The Ultimate 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!
I would appreciate it if you subscribe and like this video! :)
You can contact me on instagram @ehdr_model_airport_

[@MileHigh_Aviation]

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

[@IkhsanNewPlaneSpotter]

give me one🗿

[@TheKaidynB]

I like them because they’re smol and cute, like me (I’m not cute though lol) and they’re a bit lighter on the wallet

[@IkhsanNewPlaneSpotter]

@@TheKaidynB yeah right, i put my diecast on my mouth

[@TheKaidynB]

@@IkhsanNewPlaneSpotter weird but okay.

[@IkhsanNewPlaneSpotter]

@@getoutofmyfac why? 🗿

[@marten8148]

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!

[@model.aviation]

You are absolutely right about that! I have done the same with my GSE, as it indeed is much more affordable in 1/500 scale. This is indeed something worth to mention. Talking about GSE, I have a 3d printer with which I can create GSE for just a few cents per piece, which is interesting for another video as well

[@Mrmanface_aviationedits]

@@model.aviation where can you get airplane models?

[@Timmygodcrafter]

Bro typed a whole essay

[@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. 😁

[@Oatmealgoat18]

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

[@drjax1986]

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.2907]

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.

[@model.aviation]

Very wise decision! They for sure have the best quality available, so I understand your choice!

[@mrTycooleditz]

@@model.aviationI don’t gave any models yet, but i am probably getting 2 for my birthday in 1:200 scale, SAS a320neo and a321neo. And also maybe a lufthansa ”LOVEHANSA” a320neo gemini200. I am planning on building a cardboard and Wood model airport with a painted ground, but terminals and a hangar of cardboard

[@mrTycooleditz]

@@model.aviationBA 787-8 geminijets, SAS a321neo and a321neo JC wings and Lufthansa a320neo LOVEHANSA livery geminijets , i have wished for my birthday all in 1:200. Looking into making a model airport with two or Three small Gates and one widebody Gate + a hangar all Madde of cardboard and usingurvand aviation18’s guides to build the ground. You are one of my favorite KZbinrs.

[@ALEXTHEAVIATIONGUY]

Thank you! This will help me in the future!

[@StopaclotionA320]

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.

[@model.aviation]

1/500 is great space wise. 1/600 I have also seen a few from, but there is no big market for it.

[@marcusmeas1263]

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

[@FinlandGuy747]

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

[@JBJETWATCH]

Agree

[@southeast_minnesota_sirens04]

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

[@legostopmotionguy0085]

Thank you so much for this video!❤

[@kimberlythomas8366]

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. 👏

[@model.aviation]

No problem! I love helping people start collecting because it's the best thing there is!

[@Guy42785]

Same

[@BRAYyoutube]

@@model.aviationwhat scale are daron planes?

[@Unitedkingdomgoverment]

@@BRAYyoutubethere’s no scale for Daron. If you want affordable models I recommend JC wings or NG models. Daron is mainly directed at children.

[@kamilpasek281]

Oh thanks for the information Mate.

[@necessaryduk360]

I’ve just started and have two 1/500s and one 1/400 after looking at both I definitely think 1/400 is for me. Thanks for this video though!

[@Project.Rickshaw]

for 1:200 scale i suggest JC Wings's tow trucks, theyre very detailed and great for airports. :D

[@markbouma2099]

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.

[@model.aviation]

It is indeed a good place to find some bargains, and the QC is horrible indeed. I very much agree with you. The secondhand market is enough material for a full video on its own

[@bearabletable7527]

on ebay, JC wings is as expensive, if not more expensive than gemini jets.

[@hansapanirodrigo9408]

Thanks this was useful.

[@caspervdb]

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

[@ohfamily9298]

I am the 1,000th Like! And next subscriber!

[@RafaelInigoCristobal-dd6kr]

1:400 is my favorite and the detail of Gemini's models are excellent👍but its expensive so I mostly buy at JC wings lol

[@bearabletable7527]

every retailer online i looked, JC wings are just as expensive, if not more expensive than gemini jets and other brands :(

[@user-vg4vl4uk3i]

its been 7 months and I have collected 7 1:400 scale model aircraft, I have to agree with you as 1:400 model is just between 1:500 and 1:200.

[@Emo_slayer045]

I gotta say i started a 1/500 collection and all my planes like the A380 and the AN-225 are verry detailed.

