About
Scalemates is the go-to digital hub for plastic and scale modeling enthusiasts, operating since 2010. At its core is an extensive database housing thousands of kit entries, detailed reviews, assembly instructions, markings references, walkarounds, magazine articles, and books — making it the most thorough reference library in the hobby. Modelers can track their personal stash by logging owned kits, aftermarket sets, books, magazines, and paints, with separate lists for wishlists, in-progress builds, completed models, and items for sale. The integrated marketplace allows users to compare prices across 25 major online shops and browse over 5,000 private sales listings, helping hobbyists find the best deals on specific kits. Scalemates also functions as a social platform, enabling users to follow fellow modelers, join discussions, and share gallery photos and build projects. Brands and shops have dedicated profile pages, and the site tracks new releases and hot kits, keeping the community informed about the latest products. With over 4.4 million stash entries logged and 90,000+ registered members, Scalemates serves casual collectors, competitive builders, and serious researchers alike — all in one place.
Key Features
- Plastic Modeling Database: Access thousands of kit entries, reviews, assembly instructions, markings references, walkarounds, books, and magazine articles in one searchable library.
- Stash Manager: Organize your personal collection by logging kits, aftermarket sets, books, magazines, and paints across owned, wishlist, in-progress, completed, and for-sale categories.
- Marketplace & Price Comparison: Compare kit prices across 25 online shops and browse over 5,000 private sales listings to find the best deals.
- Community & Social Networking: Follow other modelers, share build projects, post gallery photos, and interact with a global community of 90,000+ scale modeling enthusiasts.
- New Releases & Hot Kits Tracker: Stay up to date with the latest kit releases, new toolings, and trending models across all major brands and scales.
Use Cases
- Researching a specific scale model kit before purchasing, including reading community reviews, checking assembly instructions, and viewing walkaround photos.
- Managing a personal collection of plastic model kits, books, paints, and aftermarket sets using the stash manager.
- Comparing prices across 25 online shops to find the best deal on a hard-to-find kit.
- Tracking build progress by marking kits as started, completed, or for sale within a personal stash.
- Connecting with fellow scale modelers globally to share builds, follow projects, and discover new releases.
Pros
- Comprehensive Reference Library: One of the largest and most detailed databases of scale model kits, reviews, and reference materials available online.
- Active Global Community: Over 90,000 registered modelers contribute reviews, ratings, and gallery content, keeping the platform rich and current.
- Price Comparison Across 25 Shops: The integrated marketplace saves time and money by aggregating prices from major online retailers in one place.
- All-in-One Stash Tracking: Manage your entire modeling inventory — from kits and paints to books and aftermarket sets — with a single organized tool.
Cons
- Highly Niche Audience: The platform is exclusively useful for plastic and scale modeling hobbyists, with no broader application outside the hobby.
- No AI-Powered Features: Scalemates relies on community input and manual data entry rather than AI automation or intelligent recommendations.
- Mobile Experience May Be Limited: The platform is primarily web-based and does not appear to offer a dedicated mobile app, which may affect on-the-go usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scalemates?
Scalemates is an online platform for plastic and scale modeling enthusiasts. It provides a comprehensive database of kits, reviews, walkarounds, and books, along with tools to manage your personal modeling stash and a marketplace to compare kit prices.
Is Scalemates free to use?
Scalemates is free to join and use for browsing the database and basic stash management. Some advanced features may require a registered account.
How does the stash manager work?
After registering, you can add kits and other items to your personal stash and categorize them into lists such as owned, wishlist, started, completed, and for sale — giving you a full overview of your collection.
Can I buy and sell kits on Scalemates?
Yes. The marketplace allows you to compare prices from 25 online shops and also browse private sales listings from community members.
How many scale modelers use Scalemates?
Over 90,000 scale modelers are registered on Scalemates, with more than 4.4 million kit entries logged in collective stashes and over 100 new users signing up each week.
