In brief
Toy soldier scale is one of the oldest standards in miniature collecting, traditionally centred around the well known 54mm figure size. Often associated with classic metal soldiers and display pieces, this scale has a long history that predates modern tabletop gaming. This guide explains what toy soldier scale means, how 54mm relates to real world measurements, and how it compares with other miniature sizes used today.
Our 54 mm toy soldiers measure 54 mm from the sole of the foot to the bridge of the nose. Using our reference measurement, that is approximately 1:30 scale. A figure described elsewhere as 54 mm or 1:32 may use a different measuring point, so check the actual model before adding it to your collection.
How we measure our figures
We measure a standing figure from the sole of the foot to the bridge of the nose, level with the eyes. The base is excluded.
These fixed anatomical points give us consistent measurements regardless of hairstyle or headgear. A Napoleonic soldier’s shako, a guardsman’s bearskin and a WW2 helmet add different amounts to the overall height. Measuring beneath them lets you compare the figures’ bodies.
Our scale guide uses an adult eye-level reference of 1,610 mm for conversions. This is a consistent comparison point; people vary in height.
| Battle Honours 3D figure size | Standing sole-to-nose measurement | Approximate ratio using our reference |
|---|---|---|
| 54 mm | 54 mm | 1:30 |
| 75 mm | 75 mm | 1:21 |
A crouching, leaning or seated figure will sit lower than a standing figure at the same scale. Its pose does not change the scale it represents.
Why we use approximately 1:30 for our 54 mm figures
We describe our 54 mm figures as approximately 1:30 because of how we measure them. Dividing our 1,610 mm adult eye-level reference by the figure’s 54 mm sole-to-nose measurement gives a scale factor of approximately 30:
1,610 ÷ 54 ≈ 30, giving approximately 1:30 scale.
At 1:30, each millimetre on the model represents 30 mm on the full-sized subject. This gives you a useful starting point when choosing vehicles, artillery and scenery for our 54 mm figures.
The measuring point explains why 54 mm can also be associated with 1:32. Take a person 1,730 mm tall as an example. At 1:32, that person would measure approximately 54 mm from the soles to the top of the bare head. Their eyes would sit below that height.
Our 54 mm measurement reaches the bridge of the nose, with the rest of the head above it. Using our 1,610 mm eye-level reference, a 1:32 figure would measure approximately 50 mm from sole to nose.
What the labels on other ranges tell you
King & Country, W. Britain and First Legion all use the 1:30 label for collector figures. Their own websites give these examples:
| Manufacturer | Published description |
|---|---|
| King & Country | Describes its metal, hand-painted figures as 1:30 scale and about 60 mm tall. |
| W. Britain | Lists its “1916 British Infantry With a Cup of Tea” figure, product 23051, as 1:30 scale. |
| First Legion | Describes its Napoleon’s Europe range as 60 mm or 1:30 scale. |
First Legion also explains that it changed descriptions from 54 mm to 60 mm to better describe the figures’ size, while keeping the figures themselves unchanged. It has a separate range of 75 mm historical figure kits.
These descriptions help identify the range you are buying. They do not establish that every figure measures 54 mm from sole to nose. For a close match with Battle Honours 3D, compare the particular figures’ measuring points, body proportions and base thickness.
Our 54 mm WW2 comparison photographs show painted examples beside other manufacturers’ figures. Use them to judge those examples, then check the specific models you intend to combine.
Choosing between 54 mm and 75 mm
For the same sculpt, moving from 54 mm to 75 mm increases each dimension by about 39%. Faces, hands, uniform details and equipment become larger, giving you more room to place highlights and paint small markings.
The extra size also needs more space. A mounted officer needs room for the horse and any projecting sword; an artillery scene needs space for the gun trail and crew. Check the complete arrangement before choosing a display base.
Choose 54 mm when you want to fit more figures, cavalry or artillery into the available space. Choose 75 mm when you want a larger individual figure or small group and have room to give it a suitable setting.
A 75 mm label does not automatically mean 1:24. At 1:24, our eye-level reference gives approximately 67 mm from sole to nose. A model of a person 1,800 mm tall would instead measure 75 mm to the top of the bare head. That is another reason to establish where the measurement ends.
Matching vehicles, scenery and display bases
Use the stated ratio for a vehicle or building wherever it is available. For the same subject, a 1:30 model is about 7% larger in each dimension than a 1:32 model. A vehicle 6 m long would be 200 mm long at 1:30 and approximately 188 mm at 1:32.
Compare figures and scenery with the soles at the intended ground level. A thick figure base can make a soldier appear too tall beside a doorway or vehicle, even when the underlying scales are close.
Before fixing a display in place, check the height beneath shelves or a glass cover, the depth needed for weapons and gun barrels, and the room around mounted figures. For gaming, follow your rules’ basing requirements and test that the figures fit comfortably.
Checking your collection before ordering
- Choose several ordinary standing figures from the range you want to match.
- Measure from the sole to the bridge of the nose, excluding the base. Record the bare-head height separately if you can.
- Compare head size, shoulders, hands and weapons as well as height.
- Photograph the figures beside a metric ruler, with its zero mark level with the soles and the camera level with the figures.
Send us the measurements, photographs and range details if you need help choosing a size. Resizing can adjust height, but it keeps the sculpt’s proportions: a slender figure will remain slender relative to its height.
Battle Honours 3D gives you historical figures, artillery and scenery within the same catalogue, with a stated measuring method and help planning a match. Our figures are resin printed and supplied unpainted, so you can choose colours and finishes to suit your collection. Check the size options on each product, especially when planning a larger display.
We give you a 48-hour window after placing your order to request scale adjustments, so you have time to check your measurements and get the right size for your collection. Contact us with your order details within that window if you need a change.