1:32 scale.html

Scalextric 1:32 scale TVR & Porsche slot cars on track.

1:32 scale is a traditional scale for models and miniatures, in which one unit (such as an inch or a centimeter) on the model represents 32 units on the actual object. It is also known as "three-eighths scale", since 3/8-inch represents a foot. A man is 2-1/4 inches tall (55 mm) in 1:32 scale.

1:32 was once so common a scale for toy trains, autos, and soldiers that it was known as "standard size" in the industry. It is the scale for Gauge 1 toy and model trains, more commonly called "Standard Gauge" by American collectors. It was the scale of some of the earliest plastic model car kits. It is a common scale for figure modeling, where it is called 54 mm scale, from the height of the human figure. 1:32 was used for equipment to match 54 mm toy soldiers for miniature wargaming and was common in scale military modeling until it was largely replaced by 1:35 scale.

1:32 is a useful scale for scratch modelling. As well as standard gauge gauge 1 using 45mm/1 3/4" track, narrow gauge modellers use 0 gauge (32mm - 1 1/4") track for 42", 1m and 36" gauge originals. Also H0/00 track at 16.5mm is used to represent models of 2'/60cm gauge railways.

Today, 1:32 is associated with slot car scale. A standard for tabletop rail-racing in the mid-1950s, it was adopted by the original slot car manufacturers, Victory Industries and Scalextric.¹

References

^ Dempewolff, Richard F, "Table-Top Car Racing", 1st Ed. 1963

1:32 scale.html

See also

References