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HO Scale Wooden Skids
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HO Scale Wooden Pallets
1 × $3.00
How-To and Tutorials
Pallet vs Skid: Key Differences for Realistic Model Scenes
Table of Contents
Watch Along: Pallet vs Skid
Choosing the Right Platform: Pallet or Skid?
Do you know the difference between a pallet and a skid? Honestly, I didn’t—until a client asked for one. That question sent me down a quick path of learning, and it turned out to be one of those small but meaningful details that can make your modeling projects feel more complete.
Pallets and Skids: Not the Same Thing
If you’ve ever worked in a warehouse, you probably already know this, but for a lot of us, these two platforms seem almost identical at first glance. Here’s what I found:
- Skid: Just the top decking. No bottom deck at all. Because of that, skids aren’t stackable. They’re built to handle very heavy items and are more common in older industrial settings.
- Pallet: Top and bottom decking. That second layer makes it possible to stack them and allows forklifts to pick them up from any side. They’ve become the standard you see everywhere today.
When you’re modeling, that small design difference can help you set the right time period or tell the story of how your freight yard operates.
Why It Matters
It’s easy to grab whatever looks close enough and drop it into a scene, but sometimes stepping back to ask, “Is this really the right piece?” adds authenticity you can feel. Whether you’re going for a modern warehouse look or something more vintage, knowing the difference lets you make a more intentional choice.
What’s Next
I’m working on a follow-up tutorial that will cover painting and weathering techniques, so your skids and pallets look like they’ve actually seen some work. Stay tuned for that.
In the meantime, think about where a skid or pallet could fit into your layout. If you decide to try one, or you’ve got other details you’re curious about, drop a comment or send me a message—I’d love to hear what you’re building.
