1:144 scale
Encyclopedia
Scale (ratio)
The scale ratio of some sort of model which represents an original proportionally is the ratio of a linear dimension of the model to the same dimension of the original. Examples include a 3-dimensional scale model of a building or the scale drawings of the elevations or plans of a building. In such...
used for some scale models such as micro/mini armor
Micro armour
Micro armour refers to small figurines made of lead, pewter, die cast metal or plastic, usually used for wargaming purposes. Variations of the name include: mini armour, mini armour, microscale, mini tanks, miniature armour, miniature armour, miniature tanks, micro tanks, minitanks, minifigs,...
. 1:144 means that the dimensions of the model are 1/144 (0.694%) the dimensions of the original life-sized object. For instance, an airplane 30 feet (9.14 m) in length would be a mere 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) long as a 1:144 scale model.
1:144 scale finished and semi-finished Models are becoming a popular trend not only in Asia, but in the West as well. Many European and American collectors are welcoming them for both model military vehicle
Model military vehicle
-Scales:The term 'scale' refers to the proportion of actual size the replica or model represents. Scale is usually expressed as a ratio or as a fraction . In either case it conveys the notion that the replica or model is accurately scaled in all visible proportions from a full-size prototype object...
display and miniature wargaming
Miniature wargaming
Miniature wargaming is a form of wargaming that incorporates miniature figures, miniature armor and modeled terrain as the main components of play...
purposes. It is twice as large as traditional micro armor / mini armor of the 1:285
1:285 scale
1:285 scale or 6 mm figure size is a US Army scale introduced in the late 1960s, and used for wargames and some scale model dioramas. It is used in miniature wargaming to depict large battles in a relatively small gaming area...
(~6 mm (0.236220472440945 in) figure
Model figure
A model figure is a scale model representing a human, monster or other creature. Human figures may be either a generic figure of a type , a historical personage , or a fictional character .Model figures are sold both as kits for enthusiast to construct and paint and as pre-built, pre-painted...
) and 1:300 (~5 mm (0.196850393700787 in) figure) scale yet practically just as useful.
1:144 (~12 mm (0.47244094488189 in) figure) scale modeling and miniatures are considered closely related to N scale
N scale
N scale is a popular model railway scale/track gauge. Depending upon the manufacturer , the scale ranges from 1:148 to 1:160. In all cases, the gauge is . The term N gauge refers to the track dimensions, but in the UK in particular N gauge refers to a 1:148 scale with track gauge modelling...
(1:148-1:160 scale) (~10 mm (0.393700787401575 in) figure) and many pieces from both scales can be used interchangeably.
Dollhouses and Miniatures
In the construction and use of dollhouseDollhouse
A dollhouse is a toy home, made in miniature. For the last century, dollhouses have primarily been the domain of children but their collection and crafting is also a hobby for many adults. The term dollhouse is common in the United States and Canada...
s, 1:144 scale represents the scale that a 1:12 scale
1:12 scale
1:12 scale is a traditional scale for models and miniatures, in which 12 units on the original is represented by one unit on the model...
dollhouse would have in a 1:12 scale dollhouse. This is often called Dolls' dollhouse or Dollhouse's dollhouse.
At this scale, a typical house is about 50 mm (1.969 in) across. Making internal parts for such a house is a difficult task for the home hobbyist. Commercial manufacturers often use laser
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
cutting technology to ensure clean lines.
Die-cast Models
1:144 is a popular scale for die-castDie-cast toy
The term die-cast toy here refers to any toy or collectible model produced by using the die casting method. The toys are made of metal, with plastic, rubber or glass details. Wholly plastic toys are made by a similar process of injection moulding, but the two are rarely confused...
model airplanes. This scale is usually for large aircraft
Aircraft
An aircraft is a vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air, or, in general, the atmosphere of a planet. An aircraft counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or in a few cases the downward thrust from jet engines.Although...
such as airliners and bombers.
Racing Champions also made many lines of 1:144 scale cars and trucks during the late 1990s. Scale models were made of Nascar
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
stock cars, NHRA funny car
Funny Car
Funny Car is a drag racing car class. In the United States, other "professional" classes are Top Fuel, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Funny cars have forward-mounted engines and carbon fiber automotive bodies over the chassis, giving them an appearance vaguely approximating manufacturers'...
s and top fuel rail dragsters, classic automobiles, sought-after muscle cars, and even semi trucks. Although these Ertl-manufactured models are described as 1:144 scale; most are actually 1.5 in (38.1 mm) replicas.
