I have recently set up my HO train set and have so far made one fake mountain with a tunnel. I have also added ballast along the tracks, some structures and some greenery.
My question has to do with matching the scale of things like vehicles and human figures to the 1:87 scale of my HO train set. For example, I recently spotted some Matchbox cars, but that scale is around 1:64, which is different enough that I would think it would look funny. I suspect one cannot perfectly match the scale of HO trains sets, but how close would you have to get so it looks right? Thanks much! Karl S.
Welcome Karl!
You actually should be asking this on the âModel Railroaderâ or âClassic Toy Trainsâ Forums but having done both I think I can help.
HOâs 1/87 scale is a bit of an oddball as far as the rest of the modeling world is concerned but 1/72 scale models (human figures, aircraft, tanks, vehicles and so on) are a âclose enoughâ match to 1/87 itâs unlikely anyone will notice the slight difference. There are HO sized human figures and I believe vehicles as well, check your hobby shop or HO catalogs like Walthers. I hope this helps.
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Thanks much Flintlock76!
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Youâre very welcome!
Welcome on board, KarlSchrampfer.
David
There are a number of manufacturers of HO scale vehicles: Walthers, Sylvan, etc. I especially like the Wiking models, very realistic. For figures you canât beat Preiser - while the painted figures are pricey, you can get an unpainted assortment of about 100 figures (I have the âpassers byâ and âworkersâ assortments Iâve been working throuigh) for a somewhat reasonable price and paint them yourself.
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Check out Woodland Scenics for HO scale figures & vehicles.
https://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/category/HOScaleProducts
Dan
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One of the âtricksâ that can be used in selective compression is to have the slightly larger figures or vehicles in the foreground, and smaller scale things (for example, airplanes) toward the back.
Mel Perry had many posts here about how to make custom figures and scenes. If you made appropriately âimprovedâ masters, and then molds, you might easily populate quite a few scenes without violating perceived copyright.
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Matchbox and Hot Wheels donât really have a set scale. Their scale is basically dictated by their packaging. Some of their stuff like big rigs and construction equipment are often close to HO scale but stuff like cars, pick-up trucks, SUVs though is 1:64 scale and look like crap with HO because those would be closer to S scale.
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I like the 1:87 cars made by Oxford. There are many in my era of around the 1940s and 1950s. They are pricey but have lots of detail and look great. I treat myself to one every few visits to my local.
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can anybody recommend me a good starting trains set for me . I just decided to get in model railroading
Welcome on board, vic.
David
I think the 1:64 stuff looks off on an HO scale layout, so I stick to 1:87 on mine. Thereâs a number of nice quality scale automobiles out there. Oxford was already mentioned. Others would include Brekina, Atlas, Athearn, and Rapido. Depending on your era, you might be able to find something with these manufacturers.
DFF
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Welcome vic
Iâm a big fan of Oxford Diecast. Given the cost ($11-$13) per vehicle for the detail and variety, I think itâs a bargain compared to Mini Metals, which isnât quite as good. Course, if you are trying to populate a large city scene then - yea, the cost for all those vehicles could add up quickly - i.e. whether you go the RTR or the kit (e.g. Sylvan) route.
Tom
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Gidday Vic, welcome to the Forum.
What Iâd suggest that you start a new post to ask your question, youâll probably get a better response. Also more information on your inital thoughts on what youâd like to see would help.
Cheers, the Bear. 
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IMO, at a pinch you can get away with using 1/72 scale figures but only if youâre happy that your layout is populated with normal ffolkes the average height of an NBA player!
Cheers, the Bear.
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Thanks davefoxx!
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The old Life-Like âScenemasterâ vehicles turn up on Ebay or at model railroad shows/flea markets sometimes. Theyâre HO scale and overall nice looking, but not as detailed as the more expensive metal ones (like Oxford). A blister pack of four LL cars may cost about the same as one metal HO auto.
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Yeah, Oxford is on the less expensive end of the price spectrum, but they have a lot of nice stuff if youâre modeling the 50s and 60s or you want some classic cars on your layout. Theyâve also got some modern Volvo construction equipment in their line-up too.
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