Short postdoc abroad
would employers look at
  it and be understanding that it might be difficult to be far from home
  or that I have at least gained valuable skills despite no papers as it
  was less than 2-3 years?


They do not automatically understand. You need to convince them.

There can be multiple reasons for 1.5 years without a paper. A big project that requires a lot of engineering effort is a perfectly reasonable reason. In this case, a letter of reference from your postdoc advisor is very important. You may help her to sketch out what she needs to write: 


Your responsibilities and skills needed to perform in the project
Your contribution/achievements after 1.5 years
...


IMHO, you should not mention "be difficult to be far from home etc". It sounds like an excuse for poor performance, or at least it gives an impression that you are not able to overcome difficulties.