Rail Transport Modelling Scales - Mixing of Scales

Mixing of Scales

It is possible to use different scales of models together effectively, especially to create a false sense of depth (referred to as "forced perspective"). Scales close to each other are also hard to tell apart with the naked eye. An onlooker seeing a 1:43 model car next to a 1:48 scale model train might not notice anything wrong, for example.

Some common examples of mixing scales are:

• a foreshortening technique using N scale (1:160) model trains in the background (distance) with H0 scale (1:87) in the foreground.
• mixing 1:43 scale, 1:48 scale and 1:50 scale die-cast models with 0 scale model trains.
• using Matchbox cars (1:64 to 1:100) with H0 scale and S scale.
• mixing 00 scale British model trains with H0 scale models.
• using 1:144 scale die-cast models with N scale.