other common scales are 1:72 scale (one inch equals 72 inches or 6 feet), 1:96 where one inch of model equals 8 feet of real ship, 1:300 where one inch equals 25 feet of real ship.
In Europe 1:400 is a popular model size for plastic ship models3. Wooden Boat Scales
Wooden Model Ships come in a wide range of scales within the same maker. These kits are for display and are sized to fit on a mantle or table rather than be used in scale recreations so their scales vary from model to model.
Within a particular companies range, there is often an attempt to keep similar types of models (pleasurecraft, sailboats) to a similar scale for display purposes.
4. Radio Control Boat Scales
Radio Control Boats are usually made in FTB or Fit the Box scale based on the components required, but for competitions are also available in class sizes. (see below)5. Radio Control Competition Sailing Scales
International One Meter boats can have a hull with a maximum length of one metre and a draft of 420 mm (three one design rigs.)
International Marblehead has a maximum length of 1290 mm with a maximum draft around 700mm (choice of up to six rigs).
International ten rater is restricted by a particular formula of waterline length multiplied by sail area and other factors.
International A Boats which rate no greater than 1000 mm based on a formula of length, sail area, displacement and penalties.
For class details check the International Sailing Federation -Radio Sailing Division
6. Radio Control Competition Power Boat Scales
Radio Control Power Boats race in a variety of engine and scale classes including 1:8 hydroplanes and drag boats. Information is available from the North American Model Boat Association.
