A FULL GUIDE to Collecting Model Airplanes: 1/200, 1/400, and 1/500 Explained

Join me on a journey into the world of model airplane collecting! In this beginner's guide, we'll cover the three most popular scales: 1/200, 1/400, and 1/500. You'll learn about the pros and cons of each scale, as well as which manufacturers offer the best models. Whether you're just starting your collection or looking to expand, this video has everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Thanks for watching this video!

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[MileHigh_Aviation]

1:400 is my personal favorite, maybe because i have 300 of them but

[ThatOnePlane_TrainDude]

3:42 I notice that a lot of my Gemini jets (especially the older models) arrive with crooked cockpit windows which is very annoying 😅

[marten]

07:50 - A good summary of the different scales, but as a 1/500 collector I would like to make one additional point that you didn´t really mention: I think the biggest advantage of the 1/500 scale is in building airport dioramas. This is not only due to the size of the models, which allows a large diorama in quite a small space (as you mentioned), but also due to the wide availability and "low" price of GSE such as jetways, cars, catering trucks etc.

Herpa's dominance in the 1/500 market is definitely a big problem, but you have to give Herpa credit for offering good GSE at "acceptable" prices. I even know many 1/400 collectors who are forced to use 1/500 GSE from Herpa for their dioramas, because GSE in 1/400 is either unavailable or unaffordable. All in all, I believe that you pay up to 50% less for GSE in 1/500 scale than for GSE in 1/400 scale.

That said, I absolutely agree with you that the biggest problem in 1/500 scale is the lack of competition for Herpa. Even in 1/500 scale it would be possible to achieve almost the same level of detail as in 1/400 (see 1/500 models from JC Wings), but the lack of competition means that Herpa is not forced to innovate or get important licences. 1/500 is still a great scale that I like to collect and it doesn't have to hide from 1/400!

[Oatmealgoat]

As a newbie to this hobby, this video is very clear and helpful. Thank you.

[WorldWide_Dom]

Thanks for this, flown on so many aircraft now and want to start a collection of them for myself. This really is the ULTIMATE guide in model sizes. thank you so much. 😁

[drjax]

I started my 1:500 collection when I brought a Lufthansa A380 while flying in a Lufthansa A380 :) so another advantage of 1:500 is you can get them in-flight as well if thats what drives your collection (1:200 plastic ones are also common)

[mxtzz.]

I’ve started buying models for a long term big collection and have made the decision to go for 1/400. Since I’m willing to spend lots of time collecting, I’ve gone for NG Models as they have the most quality. Yes they’re more expensive but I’m fine with buying around 6-8 per year.

[jasondean]

I have about 200 1/200 models, im Broke af but its worth for it, I love that massive models like they are in Reallife and loving the Details

[DarkAndVelvetNights]

My favourite is 1/200. Thay may take some space but they are so cool that it's worth it.

[kimberlythomas]

Thank you for this extremely informative and streamlined video. I have just acquired a huge collection of mostly 1/200 and am trying to learn about these amazing creations. 👏

[Stopaclotion]

What a nice video! I've collected 32 1:500 model aeroplanes, and I love them because I can fit them all in a 115cm x 33cm cabinet (only the top layer). I've actually seen 1:600 model planes before, but only big ones like the A380 and B747.

[mark]

What I really miss in this video is the secondhand market as this is a huge part of collecting and can make it a lot more fun and affordable. Also the high amount of QC issues (especially 400 scale) these days is worth mentioning.

[KarlBlitzShorts]

1:24 I have a Sky500 Martinair 747-400BCF and it has pitot tubes on it and wipers

[southeast_minnesota_sirens]

Thank you for this. It really helps! Your English is very good as well!!

[caspervdb]

I personally like the 1/500 scale because the price and the space it take’s ✈️

[ALEX_THE_AVIATION_GUY]

Thank you! This will help me in the future!

[vukmarkovic]

Hello there,

I watched your video and it is very helpful. I started to collect airplanes not so long ago but only planes with company that I am traveling or I used to travel (cause there is a few of them that i dont have and i traweled 10 years ago). Do you have some special brand to suggest me? I dont need so much detailed ones and no die cast. For example at this moment i have ryanair and wozzair models that you can buy on their flights. Those are 1:200 and there are like 15€... As i can see on your video 1:200 are bot cheap ones, so if I may ask you for your opinion?
Thanks!

[marcusmeas]

I like the 1/400 because some of it is small like the 737 but the ones that fly internationally irl are more bigger

[FAESuperHornet]

2:54 … that cockpit window makes me wanna throwup

[usertom]

Can you repaint/ apply different livery decals on these diecast models?