Action Figures
1:144 scale is also the primary scale of High Grade Gundam model-kits and toys.Plastic Military Models
There are also a growing number of 1:144 military models. The scale (compatible with the N scaleN scale
N scale is a popular model railway scale/track gauge. Depending upon the manufacturer , the scale ranges from 1:148 to 1:160. In all cases, the gauge is . The term N gauge refers to the track dimensions, but in the UK in particular N gauge refers to a 1:148 scale with track gauge modelling...
of railroad modeling
Rail transport modelling
Railway modelling or model railroading is a hobby in which rail transport systems are modelled at a reduced scale...
) gained popularity in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. The available products include pre-painted and assembled WWII
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
/ modern armour
Armoured warfare
Armoured warfare or tank warfare is the use of armoured fighting vehicles in modern warfare. It is a major component of modern methods of war....
such as Doyusha's CanDo line and Subarudo's World Tank Museum line, and pre-painted, semi-assembled WWII aircraft. Military miniature companies like Pendraken, Pithead Miniatures, Game Figures Inc. and Magister Militum produce a wide variety of artillery pieces, tanks, infantry vehicles and support weapons in this scale. 1:144 offers wargamers
Miniature wargaming
Miniature wargaming is a form of wargaming that incorporates miniature figures, miniature armor and modeled terrain as the main components of play...
the satisfaction of much greater detail than "micro armour
Micro armour
Micro armour refers to small figurines made of lead, pewter, die cast metal or plastic, usually used for wargaming purposes. Variations of the name include: mini armour, mini armour, microscale, mini tanks, miniature armour, miniature armour, miniature tanks, micro tanks, minitanks, minifigs,...
" (which comes in 1:285
1:285 scale
1:285 scale or 6 mm figure size is a US Army scale introduced in the late 1960s, and used for wargames and some scale model dioramas. It is used in miniature wargaming to depict large battles in a relatively small gaming area...
and 1:300 scales and of which 1:144 scale is approximately and conveniently twice as large) with the models remaining small enough to fight entire battles on a simple dinner table.
So far the games meant specifically for 1:144 scale are Heavy Gear (Dream Pod 9
Dream Pod 9
Dream Pod 9 is a Montreal-based Canadian game publisher. In addition to games, they have been known to work on special projects, creating worlds and stories to order for a variety of clients.-History:...
(1994)) and World Tank Campaigns (Takara Tomy
Takara Tomy
is a Japanese toy, children's merchandise and entertainment company created from the March 2006 merger of two companies: Tomy and long-time rival, Takara...
(2009)).
Manufacturers of 1:144 Scale Micro Armor
Companies that produce 1:144 scale miniature tanks / micro armor sets include the following:- Dragon Models LimitedDragon Models LimitedDragon Models Limited is a Hong Kong based manufacturer of plastic model kits, diecast models and military action figures...
(Doyusha) "Can.Do" "Pocket Army" (blind box) (pre-painted plastic) - Takara TomyTakara Tomyis a Japanese toy, children's merchandise and entertainment company created from the March 2006 merger of two companies: Tomy and long-time rival, Takara...
(Subarudo, Kaiyodo) - Panzertales "World Tank Museum" (Injection Molded Plastic) (blind box)- To be used in the same companies "World Tank Campaigns" game
- 21st Century Toys (produces "Ultimate SoldierUltimate SoldierUltimate Soldier is a toy, produced by the company known as 21st Century Toys. It makes 1/6, 1/18, and 1/32 scale figures and vehicles. It was founded in 1997, and began making 1/6 scale figures and uniforms, and now mostly makes 1/6 scale weapon sets as well as 1/18 and 1/32 scale toys...
") - New Millennium Toys: "WWII Classic Armor" (sold at stores like Wal-MartWal-MartWal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
) - MiniHobbyModels (one of the many reboxed brands, aka Crown, ARII etc)
- Trumpeter
- Pegasus Hobbies - "Military Museum Collection" (Plastic)
- Panzer Depot (Resin Cast)
- Unimax - Forces of Valor "Macho Machines" (pre-painted die cast metal) - needs checking on am item by item basis.
- Konami - JSDF Series & Selected items from the "Alien" (movie related) series
- ACI Toys Company Ltd. - "Metal Troops Creation" & AM Models aka Aviation Models
- Popy - "Projekt Panzer" & "Prokect Flieger"
- Preiser (Plastic) (Tank crews & Aviation Aircrew and Ground Staff, both Civil and Military(NATO) )
- DAMEYA (trucks)
- F-Toys - 1/144 Workshops (may be aircraft,helicopters & selected Star Wars items)
- Combat Group Dynamix (CGD) - 1:144 Micro Dioramas and Accessories, 1:144 Wargaming series armour, and accessories for 1:144 wargaming (all have pre-painted and unpainted models).
