What's 40k scale?

[High Lord Stormbringer]

I've been told that the vehicles of 40K are about 1/35, that they generally fit with that. Is that right? Or is it a different scale?

 

I ask because I really don't want to use certain models and would prefer permanent proxies. (Don't worry, not intent on taking this particular army to either GW or a tournies.)

[feuer_faust]

Not sure about vehicles, but your average mini is 1/28 scale-ish; the features and weapons are exaggerated for easier recognition.

[Callas]

40K is generally agreed to be 'heroic' 1:48.

What does this mean? Well, although the overall scale corresponds to a 1:48 mini, some parts are deliberately emphasised to make more of a visual impact. Regular 1:48 models do not have a rifle the size and girth of a bolter, for example.

 

Now, some parts of 1:35 tank kits work nicely - with a little trimming the tracks from an M1A1 Abrams can be used on a Land Raider whilst those of a BMP-family vehicle work well on a Rhino. Other parts such as vision blocks and tool racks (spade, cleaning rods etc) also look acceptable although things like the main guns are ridiculously big whilst the machine guns are too small and thin (having said that, a .50 cal makes a good starting point for a sniper rifle).

 

What don't work are the turrets - that of the aforementioned Abrams or any MBT is the size of a Baneblade's near enough, absolutely dwarfs any Marine vehicle short of a Raider and it looks funny on there as well. The example of the BMP one also is oversized in proportion despite it being far smaller than the MBT.

 

Tamiya do some nice 1:48 scale tank kits now which fit almost perfectly - the M10 turret makes a lovely Razorback alternate - and there is a growing wave towards 1:48 as a scale so you should see more suitable stuff fairly soon. But no, aside from a few bits 1:35 is out of proportion too much to look anything like realistic.

[Chaoswolf]

I'd be inclined to agree with what Callas posted, but would like to add that certain 'detail' items such as Jerry cans, oildrums, and backpacks in 1/48th look a little small when compared to GW's examples of each.

[Legacy40k]

40k is several scales.

 

Infantry are one scale.. which isnt very well represented; If a marine is supposedly 9' tall, how big is a kroot? (compare the model sizes) that is why the True Scale trend started.

 

Vehicles are another scale, and even they are not consistent. We all know the cargo areas of vehicles are too small, But compare the cargo space of a tau devilfish to a Rhino, the Rhino has over twice as much room in it for less models.

 

Buildings are a seperate scale on top of that, ever notice how buildings never have staircases? its because they won't fit into the bulding. however, doors and windows are typically sized appropriatly to the models being used.

 

Weapons and Accessories are another scale again. Swords are most notable, while they don't look too huge in the hands of a marine, ever try placing one on the hip or the back? typically you can't, it looks rediculous because its to big and it hits the ground, same issue with the holstered bolt pistol accessory..

 

 

The only thing that really works well in terms of scale are trees, because you can simply assume they are different ages (its small because it's a young tree)

 

-Legacy40k