Everyone seems to have made some good points. In describing a model I usually think of it in terms of scale: scale Mickey Thompsons, scale Ford 427, etc. If I give out the models scale, any further conversation refers to the full size vehicle(1:1 scale). I let the listener visualize the "scale" model. I see no point in constantly referring to the scale of the model. I usually do a lot of scratch building and modifying, usually from a set of drawings. If the drawing says the rear track is 52", then I calculate out the scale track and go from there. If I'm describing how I did a a top chop, I would use actual measurement used to perform the chop: 1/8" off the A-piller, and so forth. Any of this make sense?
Jim