If you are new to collecting model aircraft, the first question you will run into is not which airline or aircraft to buy. It is which scale. Walk into any collector forum and you will see the same debate: 1/400 or 1/200? The honest answer is that each scale suits a different kind of collector, and this guide will help you work out which one suits you.
What does scale actually mean?
Scale is simply the ratio between the model and the real aircraft. A 1/400 scale model is 400 times smaller than the real thing. So a Boeing 737 MAX 8, which is about 39.5 metres long in real life, becomes a model just under 10 cm long in 1/400 scale. The same aircraft in 1/200 scale would be nearly 20 cm long, and in 1/500 scale just under 8 cm.
Quick comparison
| Scale | Typical 737 length | Typical 747/777 length | Typical price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/400 | ~10 cm | ~17 to 19 cm | £35 to £70 | Collectors and airport dioramas |
| 1/200 | ~20 cm | ~33 to 38 cm | £22-45( for plastic) to £75-150+ (for metal) | Display pieces and gifts |
| 1/500 | ~8 cm | ~13 to 14 cm | £20 to £40 | Compact collections |
1/400 scale: the collector's standard
1/400 is the most popular scale in the hobby today, and for good reason. Models are small enough that you can build a serious collection on a single shelf, yet large enough for manufacturers like GeminiJets, NG Models and Phoenix to pack in printed door outlines, aerials, detailed landing gear and accurate liveries. It is also the scale with the biggest ecosystem of airport accessories: ground mats, jet bridges, hangars and ground service vehicles are all widely available in 1/400.
GeminiJets TUI Airways Boeing 737 MAX 8 in 1/400 scale
A good first 1/400 model is something like the GeminiJets TUI Airways Boeing 737 MAX 8. One of our customers compared his to the real aircraft at his local airport and said it looked "identical but just smaller". That is exactly what modern 1/400 diecast delivers.
1/200 scale: presence on the shelf
Double the scale means eight times the visual impact. A 1/200 widebody like a Boeing 777 is over 35 cm long and genuinely commands a room. This is the scale to choose if you want a few statement pieces rather than a large fleet, or if you are buying a gift for an aviation fan.
Herpa KLM Boeing 777-300ER, a 37 cm snap-fit model in 1/200 scale
1/200 comes in two flavours. Diecast metal models are heavier, more detailed and more expensive. Snap-fit plastic models, such as the Herpa KLM Boeing 777-300ER, give you the same shelf presence at a much friendlier price, typically £20 to £30. Do not let the word plastic put you off: one recent reviewer of a Herpa snap-fit model told us "the quality for the price is outstanding... definitely the start of a beautiful hobby."
1/500 scale: small but mighty
1/500 is the classic Herpa Wings scale with decades of heritage. Models are compact and affordable, which makes 1/500 ideal if space is tight or you want to model an entire airline fleet. The trade-off is less fine detail than 1/400, simply because there is less surface to work with.
So which scale should you choose?
Choose 1/400 if you want to build a collection or an airport diorama. Choose 1/200 if you want display pieces that people notice, or you are buying a gift. Choose 1/500 if space and budget come first. And if you cannot decide, there is no rule against mixing: many collectors keep a 1/200 favourite as a centrepiece above a 1/400 fleet. The only real rule is to keep each scale together in a diorama, because a 1/200 aircraft parked next to a 1/400 terminal will look like a visitor from another planet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best aircraft model scale for beginners?
1/400 is the best starting point for most people. Prices are reasonable, detail is excellent, and the range of aircraft and accessories is unmatched.
Are aircraft models in different scales compatible?
Aircraft from different scales should not be mixed in the same diorama, but accessories are sometimes dual-purpose. Our AMS airport mats, for example, are designed to work with both 1/400 and 1/500 layouts.
Diecast or snap-fit: which is better?
Diecast models offer more weight and finer detail. Snap-fit models cost less and are lighter, which makes them safer on floating shelves and great for younger enthusiasts. Both can look superb on display.
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