What scale are Matchbox/Hotwheels

[RichKay]

We are looking into maybe using Matchbox/Hotwheels vehicles in our HO railroad town but we aren't sure if either would work? We want vehicles and buildings, '90's/2000, for our town. They are also quite a bit less expensive than the vehicles we see in the local hobby shops. Does anyone have any suggestions. We live in Illinois about 60 miles northwest of Chicago.

 

[Rico]

I think most Hotwheels cars are more closer S scale than HO, but they look okay on some layouts I've seen depending on where they are placed.
I'm not sure if all Hotwheels are scaled the same, some I've seen might be better than others.

 

[FunValleyLine]

Most Hotwheels and Matchbox cars are not made to a specific scale. Many are 1/64 and are to large. Some are close and look ok. I have some on my layout that seem ok. They are mainly a problem when you put them with an actual scale car. They could be used in the foreground or on a highway with the scale cars off in the distance. This would make the background look farther away.

Have fun that is what counts!

 

[diburning]

Another thing.... Although Boley trucks are sold as 1/87, they are slightly larger. They are closer to matchbox sized trucks than actual 1/87.

 

[Ronzzr11]

You,ll find that the Matchbox cars are too big, they tend to be around 1/62 to 1/64 scale, however as Matchbox use the same packaging for their vehicles, they scale down their bigger vehicles to fit inside, so things like vans and small trucks work out more acceptable for HO scale.
These are all Matchbox vehicle from blister packs, with a little extra painted detail,like lights and turn signals.
Ron

 

[Littlefoot14]

Most of the matchbox cars i have vary from i think 1:78-1:62. I have some 1:64 scale cars and trucks too, theyre way different. Like others have said, matchbox fits the cars to the box. There are some that look really good, like the school buses RichKay showed us, and there are other that look just awful. Ive seen people on here swap out the tires and wheels, and it makes a huge difference. Also doing alittle extra detail would make them look alot better.

 

[bnsf971]

The trucks and vans would probably look okay with some alteration, but there is a point of diminishing returns. Many of these vehicles would require enough work to make them look acceptable, or believable, it would be more effective in time and materials to just get a scale vehicle and be done with it.