Rhino Red Prints Blog
Scales and Dimensions
May
Scales and dimensions when it comes down to drawings are probably the single most important thing there is to consider. Since we cannot get a full size ship or a skyscraper and draw it 1:1, the scale down method is applied. That simply means that for every meter, there is a corresponding centimeter or millimeter on the drawings. Sometimes even smaller than that. Basic drawings can be further reduced. For example an overall drawing of a ship can be scaled down 350 times, but a section /a propeller area for example/ might be scaled down only 50 times.
Several techniques are used for application of this method. However, the most important thing to know when scaling down a drawing is that it should fit its end goal. Often times, drawings are scaled down just like maps – in specific scales. Maps for example, are being scaled in 1: 500 000, 1 : 250 000 or others /also popular/ scales. Most of those are accepted Worldwide and are easily recognizable. Same goes for drawings and blueprints.
Of course, metric system is always preferred, since it has been known for quite some time now that it is the superior measurement among all used Worldwide. However, many countries still use inches widely, which somewhat complicates the process, but it isn’t unacceptable. That is why, some drawings are done in both ways or at least feature both measurements. Again, same tips and tricks has been used in map making.
The scale that Rhino Red Prints uses is 48th. Since Rhino Red Drawings feature mostly planes, the preferred scale is 48th or so called “quarter scale”. It is also known as the “King’s scale” due to its popularity. With that said, in armor or helicopter modeling, 35th scale is accepted as a standard and there can be demands for different drawings. 72nd is also considered as a standard. The best thing about Rhino Red Prints is the fact that the drawings come in digital format and can be adjusted once purchased. That is relatively easy process, especially when one knows that the original is done in quarter scale. That gives a perfect starting point and files can be altered to the desired scales in a matter of minutes. It works both ways – upscale or downscale.
Since the final product is an adjustable vector file, that solves the problem with both – scales and dimensions. Also, it proves that digital products are superior to anything drawn on paper. But we all knew that from the start.