Scale 101

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Hi guys
Can someone explain scale to me? Working with 3/16 = 1 ft. Ok I get that. When making items at this scale is there a mathematical formula to use? For example if one is going to make some barrels for the model how do you figure out the dimensions? Or is an item on the real ship was for example 32 inches long how do you scale that back for the model?

Thx in advance

John
 
I wanted to clear up a misconception I've seen in several posts concerning ship's scale. I've seen this post:
"If plans are 1/48 scale (1/4") enlarge by 200% to get 1/24 scale (1/2"). Enlarge by 150% to get 1/36 scale (3/8")."
While this seems logical, it is actually mathematically incorrect! 3/8" = 1' is actually 1/32 scale, not 1/36!
There is a formula to calculate scale:

Equation: X x Y = 12
scale = 1 / X, where Y = fraction of an inch equal to one foot.

Example: If 3/8" = 1', then Y = 3/8
3/8 X = 12
X = 32 Scale = 1/32

This works for integers too. 3" = 1' is 1/4 scale.

2" = 1' is 1/6 scale.
 
Hi guys
Can someone explain scale to me? Working with 3/16 = 1 ft. Ok I get that. When making items at this scale is there a mathematical formula to use? For example if one is going to make some barrels for the model how do you figure out the dimensions? Or is an item on the real ship was for example 32 inches long how do you scale that back for the model?


this is how I do it lets say you want the scale of an item on board that is 32 inches long at 3/16 = 1 foot scale first convert the 3/16 to .187 now divide .187 by 12 you get .015 so that is one inch now x that by 32 inches and the answer is .480 or just a squeak under a 1/2 inch

lets do it in 1/4 inch = 1 foot 1:48 scale 1/4 of an inch is .250 divide that by 12 which is .020 so now we know 1 inch is .020 x 32 =.640 which is a squeak over 5/8 of an inch
 
Hi guys
Can someone explain scale to me? Working with 3/16 = 1 ft. Ok I get that. When making items at this scale is there a mathematical formula to use? For example if one is going to make some barrels for the model how do you figure out the dimensions? Or is an item on the real ship was for example 32 inches long how do you scale that back for the model?

Thx in advance

John
Attached is a good conversion chart which should help jbwid.com/scalcalc.htm Kevin
 
3 / 16 = 0.1875" model = 1 ft. (12") actual
Then, 12" / 0.1875" = 64
so, your scale us 64:1
Therefore, a 32" barrel would be 32/64" tall, or more simply, 1/2"
 
The easiest way to make scale parts is to use an architectural scale to draw parts for your ship, make a pattern and cut them out.
 
3/16" = .1875 of 1 inch. Since it represents 1 foot, find how many are in a foot.
12 inches divided by .1875 = 64. ie, There are 64 increments of 3/16" in a foot making your scale 1:64

If 1" = 3', there are 36 inches in 3 feet, so the scale is 1:36.

If you're working between two different scales, it's not difficult to convert from one to another. For instance, I'm building a 1:20 scale model from 1:32 plans. A 21 foot long spar on the plan is 7.875" long in 1:32. 32 divided by 20 is 1.6. If you multiply the spar length in 1:32 by 1.6, you get the spar length in 1:20; 7.875" x 1.6 = 12.6" You don't have to know the full size length of the spar (21'), just it's size on the plan and the scale you're converting from (7.875").

Divide the scale you're working from (your plans) by the scale you want (your model), and you get the conversion ratio. 1:96 to 1:48 is 2. That 21' spar in 1:96 is 1.3125" x 2 = 2.625" in 1:48 scale. 1:96 to 1:36 is 2.666666 so that spar would be 2.1875" in 1:36. scale (1"=3').

Here's a link to a handy chart on my web site.
 
me I do it easiest of all I figure the scale in this case 1/32 scale then divide the full scale dimension by 32 and have my answer. it is easiest for me to thing 1/12th scale 1/32 scale 1/48th scale like that and just divide the full scale dimensions by the scale. I been doing it that way for 30 plus years I never messed with the 3/8" to the foot or 1/4" to the foot crap hehe
 
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