Explore 1/170 scale diecast models at DiecastModelsWholesale.com, a specialized category for collectors searching for compact and uncommon-scale vehicles. At 1/170 scale, each model represents its real-world counterpart at approximately one 170th of its actual size, creating a small footprint that can be especially useful for space-conscious collections and specialized displays.
The 1/170 scale is considerably less common than major diecast scales such as 1/18, 1/24, 1/43, 1/50, and 1/64. It is therefore particularly relevant to collectors who are looking for a specific model at this exact scale rather than simply choosing among the most widely available miniature vehicle sizes.
What Does 1/170 Scale Mean?
Scale describes the proportional relationship between a miniature and the full-size object it represents. A 1/170 scale model means that one unit of measurement on the model corresponds to 170 of the same units on the real-world subject.
For example:
- 1 inch on the model represents 170 inches on the full-size subject.
- 1 centimeter on the model represents 170 centimeters on the full-size subject.
- A 34-foot vehicle would be approximately 2.4 inches long at 1/170 scale.
- A 51-foot vehicle would be approximately 3.6 inches long.
- A 170-foot aircraft would be approximately 12 inches long.
The finished dimensions of a 1/170 model depend entirely on the dimensions of the original subject. A small automobile and a large aircraft can both be manufactured in 1/170 scale while producing very different model sizes.
For collectors, understanding this distinction makes it easier to plan a display and determine how different subjects will fit together.
Why Collect 1/170 Scale Diecast Models?
The biggest practical advantage of 1/170 scale diecast models is their compact size. Smaller models allow collectors to represent more subjects while using less shelf, cabinet, or desktop space.
This can be particularly useful for large real-world subjects. Aircraft, buses, commercial vehicles, and other transportation equipment can become difficult to display when reproduced in larger scales. A 1/170 model can provide a more space-efficient alternative.
The scale can also appeal to collectors who enjoy specialized subjects. If an existing collection is organized around an exact scale, finding a particular 1/170 model can be more important than selecting a similar subject in a more common proportion.
What Can You Expect to Find in 1/170 Scale?
Because 1/170 is an uncommon scale, the available selection can vary according to current manufacturing and inventory. Depending on the products offered, this category may include several types of compact transportation and specialty subjects.
Aircraft and Aviation Models
Compact scales are particularly practical for aircraft because full-size airplanes can have substantial dimensions.
Depending on availability, 1/170 aviation models may include:
- Commercial passenger aircraft
- Airline aircraft
- Cargo aircraft
- Transport aircraft
- Military aircraft
- Helicopters
- Specialty aviation subjects
A 1/170 aircraft can be useful for collectors who want to represent multiple aircraft without dedicating the shelf space required by larger aviation scales.
Transportation Vehicles
Depending on current availability, 1/170 scale may also be represented by road and transportation vehicles.
Potential subjects can include:
- Cars and passenger vehicles
- Buses
- Trucks
- Commercial vehicles
- Service vehicles
- Specialty transportation subjects
Compact transportation models can be displayed individually or organized into fleets based on manufacturer, vehicle type, company, historical period, or another theme.
Military and Specialty Vehicles
Uncommon scales may also be used for military and other specialized subjects. Availability can vary, so shoppers looking for a particular vehicle should verify the scale identified in the individual product listing.
A compact military vehicle can be useful as part of a larger historical or thematic collection without requiring the display space associated with larger military scales.
How Large Is a 1/170 Model?
There is no standard physical length for every 1/170 model because the original subjects can be dramatically different in size.
The basic calculation is:
Model size = actual size ÷ 170
For example, a 34-foot vehicle is 408 inches long. Dividing 408 by 170 produces a model approximately 2.4 inches long.
A 170-foot aircraft would be approximately 12 inches long at 1/170 scale.
This is why collectors should check the actual product dimensions when available. The scale establishes the proportional relationship, but the original subject determines the final size of the model.
