Can anyone offer any information on the difference between HO (1/87) scale and 1/72nd scale. My main concern is if HO scale model railroad buildings would work with 1/72 figures. I found some really interesting, very German structures, as well as others that I'd love to use for a few dioramas. Thanks.

- John

1/72 is roughly 21% bigger than HO scale. 1/72 figures will look huge next to HO figures and will be too big to fit through HO doors.

A simple way to look at it is that the the real thing is 87 times bigger in 1/87 scale but the real thing is 72 times bigger in 1/72 scale. That's quite a difference and Gino's right...the figures will look like a race of giants have invaded your German buildings.

A 6 foot tall figure in 1/87 scale will be almost 1.5 millimetres shorter (there-abouts) than a 6 foot tall figure in 1/72 scale.

Bob

John, have you thought about using Preiser HO scale figures? Here is an auction to a set of Germans. The auction is almost over but will give you an idea of what to look for. Roco makes a series of HO scale armor vehicles in probably the greatest variety of scale models made by any one company in a constant scale.
Preiser Panzer Grenadiers

I have...I actually own a few sets of 1/72 scale Preiser WWII Germans (waiting for them in the mail), as well as numerous other sets of 1/72 WWII figures from manufacturers such as Pegasus, Revell, Caesar, Italeri/Esci, etc. That is the main reason (besides the unbelievably high cost of Preiser figures compared to other 1/72 companies) that I'm sticking with 1/72nd scale for the time being. Plus the cost of HO scale vehicles is a good deal more expensive than most in 1/72. Not to mention the fact that there is about 10 times more on the market for 1/72. Life. Thanks for the replies, fellas.


- John