Comparing Die Cast replica and Model Train scales

How do you determine if you are a model railroad collector what scale cars, trucks and construction equipment would be the same scale as your model railroad layout?  The scale references used for die cast replicas and model train replicas are different-the scales are not the same.

For example, a 1/64th scale model truck does not relate directly to any model railroad scale.  An "S scale" model railroad engine does not relate to a 1/64th scale car or truck.  Are they the same scale?  Yes, they are--a 1/64th scale truck can be used with a "s Scale" railroad layout and both will be in scale.  How about a 1/24th scale truck?  The 1/14th scale truck can be used with a "G scale" railroad layout.

Die Cast scales

Die cast scale models as well as model replicas made from other materials (resin and/or plastic) are usually listed by a fraction scale such as 1/64th scale.  The fraction indicates that the model is 1/64th the size of an actual truck which would be a 1 to 1 scale.  In the 1/64th example the fraction relates to 1 foot equals 1/64th of an inch.  The following are the most common scales used in scale model vehicles:

Scale

1/87th

1/64th

1/43rd

1/50th

1/53rd

1/32nd

1/16th

1/18th

1/24th

1/12th

Within the above scales there are replicas that are commonly produced in a specific scale such as most construction/heavy equipment replicas are produced in the 1/50th scale.  Cars are produced in almost all of the scales with the largest replicas (race cars and/or exotics) in 1/12th scale.  So how do we use this information to help with a model train layout?

Train Scales/Die cast

If we put the scales together to create a train or other model layout we want all of the replicas to be in the same scale or as close to it as we can possibly get.  There are no perfect rules since Diecast models are not always strictly to scale; although in the last gew years the collector models are true to scale, whereas, the older "model truck and cars" were considered toys.  Toy vehicles are close to scale but may not be "to scale".  So let's put the scales together:

I have an HO scale train layout and I want to add some cars, a truck terminal and some construction equipment to enhance the realism of my train set-up.  What scale vehicle replicas would I look for?  The answer is 1/87th scale.

Now we will want a 1/64th vehicle (car, truck, tractor/trailer and farm equipment) to add to our "S scale" train or model layout.

Putting it all together side by side--

Die cast scale                                          Train Scale

1/87th                                                      HO

1/64th                                                      S/SN

1/43rd                                                      O

1/50th                                                      O

1/53rd                                                      O

1/24th                                                      G

Notice that the "O scale" train hobbyist will have to judge which scale meets their needs within the Diecast scales listed. 

This is a general guide to scales for your reference.

So, when you are looking at items on auction, type in the scale to narrow down the number of items to those that fit your specific needs.

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