[@zanerose2400]

Where did u get them

[@Clearly_Sam]

i only recently got my first model it was about 70 NZD for a 1/130 scale Qantas 737-800 and has a metal fuselage and plastic wings and metal Vertical stabiliser

[@Aviation_4ever231]

I absolutely love 1:400 ❤❤

[@vukmarkovic1635]

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!

[@Shadow_king6]

1:400 scale models are perfect for me i dont have much im a beginner but the models are really cool

[@Fellow_Scandinavian]

Thank you alot for this information. Its good to know, as i dont live close to anywhere that sells alot of diecast planes. As a Norwegian, the closest place i know is the SAS museum, and they only offer SAS planes, or other Star Aliance airlines. Thinking about putting some money aside to maybe buy some of these planes in the future!

[@model.aviation]

You're welcome! What I'd suggest is buying some models on a webshop, because they offer sooo much more than in the SAS store. The thing is that you cannot see the model IRL until you've already purchased it though

[@Fellow_Scandinavian]

@@model.aviation Yea, i am planning to do so further on :) My plans is to build a airport, maybe a replica of ENGM (Oslo Airport) and then i need some specific planes, so model stores on the internet is probably what i will do, yes. Do you have any sites you recomend? That is worth checking out? I know about Aviation Mega Store from before. But thank you alot for these tips :) Have a good day!

[@model.aviation]

Either Aviationmegastore.com or scalemodelstore.com I find scalemodelstore easier to navigate on the webshop, so be sure to check them out. If they don't have the model, check out eBay or any secondhand marketplace, the chance is big it'll be on there. @@Fellow_Scandinavian

[@Fellow_Scandinavian]

@@model.aviation Okay! Thank you very much!

[@Coldgecko]

Which brand makes the best 1/200 metal civilian aircraft? I would preferably like all metal (no plastic).

[@MAVERICKCHATA]

I love 1/200

[@TeunYT_]

Ik moet zeggen dat je engels erg goed klinkt! Fijne informatieve video 👍

[@model.aviation]

Thankss!!

[@BOEING747AMERICUHHQUIT]

For Christmas I got 3 of the 1:200 scales my 747 broke and my a380 hasn't arrived yet but my 777x it's perfect

[@trfmusic902]

I am starting to want to collect airplanes. Been wanting to for years. But I think im gonna start. 1/400 is what I might go for. I search a plane I want and they seem to come up in 1/400. I also dont have too much space

[@bertrandthomasflylover2306]

I'm a 1/200 guy, love the size of a A380 or 777 ! have about 20 different models, all from Hogan wings wich at the time I started collecting (after making model kits...too flimsy) was the best for the bucks, I don't see them anymore with new planes, or livery...some shops still have them on stock but nothing new since long ago...Can anyone tell me if they are still in the market???

[@Aviation_1048]

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

[@ImperialDiecast]

great overview. just wanted to mention there are 1/500 ryanairs

[@model.aviation]

Yes, but they are very rare + expensive.

[@indoprince3]

Or just buy a moddeling kit like the revell B-777 or the Airbus a320, it can turn out great if you put much work in it.

[@craftytaha555]

I like collections 1:500 scaled because I have more space for collecting.

[@CAPTAIN_XF]

My favorite is 1/500. I own 17 1/400s, 2 1/200s and 4 1/500s

[@JetstreamAviation747]

1:400 is definitely the best!

[@Yugmoomoo_aviation_geek]

Even tho I know what's best (off my own opinion) I just the whole thing still coz I'm an aviation lover

[@bearabletable7527]

Im starting the transition from 1/500 to 1/400. As you said, literally Herpa dominated the 1/500 and theres no competition whatsoever ( RIP starjets).

[@luismontana9993]

What about Plastic 1/144 Revell models ?.Very detailed models.I have some Revell models as the lufthansa 747-8 and British A380.Nice and detailed planes

[@model.aviation]

They are very nice! Though you need to build those models yourself

[@RJ.Youtube123]

I use 1:144 scale revell models, i like building them

[@justinthorsson]

great video im just starting as im usually a modeller and know the difference in brands but not with these. Im just wondering which are the better brands to go for e.g gemini models,inflight 200 are the ones im seeing a lot what are these like and are there other brands that are better in quality ?

