The scale ratio of a model vehicle refers to how many times smaller it is compared to the real life full-sized vehicle. For example, a 1/14 scale model car would be 14 times smaller than the actual car.
Specifically, 1/14 scale means that the model is scaled down to one fourteenth the size of the original real-life vehicle. So if the actual car is 14 feet long, a 1/14 scale model of it would measure 1 foot long. The proportions and dimensions of all parts of the model vehicle are shrunk down by a consistent scale factor. This allows model makers to produce small replicas that accurately represent the look and features of the life-sized original, just in a much more compact package.
Typical Dimensions of a 1/14 Scale RC Car
1. Length
A 1/14 scale RC car will typically measure between 260-280 mm in total length from front to rear bumper. This represents a scaled down length of about 3.6-4 meters for the real life vehicle. The exact length depends on the type of car being modeled, as the proportions vary between different makes and models. Sports cars tend to be lower and longer, while off-road trucks are shorter and taller. But for a common sedan or hatchback, the 1/14 scale length will be around 270 mm on average.
2. Width
The width of a 1/14 RC car is usually between 120-140 mm across the main body from left to right. This equals about 1.7-2 meters on a real car. Wider body styles like trucks or performance cars will be at the higher end of the range, while narrower compacts and city cars will be towards the lower end. But regardless of the body style, the chassis and mechanism underneath is typically 120 mm wide.
3. Height
Height on a 1/14 scale RC measures around 80-100 mm from the ground to the top of the roof. This represents a height of 1.1-1.4 meters at full scale. The height is highly dependent on the vehicle type being modeled – longer sports cars will be lower in height, while SUVs and trucks will sit higher.
4. Wheel Diameter
Wheels on a 1/14 RC model are usually 55-65 mm in diameter. This converts to around 0.75-0.9 meters on a real car. Larger diameter wheels ~65 mm are common on sports cars and off-road models. Smaller ~55 mm wheels fit better for street vehicles.
Size Comparison to Real-Life Vehicle
It can be hard to visualize just how small a 1/14 scale RC car is compared to the actual full-sized vehicle. Pictures provide a helpful reference. When photographed next to each other, the 1/14 model looks tiny sitting next to its real-life counterpart. The RC car has similar proportions, just shrunk down to pocket size.
For example, a 1/14 scale model of a typical 5-meter long sedan with a width of 2 meters and height of 1.5 meters would measure about 35 cm long, 14 cm wide, and 11 cm tall. Sitting the RC model on the hood of the actual sedan shows how the 1/14 scale replicates the original car in great detail, just at one-fourteenth the dimensions.
A simple formula can also be used to compare sizes:
Real vehicle dimension (in mm) / 14 = RC model dimension (in mm)
So if the real car is 5000 mm long, the formula is:
5000 mm / 14 = 357 mm long for 1/14 scale
This calculation can be done for any measurement – wheelbase, doors, windshield etc. Converting the real life sizes to 1/14 scale shows precisely how the model replicates the original just proportionally smaller.
Factors Affecting RC Car Size
While 1/14 scale RC cars share similar dimensions, there are some factors that can influence the exact size:
1. Body Style
The overall styling of the vehicle’s body plays a role in its size. Truck models tend to be shorter in length but taller in height compared to low-slung sports cars. Sedans and hatchbacks are moderate in all proportions. The chassis and mechanics underneath typically stay consistent, but the body shell can vary the dimensions to match different auto styles.
2. Level of Detail
More intricate details and finer features will increase the model’s size slightly. For example, adding a full interior with seats and dashboard, opening doors and hood, or a higher level of decorative trim will bulk up the body shell. Simpler models without much interior detail can be a bit more compact.
3. Brand and Manufacturing
Different manufacturers follow the 1/14 scale standard with varying degrees of precision. Small variations in the molding process and tolerances can make one brand’s 1/14 model a few millimeters bigger than another’s. Higher-end RC brands tend to have more accuracy in their scaled dimensions.
Overall the 1/14 scale size stays quite consistent. But factors like making an SUV body vs a compact car body, adding more detail, and small manufacturer variances can have subtle effects on the measurements. Published specs from the maker will show the exact dimensions of a particular RC model.
Frequently Asked Questions about 1/14 scale RC cars
Q: What does 1/14 scale mean for an RC car?
A: 1/14 scale means the model is 1/14th the size of the actual full-sized car. So if the real car is 14m long, the 1/14 scale RC car will be 1m long. All the car’s dimensions are shrunk proportionally by a scale factor of 1/14.
Q: How big is a 1/14 scale RC car?
A: A typical 1/14 scale RC car measures 260-280mm long, 120-140mm wide, 80-100mm tall, and has 55-65mm diameter wheels. Exact dimensions vary slightly depending on whether it’s modeled after a sedan, truck, sports car etc. But 1/14 scale makes RC cars about 1/10th the size of the real life vehicle.
Q: How does a 1/14 scale RC car compare to the real car size?
A: Photos of a 1/14 scale model parked next to the actual car it replicates give a sense of scale. The RC car looks tiny in comparison but with accurate proportions. A 5000mm long real car would be 357mm long as a 1/14 scale model.
Q: What details can be included on a 1/14 scale model?
A: 1/14 is large enough to allow for detailed features like a full body shell, interior seats, opening doors/hoods, trunk space, plus full drivetrain, suspension, steering and lighting functions. Larger scales allow for more intricate details.
Q: What factors affect the size of 1/14 scale RC cars?
A: Body style proportions, level of detail, and manufacturing variances can influence size slightly. Truck bodies will be slightly larger than low sports car bodies. More interior and exterior detail will add millimeters. Brands follow the 1/14 standard closely but with tiny differences.
Q: Are there other common RC scales besides 1/14?
A: Yes, popular scales include 1/10, 1/12, 1/16, 1/18, and 1/24. The smaller the number, the larger the car is relative to real life. 1/10 scale cars are the largest/most detailed while 1/24 are smaller shelf models. 1/14 strikes a good balance.
Q: What size are the batteries for a 1/14 scale RC?
A: Standard battery packs used are 7.2V 1500mAh to 3000mAh NiMH or 2S 7.4V LiPo. These provide good power in the compact 1/14 size. Batteries slide into small compartments in the chassis.
Final Thoughts
With its 14:1 proportional diminution, the 1/14 scale gives RC enthusiasts the ability to own impressively realistic and functional miniaturized versions of real cars, trucks, and other vehicles. While scaled down to be about a tenth the size of their life-sized counterparts, these zippy 1/14 models capture the essence of the originals in stunning detail. Their compact 260-280mm lengths make 1/14 cars easy to transport and store, yet their fully-proportioned shells and chassis allow the inclusion of high-performance drivetrains and suspension systems. For RC racers and hobbyists alike, the 1/14 scale hits the sweet spot – all the intrigue of automotive styling shrunk into a fast, fun, palm-sized racing machine.
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