I found an interesting diecast model at the store the other day, a Maisto 1965 Buick Riviera GS. That particular year Riviera is one of the most beautiful American cars ever made, and Maisto generally makes nice models, so at $15 it was a reasonable value. Except I don’t really collect models in that scale. 1/18, 1/43, and 1/64-scale models all appeal to me, but … wait, what the heck?
1/26 scale? Did I read that right?
Yep, 1/26. Which is a scale I had never seen before. It’s similar in size to 1/24 (one-half inch equals one foot) and 1/25 (easily divisible into hundreds, so very metric-friendly). Nope, this was something unique.
A quick glance through Maisto’s 2025 catalog shows a section called “1/24 models,” although it includes some 1/25 pieces as well, which makes sense. Maisto has been combined with several other diecast companies over the years and has no doubt acquired some existing molds in both scales.
But then there is also that Riv, indeed listed at 1/26. And there are several other models in the same scale as well. So what gives?
Several years ago, I wrote an article for hobbyDB.com about the origins of many popular scales (It has also been republished here on the Model Car Hall of Fame). There are some oddball scales mentioned, but nothing as strange as 1/26. There is no logical reason for this size to exist. Or is there?
As I mentioned in that other article (seriously, read it, it’s fun and informative!) there are a few possible explanations for such strangeness.
• Scale is based on making the model a specific size.
• Scale is based on existing parts from other models, such as tires.
• Someone made an error in measuring or rounding.
Regardless, I passed on this model even though I can’t get it out of my mind.
Do you have a theory of how these 1/26 models came to be? Do you know of any other models that come in such an odd, unusual scale? Let us know in the comments!
Ron Ruelle is a cartoonist, writer, and illustrator who also writes about model cars. You can see his work at www.ronruelle.com
