Norscot - What Scale?

[BCR751]

Anyone know the actual scale of the Norscot die-cast construction equipment?  I have seen a few of the Caterpillar ones that are sold as N-Scale but they seem a bit too large.

[peteski]

I didn't know they sold anything as N scale. Most of their stuff is H0.  Bit if it is larger than N, it could be the other standard scale: 1:144.

[BCR751]

I didn't know they sold anything as N scale. Most of their stuff is H0.  Bit if it is larger than N, it could be the other standard scale: 1:144.

That would make since.  It's not HO but it's definitely too big for N.  In the end, I think I'd go for the Komatsu key-chain stuff.  Limited models but very accurate.

[cfritschle]

The Norscot Construction Minis are box-size models in which the scale varies from one model to another.  They hit the market in the summer of 2006, and Bill Cawthon reviewed the four models that were available at that time.  Here is what he came up with:

315C L excavator = 1/141
D5G XL dozer = 1/95
906 wheel loader = 1/101
420E backhoe and loader = 1/130

In 2008 Norscot released the Cat 793D mining truck, which is close to Z scale, and in 2010 they added the Cat D7E, which is larger than N scale.

Carter

[BCR751]

Thanks, Carter.  That pretty well explains it.

Doug

[Catt]

Norscot also has a lot of 1:50 scale items which doesn't do O scale much justice either.I kmow John Deere and other companies like have keychain models that rather nicely fit "our" scale.

[Rossford Yard]

In the case of the D5 dozer or the trackhoe, I have them on the layout. I just tell visitors that they are a D9 dozer and bigger track hoe to justify the scale. LOL

[cfritschle]

I should add that I did a comparison of the dimensions of the Norscot 315C L excavator in N scale inches with the prototype dimensions for a Cat 320C/320CL excavator.  I posted this years ago on the N Scale Vehicle Association Yahoo Group. 

Here are some dimensions in 1:160 scale inches of the Norscot 315C L excavator

Width as measured at widest portion of the body = 112 inches
Track gauge = 83 inches
Track width = 25 inches
Bucket width = 46 inches
Ground level to top of cab = 139 inches

And, similar dimensions for the prototype 320C/320C L Utility (assuming 24-inch shoes and standard track length)

Shipping width = 110 inches
Track gauge = 87 inches
Track width = 24 inches
Bucket width = Variable, but 48 inch is an option
Shipping height with 9 ft. 7 in. stick =  119 inches

So, it is possible to call the Norscot 315C L an N scale 320C L, just don't look too closely at the lettering on the model, or the height of the cab.   

Carter

[jimmo]

Let's not forget the Norscott Cat CT660 Concrete Mixer truck that many online are calling 1/144 scale. It is actually 1/128 scale.

I am currently working on a Cat CT660 in actual N-scale so if any of you are looking for a modern vocational truck, it will be available in my eBay store early next year.

[jimmo]

Norscot also has a lot of 1:50 scale items which doesn't do O scale much justice either.I kmow John Deere and other companies like have keychain models that rather nicely fit "our" scale.

Most of the construction keychain models that I have found are from Universal Hobbies http://www.universalhobbies.net/page-construction-10025.html  They also have a farm equipment series.

I have the Komatsu WA450 Wheel Loader and the Komatsu PC200 Excavator and both are very close if not right on for N-scale--once you remove that big ol' key ring.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I really like the Universal Hobbies Komatsu products. Why Maruka/Tomytec/Fujimoto never did the Komatsu wheel loader, I will never know.
Here is the unmodified UH key chain:



(Hot Wheels, UH, MZZ)


UH PC200 with Norscot Cat 315

Don't forget the Ferraro New Holland W270, which can look quite nice if you put a lot of work into it: