Model size perspective is based on the height of the model as if it were standing erect, from the bottom of its shoes/boots to the top of its head, excluding any base it may be on or hat/headpiece it may be wearing. There are many sizes though there are 4 typical sizes available today: 28mm, 40mm, 54mm and 70mm. Early metal moulds from the 1940's were all over the place in size, but tended to measure towards 54mm.
28mm
Quite a few gamers today focus on the 28mm size. They are small, and do not take up a great deal of room, quick to mould and paint, and require considerably less metal than the 54mm model size.
40mm
Many of the semi flats available today are 40mm, Prince August also has quite a large collection of full round 40mm. The main advantage is less metal is required to mould and they are quicker to paint than either 54 or 70mm models as they require less detail.
1/32 = 54mm
the 1/32 or 54mm model is my personal favourite size. It is the size I first saw and started pouring and painting. This size requires considerable attention to detail as the faces on this size are easily recognizable and as such you will need to be able to paint very small details such as eyes, brows lips etc. However the shading of this size model, while important, is not as critical as it is on the larger 70mm models
70mm
70mm models frequently are busts though you can get full body models in the 70mm size. This size requires the most attention to detail of the four sizes. Shading, minute detail, quality of mould all come into play on this size.
O Scale
1 5/8" This is a very common size for train sets. See Barclay page Classic O Scale | Barclay Products Co.
Toy Soldier Miniature Scale Table
| Scale Name | Ratio (Approx.) | Height (Standing Human) | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90mm | 1:20 | 3.5" (90mm) | Museum-quality display figures; highly detailed. |  |
| 80mm | 1:22 | 3.15" (80mm) | Often used for display; historically significant pieces. | |
| 75mm | 1:24 | 2.95" (75mm) | Very popular for painters and historical figures. | |
| 70mm | 1:25 | 2.75" (70mm) | Less standardized; used in high-end collectibles. | |
| 65mm | 1:27 | 2.6" (65mm) | Rare; often overlaps with 70mm pieces. | |
| 60mm | 1:30 | 2.4" (60mm) | A very common larger display scale. | |
| 54mm | 1:32 | 2.1" (54mm) | Traditional toy soldier size; very common. | |
| 50mm | 1:35 | 2" (50mm) | Used in model military kits. | |
| 40mm | 1:43 | 1.57" (40mm) | Somewhat niche; used in Napoleonic wargaming. | |
| 35mm | 1:48 | 1.38" (35mm) | Rare, occasionally used in sci-fi/fantasy gaming. | |
| 32mm | 1:50–1:55 | 1.25" (32mm) | Popular in some RPG miniatures. | |
| 28mm | 1:56 | 1.1" (28mm) | Standard for tabletop games like Warhammer. | |
| 25mm | 1:72 | 1" (25mm) | Classic wargaming size, less used today. | |
| 20mm | 1:72–76 | 0.8" (20mm) | Popular in WWII and 1:72 military models. | |
| 15mm | 1:100 | 0.6" (15mm) | Efficient for large army battles. | |
| 6mm | 1:285–1:300 | 0.25" (6mm) | Very small; used in epic-scale battles. |
Cross-Compatibility
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HO (1:87) trains scale well with 20mm–25mm miniatures.
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O scale (1:48) pairs fairly well with 40mm figures though you can find actual "0" scale models from time to time.
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1:72 is a common bridge scale used both for aircraft/military models and 20–25mm figures.
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