Lionel O versus O27 Gauge Track

Safe assumption. "O" may not go around O-27 curves, but "O-27" will work fine on regular O. (Lionel that is, NOT "O Scale" two rail track)
The actual sectional track had difference in tie height also, but as I recall there were special "transitional" pins and/or track sections to mix the two together. (My Lionel layout more years ago than I care to remember was Gar-Graves track with Lionel switches).
Don
-- snipped-for-privacy@prodigy.net snipped-for-privacy@yahoogroups.com moderator: snipped-for-privacy@yahoogroups.com co-moderator: snipped-for-privacy@Yahoogroups.com

Ed, you can buy O42 dia track in the O27 profile(height) made by Lionel. Switches are also less expensive in O27 profile than O. Hope this helps a bit.

=>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)

"Edmund Bedsworth" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@corp.supernews.com... Ed,
If you're starting with no track, I suggest you take a serious look at the Atlas-O track system. Curves run from O27 out to O99 in consistent 9" increments. Straights are available in 10" and 40" rigid sections, and there is a 40" flex-track section. And the switches are a thing of beauty compared to 'traditional' 3-rail track.
Check out their web site at for the complete list of what's available.
-- Len Head Rust Scraper KL&B Eastern Lines RR Museum

Ed..
The finest 3 rail O Gauge track on the market today is
made by Atlas O... They have 7 or 8 different diameters
from O-35 to O-99... O-99 = 99" Diameter, Only your pocket book will notice..
Their switch options are numerous too...
For bargain priced three rail O-27 style track...
K-Line Co has 027 sized 'Lionel' track in many of the larger diameters.. all the way to O-120 Their switch selection is more limited...
Edmund Bedsworth wrote:

Lionel also makes 054 diameter track in 0-27 profile...where wider curves are needed use Gargraves flexible track. Same height as the 0-27 profiles and adapter pins are readily available.
Ray Hobin NMRA Life # 1735; TCA # HR-78-12540; ARHS # 2421 Durham, NC [Where tobacco was king; now The City of Medicine]

Hello - Take a look at but it will be too expensive!
Best, Mike

photo caption: "Lionel's Super-O switches looked good . . ."
good???!!!!!
" . . . but were often problematic"
Problematic? They couldn't fit a reliable mechanism into that huge glob of plastic!!!??
Makes Thomas and Friends look attractive. At least they're whimsical.