A scale model is a representation of an actual object that is either smaller or larger in actual size. There are many industries that work with scale models, such as salesmen that use scale models to sell their ideas, architects and designers that use scale models to map out their vision or craft store owners and collectors that want to stock their shelves with scale model trains and cars.

Know what to expect when working with scale models and fulfilling your business needs will be easy. Consider the following when starting out with scale models:

1. Determine the purpose of the scale model: for sale, artistic representation, or technical evaluation.

2. Think about whether the scale model needs to be custom-made or made from model kits.

3. Consider whether the scale model will be preserved as a work of art.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the sizes of scale models

The size of the scale model depends on the size of the actual object and how much detail needs to be represented in the model. Some scale models like the scale model car, scale model railroad and scale model building will be much smaller than the actual objects. Some common scales include 1:1200 for ships, 1:288 for aircraft, and 1:32 and 1:64 for model cars.

I recommend: Find a comprehensive list of scale model sizes at Gourt. The Great Lakes Modeling Association offers tips for choosing the right scale and the math formulas for figuring the scale.

Order scale model kits online

Model kits are what most craft and hobby shop owners will use to stock their shelves, and hobbyist model builders and collectors will purchase. These are usually simple or complex plastic or diecast model cars, trains or aircraft.

I recommend: All Model Kits offers kits in various scales of everything from cars to fighter planes to rockets to wooden ships. Buy wholesale from Scale-Model-Kits.com to stock shelves of a craft and hobby store.

Use custom scale model services

Some engineers, architects, and salesmen will contract the building of the scale models to represent their design for evaluation. Scale model builders will use blueprints or drafts to build a highly detailed, technical, accurate-to-scale model.

I recommend: ProTek Models builds custom scale models for many industries that are high-quality and detailed. ProScale Custom Model Builders offers highly-detailed and finely crafted custom scale models and specialize in architecture.

Buy materials for building scale models

Many designers, architects, engineers and even hobbyists will build their own custom scale models. Supplies such as scale rulers, paints, craft knives, glue and much more are needed.

I recommend: The Store Finder has a beginner's guide to model building including the tools needed and material possibilities. DEBEN offers detailed scale pieces and tools for scale model building.

There are many reasons why you might be interested in scale models for your business. You might want to sell model kits, display scale model trains, sell scale model products, or all of the above and more. Your business will determine your scale model needs.

If you are in the toy business and want to add scale models to your product line, you need to include a variety of products. Model car kits, model airplane kits, and model train kits are just a few items you will want to stock.

Buy these items in bulk to get the best prices. If you are a business that wants to display scale models or provide them as toys for clients, you don't need a large selection. You just need to tailor your scale model purchases to your client base.

Whatever your need for scale models, here are a few tips to help you get the most for your money:

1. Buy model kits made with different materials.

2. Buy a large number of items that will sell quickly, but only buy a small number of specialty items.

3. Focus on your client base. If selling scale models, offer a range of prices to appeal to a large population. If displaying scale models, offer them to attract a variety of ages.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy model cars

Model cars and diecast model cars may be the most popular types of scale models. Offer a large number of these products to your clients.

I recommend: Toy Wonders, Inc. is a model cars wholesaler where you can search by scale or vehicle type, car model, car brand and manufacturer, and/or car accessory. Buyers must supply retail identification and purchase a minimum amount. Diecast Models Wholesale provides a list of cars available from this website. Once you click on the scale model car you are interested in, you get the product description, price, and number available. ModelCars.com and OakridgeHobbies.com are also great places to find model cars and model car kits.

Buy model trains and model train scale kits

Trains are popular scale model items for collectors. Offer an assortment of model trains and model train scale kits for your customers.

I recommend: Arizona Trains & Hobbies accepts wholesale orders for railroad and train products. Businesses must provide their retail information in order to purchase products at wholesale prices. Scale University specializes in scale model trains and kits. You can buy model kits or purchase products separately.

Collect diecast model cars and model airplanes for your business

If you want to display scale models for your business, consider buying hard to find items and collectibles.

I recommend: Diecast Collectibles Plus! has a wonderful array of airplane models at inexpensive prices. Die Cast Cars is a website dedicated to the scale model car, but the products are pricey. You search by car model or diecast car manufacturer. If you are interested in more expensive collectible scale models, visit Model Planes.com, Fairfield Mint Collectibles, and ScaleCars.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you purchase scale model trains to display, remember to buy at least one scale model railroad.
• •  If you plan to display a large number of scale models, consider buying a scale model display case.