Anyone tried these on an N scale layout? Looking for a cheaper alternative to Trainworx but not sure if these are slightly too big.
I have a couple and they are very noticeably different unfortunately. The 1:150 stuff isn't hear as different than the 1:160. If I get a chance over the weekend, I'll put one of mine on the layout for a picture.
If these are what I think they are then I have several of them which I bought as stand ins when 1:160 stuff wasn't available. The graphics on them were good. In fact, the graphics were better than what was available on the 1:160 stuff. They are about 10% larger than 160 and are plausible if not placed in with 1:160 stuff. Like another poster stated, if kept together and used in the background, they are useable.
McWoot, I offer these images as visual proof of their compatibility or non with 1:160. Let me say that I did use the oversized Hendricks rig on my long gone N-Trak modules, however I had it on a road just in front off the skyboard so it did not appear oversized. You can see the Racing Champion rig looks way out of place close up but as others have suggested and I have done, move it away from the 1:160. Hope this sheds some light on your question. Be well !
I use a lot of 1:144 stuff on my Military train, and as others have noted, unless you mix the different sizes, they work OK........people expect tanks to be big. and I've given up trying to look at the "scale" of stuff in N.........right off the top, there are 3 different N scales. I find there's a bit of variance even within the 3 main contenders, so I don't even look at anything beyond "N" and then I evalutate each vehicle individually as to whether it will work.
I would suggest, if layout space permits, the 1/144 vehicles be placed closer on the landscape to viewing points, and the N scale further back, to increase the perception of depth.
Three different N scales? I do know that there are differences in size between some manufacturers, on at least some of their offerings: I bought two identical box cars (absent mindedly) from Athearn and Micro-Trains. The Athearn is noticeably larger than the Micro-Trains. The decals were also noticeably less sharp & crisp on the Athearn as well.
Another area where size doesn't matter is construction equipment especially earthmoving and mining equipment. There is a mining operation in PA where a unit train is loaded by front end loaders. The train never stops but travels about 4-5 mph while the coal hoppers/gondolas are loaded. Obviously takes a pretty big front end loader to load 100-110 tons in car while it is moving. They do, however, employ more than one front end loader. Yes, three different scales that run on 9 millimeter (N gauge) track. They are 1:160, 1:150 and 1:148. 1:148 is British, 1:150 is Japanese while 1:160 in American. Other countries use one of these scales but that is something I never committed to memory.
Carl posted a great look at the Racing trucks. Now here is my set along with some others to compare. Hope these help. Like was said before, it's all in where you place them as to how they will look 1 & 2. The Skittles Swirvin Erwin Hauler and the Tabasco Hauler are the only 2 1:144 RC trucks I have. Probably should have bought more back in the day. 3. The white tractor is a 1:150 Kato Volvo with a Royale Models 1:160 cattle trailer 4 The orange tractor with sleeper is a ConCor 1:160 with a ConCor 1:160 trailer 5. The orange tractor day cab is an Atlas 1:160 with a M/T 1:160 trailer Here are several shots
Thanks for the photos, Richard. They really show the difference. The 1:144 rigs are visually too big. The 1:150 and 1:160 scale models are, in my opinion, close enough to use in the same scene.
Having worked in construction and trucking, I can't help but notice the 1:44 stuff right away if it's next to a building or near a piece of rolling stock or locomotive. For the construction equipment the cab is usually where I focus. If you are trying to force perspective putting the 1:44 items closer to the viewing edge of the layout and everything else farther back that works well. Otherwise I cringe a bit but that's it. No pun intended but your mileage may vary.
The Kato Volvo VNL 780 is 1:160 scale. Here is one that has been updated with Trainworx wheels, and a few other details. Carter
While I like the trucks you are building, I am not building a race track and don't have room. But thanks anyway. I only drove a simple 18 wheeler, no sleepers. Just need cars and pu trucks in N.
Thanks for the info Carter. I could have sworn I saw those were 1:150 when they came out. Good to know they are not.
