Toy tractor & die cast model scales explained
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Toy Tractor & Die cast model scales explained
Have you ever looked online to buy a scale model and had no idea what the different scales are? Are you unsure which toy will be smaller or larger? Do you know what size tractor toy or model you need? I’ve put together a simple overview that I hope will help.
Toy tractor & Die-cast model scales made easy!
What sizes do toy tractors come in? Are diecast tractor models the same scales? What scales are available?
There are a few different scales available including:
- 1:16
- 1:24
- 1:32
- 1:87 (this is also known as HO in the model train industry).
This is not all the model sizes available but relates to the main sizes we stock.
So, what do the sizes actually mean? It’s simple for every 1 unit of measurement on the scale model the real model is x times larger. Let’s take 1:32 scale so for every 1cm on the toy model the real tractor will be 32cm, therefore if the model is 8cm in length the actual tractor would be 8 x 32cm = 256cm.
There is another way of looking at it, if you have 1 model at 1/32 scale to get to the height of the tractor it was replicated from you would need to stand 32 of the models one on top of the other, or for the length you would need to line up 32 of the models!
What is the biggest scale toy tractor?
The larger models and farm toys are 1/16 scale, these are available in both the Britains Big Farm toys and the collectors Universal Hobbies Models.
How big is a 1/16 tractor toy? How big is a 1/32 scale tractor toy or model?
It’s often hard to visualise the size of the toys. A 1:16 scale average tractor toy is approx. 30cm in length (as a very rough guide!) and a 1/32 scale is therefore approx. 15cm long. As all makes and models vary this is only a very rough guide and not the exact size of the product.
What scale toy tractor is best for pre-school and young children?
The 1/16 Britains Big Farm tractors are designed for younger children (3-8years), remember to check the individual models for age suitability, as the scale is larger the toys are bigger in size, making it easier for younger children to handle.
Do the different scales relate to different age ranges?
No the scales do not relate to ages, a 1/16 toy tractor could be designed for a young child, whilst a 1/16 diecast model tractor can also be an adult collectors piece, both in the same scale.
What scale models and farm toys do Fields Farmyards and Families stock?
There is a selection of scales across the range see below:
Britains Big Farm
This range is 1:16 and is great for the younger children as it is larger and easier to handle.
Universal Hobbies
Universal Hobbies diecast collector’s tractor models are stocked in either 1:16 or 1:32 scale, we do have a few 1:87 pieces e.g. the keyrings. It is worth remembering that the scale relates to the actual real tractor that the model was replicated from, hence the smaller vintage and classic tractors will be smaller models than some of the model larger tractors in the same scale.
Britains toy farm
We stock a wide range of the Britains toy farm tractors, machinery and implements in 1/32 scale. Most have an age suitability of 3+, however always check the listings/packaging for ages.
This picture shows the Britains 100 years Fordson model 1/32 on the actual Fordson tractor to provide an idea of scale.
Siku
We currently stock 2 scales in the Siku tractors and farm machinery toys, most of our range is 1/32 scale, however we have added a few items in the smaller 1:87 scale. The small farm play sets are at the smaller scale.
Kids Globe
The Kids globe sheds, stables and silage pits come in various scales. All the silage pits and wooden sheds are 1/32, however please check individual products. The stables vary and some are 1/32 scale and some are 1/24 scale, to be compatible with different scale farm animal and horse ranges available.
Bburago
Some of the range do not have scales, but there are a selection of farm toys available at 1/32 scale.
Can you use the 1/32 scale toy farm implements on a 1/16 scale tractor model?
NO! The 2 sizes are incompatible and the machinery/implements would be too small for the tractor, the scales are out of proportion so the accessory would not be able to hitch or fasten on to the tractor. Therefore, please check the scales when ordering to ensure they match.
Can you mix farm toys from the different manufacturers at the same scale?
The answer is sometimes, for example the animals and tractors in 1:32 scale will fit in the shed, stables and buildings that are the same scale. However, the trailers, machinery and implements may be the same size across brands but as they have different manufacturers the fittings may differ and they may or may not be compatible.
Are all tractor models available in all different scales?
No, the models are only available in the sizes chosen by the manufacturers. This doesn’t mean that over time they don’t produce the same model at different scales, or that the same tractor model isn’t available in all different sizes from different manufacturers.
With limited editions and continuous additions to the model ranges, new models are always being replicated in different scales. The manufacturers also require a license to replicate the different makes and models.
If you are unsure or have any questions regarding the size of the tractor toys and models, feel free to ask.