How to choose figures, buildings and vehicles for HO
HO scenery should be 1:87. Because UK shops mostly sell OO, it's easy to buy the wrong size. Here's how to check before you buy.
- Time
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- Low cost
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
Step by step
-
Step 1: Look for 1:87 or H0 on the box
Continental makers such as Faller, NOCH, Preiser and Viessmann label their HO ranges H0 or 1:87.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Be careful with "OO/HO"
Some products are labelled "OO/HO". They may be 1:76, 1:87 or somewhere in between, so check the stated ratio. 1:76 figures and vehicles look noticeably large beside HO trains.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Compare figure heights
Preiser's 1:87 figures are about 20 mm tall; its 1:72–1:76 figures are about 24–25 mm. A quick comparison in the shop is enough to spot the difference.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Match the country and era
German, Swiss and American buildings, signs and road vehicles differ a lot. Choose items that match your chosen railway and epoch.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Mix makers with care
Kits from different makers can differ slightly in scale and colour. Paint and weather them so they look like they belong together.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Use buildings to hide the edges
Low-relief buildings along the back scene give depth without taking much space.
Tips
- Road vehicles marked 1:87 are widely available from continental makers.
- Keep a 1:87 figure in your pocket when shopping at exhibitions as a size check.
Questions people ask
Can I use OO buildings on an HO layout?
They will look oversized next to HO trains, but at the back of a scene the difference is less obvious.
What scale are 'HO' cars from toy shops?
Not always 1:87 — check the box.
Sources
Checked 18 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- Preiser figures (1:87 and 1:72–1:76 ranges) (preiser-figuren.de)
- Faller: H0 buildings and scenery (faller.de)
- NOCH: scenery and figures (noch.de)
- Wikipedia: HO scale (en.wikipedia.org)
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Printed from locoho.co.uk/guides/how-to-choose-figures-and-buildings-for-ho/ · Checked 18 October 2026 · General information only. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your trains, track, controllers and decoders.