=>Folks -- =>
=>I have 4 sets of O scale (possibly O27) Lionel trains mostly from the =>60s and 70s. I would like to replace my track. I'm confused and want =>to make sure that I get the correct track. Based on the research I have =>found the difference between O and O27 track is the tightness of the =>curves (O27 making a cirle in 27" versus 31" at the smallest for O). I =>have some longer than normal cars - such as a car carrier - so I'm =>assuming I should get O gauge track and not O27. Any thing else I =>should explore? =>
=>Thanks! =>Ed =>
You're confused because of Lionel's wierd naming of parts. The gauge (distance between the rails) of Lionel track is all the same - 32mm or
1-1/4". Lionel used various names to denote the curve radii of their sectional track. Besides "O gauge" and "O-27" there's also "O-72", whose radius is 36" - still pretty tight for O scale size stuff, actually. O-72 is also heavier, better built track, than the old O-27.
Investigate Gargraves track. It accepts all Lionel equipment very well, and since it includes curvable track, you can use any radius you like. As a general rule, use the largest possible radius for curves - the bigger the circle, the better your equipment will run. Gragraves looks, good too - it has wooden ties spaced like the real thing.
HTH
Wolf Kirchmeir ................................. If you didn't want to go to Chicago, why did you get on this train? (Garrison Keillor)