1/200 vs 1/400 vs 1/500 Airplane Models: Which Scale Is Better?

2025.4.9

Choosing the right scale for your diecast airplane models involves balancing detail, space, and budget. Whether you’re building a massive collection or want to display just a few aircraft, knowing diecast airplane scale sizes is important. Do you prefer smaller models, or do you go for something larger? Today, we’re showing you the differences between 1/200, 1/400, and 1/500 aircraft models.

Diecast airplanes are miniature replicas of real aircraft, meticulously crafted from metal alloys such as zinc or aluminum through the die-casting process, which involves injecting molten metal into molds to form precise shapes. These models are celebrated for their exceptional accuracy and attention to detail, capturing the intricate features of their full-scale counterparts. Initially introduced in the 1930s by companies like Tootsietoy, diecast airplane models were primarily marketed as toys for children. Over time, however, they have gained significant popularity among adult collectors and aviation enthusiasts due to their historical significance, craftsmanship, and the ability to own scaled-down versions of iconic aircraft. Next, let’s dive into our die cast aircraft models 1/200 vs 1/400 vs 1/500 guide, try to find out which is better.

Read: Best Diecast Aircraft Model 2025 – Top 7 Best Diecast Plane Brands 2025

A 1/200 diecast aircraft model is a scaled-down replica of a real aircraft, where every 1 unit on the model equals 200 units on the actual aircraft. In simple terms, it’s 1/200th the size of the real plane. 1/200 means the model is quite detailed but still small enough for display.

1/200 = 1 inch on model = 200 inches on real aircraft
Most models are typically 7–12 inches (18–30 cm) long, depending on the type of aircraft.

Usually made with diecast metal, with plastic details for intricate features like engines, landing gear, and antennas.

Commercial airliners such as the Boeing 747, Airbus A380, 777, and military aircraft like the F-22 Raptor, B-52 Bomber are commonly found in this scale.

A 1/400 diecast airplane model is a miniature replica of a real aircraft, where 1 unit of measurement on the model equals 400 units on the actual plane. This makes it smaller than a 1/200 scale model, but still detailed enough to be highly collectible.

1/400 = 1 inch on model = 400 inches on real aircraft
Most models are around 3–7 inches (7–18 cm) long, depending on the plane type.

Typically made with diecast metal, often with plastic components for fine details like landing gear or engines.

Commercial airliners like the Boeing 747, Airbus A320, 737 MAX, etc., are commonly modeled at this scale.

The 1/500 die-cast aircraft model is a compact and detailed scale representation of real-world airplanes, typically measuring between 2 and 4 inches in length. This scale is popular among collectors for its affordability, versatility, and ability to display a wide range of commercial and military aircraft.

1/500 = 1 inch on model = 500 inches on real aircraft
These models are typically 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) in length, depending on the type of aircraft.

Primarily made of diecast metal, with some plastic components used for finer details like landing gear, engines, or antennae.

Commercial airliners such as the Boeing 737, Airbus A320, and military aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon are frequently modeled in this scale.

Compact Size: Ideal for collectors who need a smaller, space-saving model without sacrificing detail.
Affordability: Typically less expensive than larger models, making them accessible for collectors on a budget.
Versatile Display: Due to their size, they fit well into larger collections or dioramas.
Great for Aviation Enthusiasts: Perfect for those who want to collect a wide range of aircraft types and airline liveries.

When considering model airplane scales, three popular options are 1/200, 1/400, and 1/500. Each scale offers distinct advantages and considerations, influencing factors like size, detail, cost, and space requirements.​

Aircraft Model1/200 Length (inches)1/200 Wingspan (inches)1/400 Length (inches)1/400 Wingspan (inches)1/500 Length (inches)1/500 Wingspan (inches)
Airbus A300-B45.284.414.223.534.223.53
Airbus A3203.703.362.962.692.962.69
Boeing 737-8004.503.503.002.752.752.50
Boeing 747-4007.106.005.504.754.754.00

Discussions among aviation enthusiasts offer valuable perspectives:​

Choose 1:200 if you want a highly detailed, realistic model and have space + budget for larger pieces.

Choose 1:500 if you’re collecting a wide variety, need to save space, or want to create full airport scenes.

Go with 1:400 if:

Choose 1:500 if: