| Scale |
Most used for |
Example |
Best for |
| 1/16 |
Farm toys. |
Older and smaller farm tractors are 8 to 10 inches long, many newer models are more than 12 inches long, you are about 4.4 inches tall. |
|
Most are great for kids. Collector and Precision models are intended more for display than play. |
| 1/18 |
Cars and small trucks. |
The 'typical' car is 10-12 inches long. |
Many are designed for display and have small, breakable pieces. |
| 1/25 |
Trucks, cars, banks, and some construction equipment. |
Delivery trucks are 8 to 10 inches long, construction toys are a large 12 inches or more. |
Most items are built for older children or for adult collectors. |
| 1/32 |
Farm toys and airplanes. |
Classic biplanes have about a 12 inch wingspan. Farm tractors are smaller but still big enough for little hands. Old semi rigs are 14-16 inches long. You are just over 2 inches tall. |
|
Most items are suitable for play. |
| 1/34 |
Mostly First-Gear trucks |
Almost exclusively for adult collectors. |
| 1/43 |
Farm toys, cars, and trucks. |
The same scale as a Lionel railroad. Trucks and cars are 3.5 to 4.5 inches long. |
|
Great for older children, many items have small parts. This scale is sought after by 'O' scale rail-road enthusiasts. |
| 1/48 |
Airplanes |
Common scale for smaller airplanes. |
Some suitable for older kids. Mostly collectibles. |
| 1/50 |
Construction toys |
Dozers average 5 to 6 inches in length, graders and scrapers are 6 to 8 inches, cranes and large excavators are still 8 to 12 inches and up. You are about 1.4 inches tall. |
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. |
| 1/64 |
Farm equipment, semi trucks |
Farm tractors are between 3 and 4 inches long, a semi tractor with trailer is about 12 inches long. |
|
Great for all ages. Small size makes this scale popular with kids and collectors. |
| 1/72 |
Airplanes |
Popular scale for airplanes. Still too large for modern most bombers and passenger jets. |
Some suitable for older kids. Mostly collectibles. |
| 1/87 |
Wide variety |
Same scale as HO railroads. Large variety of trucks, equipment, and accessories available. |
|
Great for anyone old enough to have an HO train set. |
| 1/144 |
Airplanes |
Common scale for larger planes. |
Some suitable for older kids. Mostly collectibles. |
| 1/400 |
Airplanes |
A 747 is only 6 inches long. Used for only the largest aircraft. |
Strictly for collectors. |