Diecast Model Car Scale Guide

Diecast Model Cars are manufactured to various scales based on measurements taken from their real road going equivalents.

In Australia, the most popular scale is 1:18, or in simple terms, a model 18 times smaller than its road going equivalent. A 1:18th is about the same length as a tissue box.

Other common scales are 1:43 and 1:64 scale. 1:43 is under half the size of a 1:18 model, coming in at around 10 centimetres long (think of it as about as long as a standard Mobile Phone). A 1:64th is smaller again, and is more around the size of a traditional "Matchbox" car.

Remember however, just because the models get smaller, doesn't mean their detail is reduced. All models produced by Biante, Auto Art and Classic Carlectables are designed to be Collectors Items and as such, are not suitable for small children as they do contain small parts.

Here is a rough guide to the size of model cars although this will vary depending on the size of the actual vehicle being replicated:
1:64 scale will be approximately 6cm long
1:43 scale will be approximately 10cm long
1:18 scale will be approximately 20-30cm long

Always remember, the higher the scale, the smaller the model.

Model Train Scale Guide

Below is a split of the most popular Australian Model Train scales. Note HO and OO can both run on the same track.

HO = 1/87th scale,  Mainly American and Australian outline. 

OO = 1/76th scale,  Mainly English outline.

HO and OO use the same 16.5mm gauge track.

An HO or OO diesel locomotive would typically be about 20-30cm long

N gauge, English outline = 1/148th scale. 

N gauge, American etc = 1/160th scale.

Both N's use the same 9mm gauge track.

An N Gauge diesel locomotive would typically be no longer than 10-15cm.