[@Glegh]

Ng models are really nice

[@model.aviation]

NG is top quality and aviation 400 is as good. JC wings, Phoenix and Gemini are great. Herpa 1/400 I haven’t yet bought but it’s not the best

[@Glegh]

@@model.aviation I've got a herpa 1/400, its got basically no detail. Its like a 1/500 but bigger

[@Alixlikxe_]

1/300-400 is a good diecast airplane if you have mid-budget but some like 500, they will cost a lot of money though.

[@M17262]

I started collecting last month and I currently have 3, I’m allowed to only buy 1 model per month

[@rahamanbhuiyan5317]

1:200 is what I only buy. Yes, they’re pricey, but I don’t display them so space isn’t a problem.

[@AussieGunzel]

Honestly I prefer making them in 1:144 but still I respect everyone's choice.

[@model.aviation]

Making them yourself is the best (even though I’ve never done it)

[@usertom1967]

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

[@model.aviation]

Yes you can, but it's not so easy...

[@FinlandGuy747]

You can get a good 1/200 for around 30€. It just doesn't have gears but it's fine for me as i like the stands.

[@PokoTheDinosaur]

I need gears I don’t care about stands lol

[@abdulkerimsulaiman9046]

I have only 1/400 an 1/500 in my collection the most is 1/500 but later I like to buy some 1/200 scale models.

[@HunterBeaux09]

I like 1/130

[@krongkiatearthsakulleelara6714]

2:54 … that cockpit window makes me wanna throwup

[@WolfSniper72008]

Is there a specific brand you would recommend for people starting out

[@model.aviation]

JC Wings, Gemini Jets, Phoenix models are all good to start with!

[@WolfSniper72008]

Awesome cheers

[@Burgermaestro57]

My first model is a 1/58 scale

[@melissarowell5914]

Hi Model Aviation I am building a model airport and I don’t know how to add the grey for the taxiway and runway.Please send me a method.❤

[@model.aviation]

Grey paint always works. Use different tints of grey to make more variety and realism!

[@darskrr]

does 1/400 have changeable and moveable (the front gear rotates aswell) gears like in some 1/200 models?

[@model.aviation]

Kind of, but it is very fragile so I won't try actually rolling them

[@weldonyoung1013]

@darskrr, I only have a few GeminiJets 1/400. The only parts that move are the props and the rubber O-ring wheels. Presently I'm not home, so I can't check if the whole wheel rotates or just the rubber O-ring.

[@Goldchain653]

1:1 scale is my favorite but then again, not only do I not have the space but I don’t have the cash either😂

[@onyxorigin]

😃😃

[@The_Duo875]

Planning to buy a Etihad A-380 the size is 1:250 honestly im expecting big detail😮

[@Glegh]

If its between 50-100$ there will probably be no detail. If its in the hundreds, 150-300$ there will be

[@itapilot987]

My room is transforming into airport lol

[@UnknownKatz]

@model.aviation so I do waana pick the 1/400 scale but how long is the shipping outside of U.K?, can I just like check how long will it arrive depending on what country I'm on?

[@model.aviation]

Sorry for the slow response, what country are you on? Shipping usually takes about a week. I'd recommend aviationmegastore.com

[@UnknownKatz]

@@model.aviation I'm in Australia

[@model.aviation]

I have made a video on this recently, covering australian stores as well

[@D_egi]

I personally buy from Phoenix as their 1/400 models are cheap and are mid ranged quality. NG is too expensive, Gemini is too expensive and too risky for the errors. Ive seen tons of Gemini products dismantle on unboxing.

[@model.aviation]

Phoenix is nice just like JC. Agree with you for sure!

[@Kuricang31]

Lol Phoenix models aren't cheap anymore since like 4 months ago. Also all of their moulds are trash except for Airbus (exc A350) and 777 models

[@ashleykyle5652]

@D_egi Your comment alone was helpful. Thanks for sharing!

[@JB_OldVoltBike]

My personal favorite is 1/200. usually i buy them for €25

[@model.aviation]

That's cool, but there is a huge difference between plastic and metal models. Be sure to have a look for one of the metal models as it's a whole different level

[@JB_OldVoltBike]

@@model.aviation yeah i got 8 plastic and 5 metal ones. The cheapes metal i have was around €42. the most expansive is €98

[@model.aviation]

@@JB_OldVoltBike They are quite pricey indeed...

