a scale question

You are correct sir on both of your points, 1" on the model is 72 0n the real thing, and the smaller the larger number, the bigger the scale.

thank you i have always gotten it confused. my dad told me when i was a kid but as i got older and moved away from modeling i forgot.

Let's not confuse the discussion by introducing the idea that 1/48 scale is also the same as quarter scale.

No, let's not. But do not forget if you hear someone say they model in "1/4 inch" they are talking about 1/48 scale. Where each 1/4 inch equals one foot on the actual aircraft. This in not a term heard often, but I have heard some of the older friends I discuss modeling with use it often.