It doesn't have to be exact, but it has to be close. I wouldn't use HO/Hot Wheels since those are about 1/2 scale for O, but almost all of my cars are 10% too big (1:43).

 

Yes, I do. Mine is not a toy train layout, but as close to scale as the manufacturers allow.

 

Not really, try to keep accessories and vehicles close in size. My layout is a toy train operating layout, I don't get to concerned over scale details.

Bill

I do not adhere to scale. Mine is a toy train layout.

I have never heard the phrase or label of "Toy train layout."
What defines it as such and what would the opposite be called and what makes it not a toy train layout?
When you get down to it, aren't these all toy trains with layouts? :dunno:

 

Accessories, not so much. Regarding die cast vehicles, I'll generally use one manufacturer so they remain consistent in size.

 

My table is a collection. I use scale as a neighborhood. Like things are placed together. In collections scale is a gage to keep order but varies throughout the table. I go to hommies to gumby to pirates, with Toy Story Aliens and Captain Crunch.

Scale buildings are to large and use tin buildings and flat wall buildings to vary in size.

 

Not really, try to keep accessories and vehicles close in size. My layout is a toy train operating layout, I don't get to concerned over scale details.

Bill

 

I like to model in scale. I model scale O (1:48), but use 3 rail equipment for several different reasons. I try to stick with 1:48 building, figures, vehicle, and etc. on my layout. But if something is not too far from 1:48 scale, I'll use it.

 

I do not adhere to scale. Mine is a toy train layout.

 

A very interesting question. I supposed most here would be operating in scale, and I'm surprised by the answers so far.

My trains are N scale, so whenever I buy something, I stick to scale. But I currently am not working on my layout, so everything is in the past. Not sure what the future will bring.

 

Here is something I find interesting when it comes to scale and that Lionel is not consistent with some of the accessories they sell.
The conductor that pops out of the house when the train passes by would not be able to fit since he is too big.
And yet they sell people and benches that fit onto the station platforms.
Again, no right or wrong. Just an observation.

 

No because everything I have is scale, I only purchase scale so there’s no need to worry about it:goofball:

 

There are several different terms used to describe the various approaches to our hobby. The ones I am most familiar with are:

Toy Train Layout - I usually think of post-war Lionel with conventional control and cars and accessories that can be most any size. Also usually tin plate tubular track and switches.

Hi-Rail - Trying to as realistic as is practical in 3-rail. Scale engines and cars, realistic looking track and switches, and people and cars ranging from 1:50 to 1:43.

Hi-Rail Scale - The next level above hi-rail where you replace couplers with Kadees, fixed pilots on diesels, engines and cars weathered, and everything as close to scale as possible.

And everything in between these is also just fine as it is a hobby meant for fun and enjoyment. There are no rules, just have fun.

Art

 

As far as trains I have smaller traditional size trains and true 1/48 trains. I keep them together amd don't mix them. Most everything else is close to 1/48 with a range of 1/43-1/54. My street lights are HO though but measure 12 scale feet high in O scale.

Pete

 

I was just looking at crossings. The "O scale offerings" seemed way to big at 5.5", far higher than any of my trains including my larger pre-war O tinplate, Marx (~1/64) and my Williams Crown Edition "1:48" passenger cars. All the trains at my local XO are far taller than the crossing lights.

 

Toy train layout to me is something thats not realistic but can be played with. It doesn't matter about scale or being realistic. So anything cool that you like and incorporate imto a layout. Others are more picky about things and want only realistic stuff. So , the trains , stations buildings have to jive together. Whats most important is not what you call it, but to have fun. Its your layout, do what you want.

 

I operate in HO scale and I try to follow scale as close as I can. I think of my layout (or anyone’s as far as that goes) as an expression of art, and I like it to be as authentic as I can make it, that’s what motivates me on the layout even more than running the trains. That being said I find it hard, especially with automobiles to get consistency in scale even within the same manufacture. I have classic CMW vehicles that are supposedly 1:87 scale, but putting them side-by-side they aren’t even close to one another in size. I find that figurines are the same way between brands but are more consistent within each given manufacture. As far as figurines go I typically will only use woodland scenics because I think that they are a good representation of size. I am very picky about the vehicles I use, I guess in that aspect I would be considered a rivet counter although I’m not as meticulous about exact time frames within an era of my locomotives and running stock, as far as that goes… I like what I like.

 

I use whatever I can find cheap. The small stuff in the back, including vehicles, buildings.

I think it's called 'forced perspective".

So an HO building in the background, and maybe HO lamp posts. Bigger stuff up front. large scale vehicles in front.

Just a general rule, and it works.