What Size Accessories Do I Need for My Scale Model Truck? A Guide to Scale Model Sizes
Why Scale Confuses So Many Model Truck Builders
If you've ever bought a mud flap set, a pallet load, or a set of exhaust stacks and had it turn up looking wildly wrong for your truck — you're not alone. Scale model trucks come in a handful of common sizes, and manufacturers don't always label things the same way. Get the scale wrong and even a well-made accessory just won't sit right on your build.
This guide breaks down the six scales you'll run into most often — 1:64, 1:50, 1:32, 1:24/1:25, 1:16, and 1:14 — so you know exactly what to look for before you buy.
How Scale Numbers Actually Work
A scale like 1:64 means 1 unit on the model equals 64 of the same unit in real life. So a real truck that's about 8 metres long becomes roughly 125mm long as a 1:64 model. The bigger the second number, the smaller the model.
Once you know your truck's scale, every accessory — mud flaps, pallets, lights, exhausts — needs to match that same ratio to look right sitting on it.
The Scales, Explained
1:64 — Diecast and Pocket-Sized
The most common scale for diecast collectables — think Matchbox and Hot Wheels-style trucks, plus a lot of Aussie diecast trucks and trailers. A 1:64 truck typically sits around 100–130mm long.
Good for: Diecast collectors, diorama builders working in small display cases, anyone collecting a fleet without needing a lot of shelf space.
Shop 1:64 accessories: Aussie Pallet Loads · Mud Flaps · Bulka Bags
1:50 — The Diecast Collector's Standard
A step up from 1:64, 1:50 is the benchmark scale for high-end diecast trucks and construction equipment — brands like WSI and Conrad build to this scale. Models tend to sit around 160–200mm long.
Good for: Serious diecast collectors, detailed construction and haulage models, display pieces where fine detail matters.
Shop 1:50 accessories: Load Bearers · Aussie Pallet Loads · 44 Gallon Drums
1:32 — Farm and Ag Territory
1:32 is best known as the standard scale for farm toys and agricultural models (think Siku and Bruder), though it also shows up in some truck ranges. Models run larger — often 250–300mm long — giving more room for visible detail.
Good for: Farm and ag equipment collectors, builders who want a bigger, more tactile model without going full display-case size.
Shop 1:32 accessories: Bulka Bags · Load Bearers
1:24 / 1:25 — Popular Plastic Kit Scale
1:24 and 1:25 are close enough in size that they're often grouped together, and they're a mainstay of plastic model truck kits (AMT, Italeri and similar brands). Models typically land around 280–330mm long — big enough for serious detailing work.
Good for: Plastic kit builders, anyone wanting a model with real presence on a display shelf, hobbyists who enjoy detailed weathering and customisation.
Shop 1:24/1:25 accessories: Mud Flaps · Load Bearers · Tail Lights
1:16 — Large-Scale RC and Display
1:16 is a scale you'll mostly meet in radio-controlled trucks and premium display models. At this size (often 450–550mm long), models start to have real weight and mechanical detail — some RC trucks even have working hydraulics and lights.
Good for: RC truck enthusiasts, builders wanting maximum visible detail, display pieces that command attention.
Shop 1:16 accessories: Mud Flaps · Tail Lights
1:14 — The Big One
1:14 is the largest scale in common use for model trucks, almost exclusively found in RC truck circles. These models can be 600mm+ long and are built to carry real mechanical components — proper gearboxes, hydraulics, lighting rigs.
Good for: Serious RC hobbyists, builders running full working mechanical systems, anyone wanting a truck that dominates the room.
Shop 1:14 accessories: Mud Flaps · Tail Lights
Quick Comparison Table
| Scale | Typical Model Length | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1:64 | ~100–130mm | Diecast collectables |
| 1:50 | ~160–200mm | Premium diecast, construction models |
| 1:32 | ~250–300mm | Farm/ag models, some trucks |
| 1:24/1:25 | ~280–330mm | Plastic kit builds |
| 1:16 | ~450–550mm | RC trucks, display models |
| 1:14 | 600mm+ | RC trucks with working mechanicals |
How to Check Your Truck's Scale If You're Not Sure
- Check the box or product listing — scale is almost always printed there.
- Measure your model's overall length and compare it to the real truck's known length using the ratio.
- If in doubt, message the seller or manufacturer directly — better to ask than guess and end up with accessories that don't fit.
Shop Accessories by Scale
Once you know your scale, browse our full range of scale model truck accessories — mud flaps, pallet loads, load bearers and more — built to the correct proportions for each size.