One of the fun aspects of RC modeling is that it allows you to discover different environments on different scales. All RC cars can be considered miniature vehicles, but they are not all the same size. Radio controlled vehicles are classified by scales, which refers to the size of the model compared to its full-size counterpart.
Each miniature car aims to offer the most realistic design and characteristics possible. When you admire a Ford GT RC car, like the HPI Ford GT Heritage , you will notice that the manufacturer has made an exact replica of the official Ford GT Heritage car and has taken care of every little detail to make it look as realistic as possible. possible. So, RC cars are smaller in size but the design, details and features are almost the same as the real cars. As a general rule, each manufacturer evaluates their size in relation to that of a real model, we then speak of scale, scale 1 being the real size .
The different scales of RC cars
When you are new to the world of RC, you may be impressed by the variety of RC vehicles available on the market and you may have noticed that there are many size scales : 1/5 , 1/6 , 1/7 , 1/8 , 1/10 , 1/12 , 1/14 , 1/16 , 1/18 , 1/24 , 1/28 , 1/32 , 1/43 , 1/64 . The scale of a radio controlled car is the size of the model compared to the actual car or full-size version that is in your garage or parking lot.
The manufacturer always mentions the scale of the RC car to inform the buyer of its size. The idea behind scales is to form a mental picture about the size of the RC car . For example, the official HPI Ford GT Heritage mentioned in the previous paragraph is manufactured at 1/10 scale, which means that it is 10 times smaller than the original model, a 1/12 scale car will be 12 times smaller, etc.
Why use a ladder?
RC scales refer to the size of the model cars. 1/10 scale is the most popular and 1/5 scale is the largest. The higher the number, the smaller the model and conversely, the lower the number, the larger the model. For example, 1/10 scale cars are 10 times smaller than real size and their bodies offer enough space for details such as mirrors, windshield wipers and other accessories. So the most accurate replicas tend to be larger, but this is not always the case, and some very small models are ultra detailed .
It should be noted that RC car scales also apply to RC bodies but, although the scale is the same, the wheelbase of the chassis may vary and it is worth checking the compatibility of the body with your car model radio controlled.
What size based on scale?
Generally, the size of an RC car is based on its scale but depending on the models, manufacturer and type of car, sizes may vary within the same scale. As a guide , here is a guide to the average car size for each scale:
- A 1/64 scale RC car measures between 5 and 8 cm.
- A 1/43 scale RC car measures between 6 and 13 cm.
- A 1/24 scale RC car measures between 13 and 20 cm.
- A 1/16 scale RC car measures between 30 and 36 cm.
- A 1/12 scale RC car measures between 38 and 43 cm
- A 1/10 scale RC car measures between 48 and 53 cm.
The RC car dimensions shown above, based on their scale, are approximate measurements . Some RC car models may not meet the size criteria above. This is why we recommend that you check the dimensions of the car before ordering.
Size difference between RC vehicles of the same scale
The size of an RC vehicle also depends on the type of vehicle. When the vehicle type is different, the size of two RC vehicles will be different even if the scale is the same. For example, here are the size differences that can be noted in different Traxxas cars at 1/10 scale :
- Dimensions of the Traxxas Slash short-course : 568 x 296x 214mm
- The dimensions of the Traxxas Maxx monster truck : 549 x 367x 232mm
- The dimensions of the Traxxas Rustler stadium truck : 445 x 311x 178mm
- The dimensions of the Traxxas Bandit buggy : 413 x 250x 178mm
- The dimensions of the Traxxas Chevrolet Corvette Stingray track car : 492 x 204 x 120 mm