1/170 Scale Compared With Nearby Scales
When shopping for an uncommon scale, nearby proportions may appear in search results. Comparing them can help determine whether a model is appropriate for your collection.
- 1/160 — Larger than 1/170 and commonly associated with N scale in many model railroad contexts.
- 1/163 — Slightly larger than 1/170 and another uncommon compact scale.
- 1/170 — A specialized compact scale with a relatively small physical footprint.
- 1/200 — Smaller than 1/170 and particularly useful for compact aircraft displays.
- 1/144 — Significantly larger than 1/170 and a well-established scale for aircraft and aviation models.
A 1/160 model is approximately 6.25% larger in linear dimensions than a 1/170 model of the same subject. The difference is more noticeable than the differences among some immediately adjacent uncommon scales, although whether it matters depends on the type of display.
For a scale-specific collection, it is best to verify the manufacturer's stated scale rather than selecting models based only on visual size.
Choosing a 1/170 Scale Diecast Model
When shopping for a 1/170 model, consider several factors before making a purchase.
Verify the Exact Scale
Confirm that the product is identified as 1/170 scale. Uncommon compact scales can be visually similar, particularly when the models are small.
A 1/163, 1/170, 1/160, or 1/200 model may look broadly similar in a product photograph while having different proportions.
Choose the Right Subject
Consider whether you are purchasing a standalone collectible or adding the model to a larger themed display.
Aviation, transportation, military, commercial, and specialty subjects can all provide opportunities for compact-scale collecting depending on available products.
Check Product Dimensions
The listed dimensions are particularly important if the model needs to fit inside a particular display case, cabinet, shelf, or layout.
Remember that the physical size depends on the original subject. A 1/170 aircraft can be considerably longer than a 1/170 passenger vehicle.
Review Model Details
Diecast models can differ in materials, finish, graphics, markings, accessories, moving parts, and packaging. Review the individual product information carefully to determine what is included.
Building a 1/170 Scale Collection
An uncommon scale can provide the foundation for a highly focused collection. Instead of collecting randomly sized miniatures, collectors can use the scale as one of the criteria that connects individual models.
Possible collection themes include:
- Commercial aviation
- Airline fleets
- Military aviation
- Transportation vehicles
- Buses and commercial fleets
- Historical transportation
- Particular manufacturers
- Specialty vehicles
- Compact display models
The availability of models may determine how quickly a collection can grow. With uncommon scales, a collection can develop gradually as suitable subjects become available.
Displaying 1/170 Scale Diecast Models
The compact dimensions of 1/170 models provide flexibility when planning a display.
Multiple models can be arranged together on a shelf or in a display case without consuming the space that larger diecast models require. Aviation collectors can create compact aircraft fleet displays, while transportation collectors can arrange cars, trucks, buses, or commercial vehicles into themed scenes.
Diorama builders can also use compact vehicles to add scale and context to transportation environments. Roads, terminals, industrial areas, stations, and commercial settings can all benefit from appropriately sized miniature vehicles.
If the goal is a scale-accurate display, keeping the principal models at the same scale will provide the most consistent proportions.
The Appeal of an Uncommon Scale
For many collectors, the attraction of an uncommon scale comes from the challenge of finding the right subject in the right proportion.
A 1/170 model may be sought because it matches an existing collection, completes a specialized display, or provides a compact version of a large real-world subject. The model's rarity or specialized scale can be part of what makes it interesting to an enthusiast.
Manufacturers do not produce every vehicle in every scale, so selection can vary. When searching for an exact 1/170 model, carefully reviewing the scale and product specifications is therefore especially important.
Find 1/170 Scale Diecast Models
Whether you are building a compact aviation collection, adding specialized transportation subjects, or looking for an uncommon scale for a space-conscious display, 1/170 scale diecast models provide a practical miniature format.
Browse the 1/170 scale selection at DiecastModelsWholesale.com, review the individual product specifications and dimensions, and find a compact diecast model that fits your collection and display.
