Scale and Actual Length

[KAYA61]

@AllanKP69 Example: I've placed the numbers randomly. I don't know the scale, but I want to make it at a 1:72 scale. Can I find the scale of the piece using the measurements? (excuse for my basic english sometimes use to translate)

 

[AllanKP69]

Whatever translator you are using seems to be really good! Without knowing some actual length of the actual ship, it may be a problem. What ship/year/nation are you interested in building?

Thanks

Allan

 

[KAYA61]

@AllanKP69 again and again thanks. there isn't a specific model for the problem I'm asking about. However, I'm currently working on a model with a build log. I just wanted to ask what I could do if I ever reach the stage of building from scratch and encounter such a problem.

 

[kuba91nt]

@AllanKP69 This has been bothering me for a long time. Let's say I find a plan, either online or by hand, and I don't know its scale. Can we derive a scale based on the length of any part of the plan? Perhaps I'm confusing things too much, and if so, please forgive me.

Yes, if it's possible to find any data on the ship. Not if it's a made-up model and the plan is fictitious.

 

[AllanKP69]

what I could do if I ever reach the stage of building from scratch and encounter such a problem

Here is one example of how it can be done, in this case HMS Bristol (50) 1775. There are basic dimensions at the top of the drawing and a scale under the keel in feet and inches. Below I download the drawing and scaled to full size with a gundeck length of 146 feet. In the circle is the same drawing reduced to 1:48 with a gun deck 36.5" long. Once done, delete the full size plan from the drawing and you have a 1:48 scale version that you can print in pieces or take to a printer that can do the scaled drawing. It will be about 56 inches long, For smaller scales it is the same principal. Even a simple CAD program can do this and I think there are still some free ones on line.
Allan

 

[Roger Pellett]

I don’t use computers so here’s how to do it by hand. First A-4 is the size of the drawing paper and has no relation to the scale of the model drawn on it.

You will need some information about the dimensions of the real vessel that you’re modeling. Length can be iffy as there are several different definitions. The most reliable is maximum beam. Measure your chosen dimension on your drawing. Divide by the corresponding dimension of the actual vessel. The result is the scale. If this is a fictional vessel often favored by kit manufacturers you don’t have the information needed.

Roger