History

• Standardized scales for model making was first employed by the U.S. Navy during World War II.
  
  

Scale Ratio

• Scale ratios for models are usually given in feet-to-inches in an analogy format. For instance, a 1:12 scale means 1 inch on the model would translate to 12 inches of the actual object (car, boat, plane, etc.).
  
  

Standardization

• Scales are standardized in the model industry to give the customer an idea of how big the finished model will be, as well as the level of detail it has.
  
  

Benefits: Interchangeable Parts

• Model makers often like to customize their creations with components from other kits. Having a standardized scale between kits allows the modeler to realistically alter his creation.
  
  

Dioramas

• Hobbyists who like to make dioramas, or "set-pieces," need a standardized scale to ensure that all of the set's parts will match up in terms of size and detail.