1:72 scale

1:72 scale is a scale used for scale models, most commonly model aircraft, corresponding to one sixth of an inch representing one foot (or 1 inch to 6 feet). In other words, 72 of a given model placed end to end would represent the length of the real thing. In this scale, a man who is six feet tall would be exactly one inch in height. The scale was popular for aircraft because small fighters and large bombers were represented, and was practically the only choice of scale if a modeler wanted to have all aircraft types represented in the same scale.

This scale originated with the Skybirds and Frog Penguin aircraft model ranges produced in the United Kingdom during the 1930s and was subsequently used for aircraft recognition models by the Allies of World War II. More subjects and genres are covered in this scale than any other. Widespread in Western and Eastern Europe, Japan and Latin America, the scale is extremely popular in the UK but less so in Australia, Canada, and the USA, where 1:48 is more prevalent.

Manufacturers of aircraft kits, past and present, in 1:72 scale include; Airfix, Frog, Novo, Revell, Italeri, Tamiya, Hasegawa, Heller, Monogram and Matchbox.

In recent years this scale has also gained popularity for model military vehicles, and is also used for Japanese anime science fiction models, die-cast model cars, figures, and radio-control model ships, as well as soldiers.

1:72 scale is becoming increasingly popular for die-cast toys. The beginning of die-cast production in this scale can be connected to the noted Hong Kong model car producer Hongwell Company, which opened its factory dedicated to these model cars in 1997.

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Wikipedia