- Pro Hobby
- Wargames South
Manufacturers of N Scale Micro Armor
- Minifigs / Game Figures Inc (GFI) - producers of N scaleN scaleN scale is a popular model railway scale/track gauge. Depending upon the manufacturer , the scale ranges from 1:148 to 1:160. In all cases, the gauge is . The term N gauge refers to the track dimensions, but in the UK in particular N gauge refers to a 1:148 scale with track gauge modelling...
metallic micro armor specifically for miniature wargamingMiniature wargamingMiniature wargaming is a form of wargaming that incorporates miniature figures, miniature armor and modeled terrain as the main components of play...
. - GHQ - producers of N scaleN scaleN scale is a popular model railway scale/track gauge. Depending upon the manufacturer , the scale ranges from 1:148 to 1:160. In all cases, the gauge is . The term N gauge refers to the track dimensions, but in the UK in particular N gauge refers to a 1:148 scale with track gauge modelling...
and primarily 1:285 scale1:285 scale1:285 scale or 6 mm figure size is a US Army scale introduced in the late 1960s, and used for wargames and some scale model dioramas. It is used in miniature wargaming to depict large battles in a relatively small gaming area...
metallic micro armor specifically for miniature wargamingMiniature wargamingMiniature wargaming is a form of wargaming that incorporates miniature figures, miniature armor and modeled terrain as the main components of play...
since 1967. - Combat Group Dynamix (CGD) - WarGoesOn series, "Micro-Diorama" series - dioramas for 1:144 scale, compatible with N scale/1:160 scale. Interestingly, this company uses a special 3D computer printer to produce its newer products.
- Perrin
- DM Toys
- HerpaHerpaHerpa, or Herpa Miniaturmodelle GmbH, is a German manufacturer of die-cast model aircraft under the Herpa Wings trademark and plastic car models under the Herpa Cars & Trucks trademark. The mainstay of Herpa Wings is in the 1/500 scale, although models are also produced in the 1/400, 1/200, and...
/RocoRocoRoco, based in Salzburg, Austria, is a manufacturer of model railway equipment.-History:The company was founded in 1960 by Ing. Heinz Rössler and started with a plastic Minitanks series. After export to the USA became successful, the model line was expanded with model trains in H0 scale and the...
- "Roco Minitanks" - Pendraken Miniatures - large range of vehicles from WWI through to Vietnam.
- Pithead Miniatures
- Magister Militum
Model Warship Combat Models
The majority of model warships built for model warship combatModel Warship Combat
Model warship combat is an international club activity, in which participants construct radio-controlled scale models of actual warships, most commonly those built by various nations during the early portion of the 20th century prior to 1946 such as the , or . These models are armed with pneumatic...
are constructed from scratch or partial kits in 1/144 scale although some exist in other scales.
Styrene Kits
1:144 scale has become a very popular scale for airliners and other large aircraft, however, there is a large number of other aircraft kits that are produced. The large size of airliners makes this scale ideal for modeling. To use a larger scale would not only be expensive but difficult to manufacture and their size alone would prohibitively limit the market of said kits.Several companies use this scale as well for historical spacecraft such as the Vostok 1, Saturn 1B, and Saturn V (Airfix
Airfix
Airfix is a UK manufacturer of plastic scale model kits of aircraft and other subjects. In Britain, the name Airfix is synonymous with the hobby, a plastic model of this type is often simply referred to as "an airfix kit" even if made by another manufacturer....
) and the Space Shuttle (Revell
Revell
Revell is the brand name today of two manufacturers of scale plastic models. The original US company merged with another, Monogram, but now trades only under the Revell name. European Revell Germany separated from the US company in 2006.-Early history:...
).
1:144 scale is also seeing an increase in popularity in the use of model warships, particularly submarines, though other vessels are available. Aircraft, traditionally have been the primary source of kits, Trumpeter
Trumpeter (company)
Trumpeter is a Chinese company that manufacturers plastic injection moulding military model kits. Their product line consists of model ships, aircraft, cars and military ground vehicles. Trumpeter kits initially had a reputation of being somewhat less detailed than those of competitors such as...
, Revell of Germany, Dragon, Sweet, Platz, Micro Ace (former Arii) and Minicraft are frequent contributors to this growing niche. There is also an ever increasingly number of resin kits in this scale.
External links
- Panzer Depot
- CGD Facebook
- Pendraken Forum
- 144 Mini Armour Discussion Forum
- Kampfgruppe144 Blog - a popular blog about a lot of different 1/144 scale models.
- Kampfgruppe144 BBS / Discussion Forum
- DivisionPanzer144
- "niitakayama" an excellent Japanese 144 Blog