[@JB_OldVoltBike]

@@model.aviation im planning on buying AMS EHAM airport scale model. It costs about 297 euros lol

[@model.aviation]

@@JB_OldVoltBike I would recommend you spend 1/3 of the money on materials and build it yourself. It’s double the fun, trust me :)

[@kmiz9849]

the liveries on my metal model aircraft keep coming off. Do you know how to keep that from happening?

[@model.aviation]

Hmmm… It can be because they are exposed to UV light of the sun

[@germanshepherd13]

1/500 just way too small, 1.200 nice but takes too much space. 1/400 is perfect for me

[@user-vb2fw6em8h]

I collect 1/500 and i have 15 aircrafts

[@nikothecat7513]

where do you buy the 1/400 aircrafts?

[@model.aviation]

I got them from the aviationmegastore.com

[@thewisebeetle2167]

I will buy my first model plane but I live in the middle east, do you know any website that ships here?

[@Godzilla18383]

Probably temu it has realistic airplane models

[@user-uz5ls1ne7j]

Where to buy them?

[@edgarmunoz2108]

1:200 is the best 👌 👍

[@CinnabonLeafeon]

What scale are daron planes?

[@Legoguy1685]

Where do you usually buy you model airplanes?

[@model.aviation]

at the Aviationmegastore.com or on eBay

[@PokoTheDinosaur]

I think I’m going to get a 1:200 first I don’t want a tiny plane!

[@qantasboya3808]

Bro yall so lucky all i got is one model plane bc my mum says there to expensive

[@Hawker_hunter]

I have 5 1:200 planes 4 1:400 and 1 1:500 and there all nice

[@MichaelGAMING99]

Thanks! Just now I've thought about what I want for my birthday. I really want the 1/200 model but I think it would hurt my dad's wallet haha. What do you think? I have a pretty limited amount of space too.

[@model.aviation]

I’d go for 1/400 in that case, you’ll love it 😄

[@meninodasflores9306]

I started in 1:500, i have 21 now, but i wanna start 1:400 thanks

[@prosexypopcorngamer]

1:200 is the best in my opinion

[@TerrainiumKSP]

your dutch right? because your voice but in the beggining i also though you were displaying a photo from aviation megastore?

[@model.aviation]

Yes, I'm Dutch

[@TerrainiumKSP]

oh nice @@model.aviation

[@alinaabid2704]

Please tell me how big 120 scale is cuz I bought a Emirates 🇦🇪 airbus model so can you tell me how big please 🙏

[@model.aviation]

An A380 in scale 1/120? That's massive 😂

[@manuelcanavilhas8397]

What scale is the best to build an airport??

[@model.aviation]

1/400 in my opinion

[@D_egi]

1/400 or if ur house is smoll then 1/500

[@vrttxii]

1/500 is absolutely tiny tho, i think 1/400 is the best size

[@icylikesaviation]

I Want To Make A Large Model Airport, So Ima Go With 1:500 Scale.

[@SamueldeBoer]

Ben je Nederlands, volgens mij wel. Leuke video.✈

[@model.aviation]

Jazeker, dankjewel!

[@sugiriwidjaja5916]

I got one Gemini jets

[@rexelgaming3632]

1:300 🥲

[@Nissan245]

the thing is.. my parents cant really afford that and she doesnt let me spend my money EVEN THOUGH I HAVE FREAKIN 2K SAVED

[@billyxkid5062]

What are your tips on making an airport with runway of course because that is my goal is to create one

[@model.aviation]

My biggest tip would be to take your time, it took me 3 years to get to this point and it’s still far for finished

[@ashleykyle5652]

I wish you would've done a side by side comparison. Helpful vid otherwise.

[@davidilievski]

1/500

[@nothing1075]

Are 1:160 good?

[@krongkiatearthsakulleelara6714]

How big is it

[@NBAviageo]

yes, because im a aviation channel.

[@accuk]

1/200

[@xxSuky]

You forgot to list the best manufactures of 1/200 models

[@Ryan-Playz]

Hi my name is Ryan an dhow do i get the plane

[@model.aviation]

I would recommend aviationmegastore.com

[@ilovepresidentxi]

i think hogan also does 1:500

[@model.aviation]

Hmm.. Very minimal. Herpa wings dominates this market

[@L_KO11]

1/400 is the best

[@danielrichardson4868]

I'm a 1/400 guy

[@model.aviation]

We are the same :)