an introduction to die-cast toys and replicas as a hobby, an investment, or just for fun.

What is Scale?

Scale is an important consideration for any model or replica.  Scale refers to the fraction by which all dimensions of the real item are reduced in order to produce an accurate model.  For instance, a truck that is 64 feet long in real life, will be 1 foot long if reproduced in 1/64th scale.  Many collectors will choose to focus on one scale, so that all of their pieces will look correctly proportioned to each other.  The Scale Reference Chart provides a more comprehensive look at the various scales and their application.

Model Railroads have always been built to scale and the concept is central to every part of the hobby.  Model Railroads also refer to  'Gauge', which is the width of the track on which a train operates.  There is direct relationship between gauge and scale, however they are distinct measurements.  The Scale Reference Chart provides a list of gauges and the various scales and they relate to.


Toy and Model Railroad Scale Chart

Scale represents a fraction of real size.
A vehicle that is 16 feet long in real life, will be 1 foot long in 1/16th scale.

Toy
Scales		 Toy
Makers		 most used for best applications Example Train
Makers

Train
Scales

Large to Small
1/16 ERTL
Scale Models
Spec-Cast
DCP		 Farm toys.  Toys: Most are great for kids.  DCP, Collector, and Precision models are intended for display only. Larger than common Railroad Scales
1/18 ERTL
DCP
Welly		 Cars and small trucks. Toys: Many are designed for display and have small, breakable pieces.
1/24
1/25		 ERTL
Spec-Cast
Joal
Model Power
Norscot		 Trucks, cars, banks, and some construction equipment.  
 Toys: Most items are built for older children or for adult collectors.  Model Power pieces are strictly for display.
Trains: Considered large scale.  Sometimes used outdoors in 'Garden' railways.		   L.G.B.
Lionel
Bachman		 G
1/32 ERTL
New-Ray		 Farm toys and Airplanes. Toys: Most items are suitable for play. Lionel
Bachman
Marklin		 I
1/34 First Gear Trucks Toys: Almost exclusively for adult collectors.
1/43 Eligor
ERTL		 Farm toys, cars, trucks, and airplanes. Toys: Great for older children, many items have small parts.
Trains: Probably the 'classic' popularized by Lionel, Marx and others starting before WWII.  Great scale to exhibit if space is plentiful.  		 Lionel
K-Line
MTH
others		 O
(1/45)
1/48 Corgi
New-Ray
Armour		 Airplanes Toys: New-Ray's can be played with, others are Adult Collectibles.  
1/50 Corgi
ERTL
Norscot
TWH Collectibles
Conrad
NZG
SIKU		 Trucks, Construction toys, Military Models Toys: Mostly for older children or adult collectors and modelers.  SIKU and Joal brands will do well with children who are not likely to abuse them.  1/50 has gained acceptance with 'O' scale railroaders due to the proximity of scale and the great quality and quantity of available models.  
1/64 ERTL
Spec-Cast
Norscot		 Farm equipment, semi trucks Toys: Great for all ages.  Small size makes this scale popular with kids and collectors.
Trains: Not one of the more common scales, but very easy to accessorize due to the huge assortment of 1/64 scale pieces available.		 American Flyer S
1/72 Corgi
Dragon		 Airplanes Toys: Almost exclusively for adult collectors.   No common equivalent.
1/87 ERTL
Norscot
 Model Power		 Trucks and Construction equipment. Toys: For older kids and adults.  Growing selection of toys coming to market.
Trains: The most produced and collected scale for train enthusiasts.  Readily available across all price ranges and era's.  Excellent choice for the new railroader.		 Bachman
Model Power
Atheran
Tyco
others		 HO
1/144 Corgi Airplanes Toys: Almost exclusively for adult collectors.
Trains: Gaining popularity with railroaders working within limited space.		   Kato
Atlas
Model Power
others		 N
1/220 None       Maerklin Z
1/400 Dragon Wings Airplanes Toys: Exclusively for adult collectors.   Smaller than common railroad scales.

 

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