I wrote a long post on how to restore 022 switches to better than new operation. I have 58 of them, and I am going through some of them for the second time because I didn't check the electrical connections the first time.
In my opinion, if you are going to make use of old straight and curved tracks, you should be carefull to only use pieces that are very clean, and not rusty / dirty track that has been cleaned. Having built several layouts using old, "clean" track, I switched for my last two, and started using only more recently made stuff. The trains literially run better, with less sparking on new track. When I had older track down, a 18401 hand car would barely make it's way around the layout. When I replaced the track with new stuff, the hand car worked fine. I think the problem was excessive friction between the sliding pickup assemby, and the third rail, which developed some roughness over time. As was posted at least once earlier in this thread, I do use postwar switches and uncoupling tracks. IMHO, they are worth cleaning up. I do place both center rail and outside rail feeders on all three "legs" coming off each switch (sometimes switches tend to cause voltage drops). My preference is towards older postwar 022 switches, which are readily identified by their use of screw based bulbs. I find that these mechanisms are smoother, and will throw more readily at a lower voltage than the later ones, with bayonette based bulbs.
Correct. Lionel "O" and "O-27" are both still in production. It is worth whatever you're willing to pay.
Jon
I have a "Lionel Signature Edition" catalog for 2009. It lists straight 0 gauge at $2.89 & 027 at $1.49. I thought this was still available new.
wyomingscout
Rob,
I have some of the old Marx 34 inch O-27 profile track. How much is it worth? I don't find it too often. I don't have any real use for it and if it is worth more to someone else than it is to me, I would like to sell it.
Bruce
It sounds like you get a kick out of making something old work again. I like to do the same thing. I guess it is from being a kid without much money and having to learn to make stuff work that other people were throwing away.
servoguyThe 1122 O-27 switches should be very cheap...
The 1121 switches can be had very cheap too, I've bought them in lots for 2-3 dollars each. These work great if you are running prewar and Marx equipment that would hit the guard rails of the 1122/1122E.
For some reason, they are sold for parts a lot, but they clean up & come together quite well with nothing usually wrong with them.
Rob
I have bought a large number of O gauge 022 switches for $4 each. They all needed attention, and I wrote a fairly long post on all the things I do to them before I put them in service. The ones I have serviced are all working well. I have a carpet railroad with 37 022 switches. I use O-31 track because it is CHEAP. I have some FasTrack also, but I have a lot more O-31.
The 1122 O-27 switches should be very cheap. As someone else has stated, at the swap meets, the demand for track is very low. I have bought some O-27 track recently for about what it cost in 1950. It was 25 cents a section than. I bought a box of Lionel and Marx O-27 manual switches for $5. There must have been 12 switches in the box.
If the track is rusty, I use a wire wheel on a grinder to clean off the rust. I only clean the top of the rails and the bottom (to keep mama's carpet clean). The problem I haven't solved too well is how to clean out the ends of the track if the inside is rusty.
I use the O-27 track to make train sets for young boys. The company is consult with had a drive to get presents for the local military base. I think I made some young boys very happy. I still have a fair number of automatic switches for these boys when they mature a little and want to add to their train sets. I remember when I was 9 and got my first train set. It was a Lionel Scout and the year was 1950. I wanted more track and other things, but It took several years to get some switches, crossings, and more track. I bought stuff from friends that had stuff they didn't want any more.
I'll start a new thread on it when I get a chance.
not wanting to hijack this thread but...PLEASE POST A HOW TO WITH PICTURES OF THE SWITCHES!
fredswain For people who have an interest in high rail modelling where greater realism is desired, O-27 track is a hidden gem. I've taken a few pieces and installed realistically sized and spaced wood ties that were even spiked. I removed the original metal ties and then chemically blackened the center rail. It takes effort of course but it is cheap. I call it the poor man's 21st century track system. I'll have to take some pictures of it sometime and show how to build your own tubular track switches. Fred
For people who have an interest in high rail modelling where greater realism is desired, O-27 track is a hidden gem. I've taken a few pieces and installed realistically sized and spaced wood ties that were even spiked. I removed the original metal ties and then chemically blackened the center rail. It takes effort of course but it is cheap. I call it the poor man's 21st century track system. I'll have to take some pictures of it sometime and show how to build your own tubular track switches.
Fred
At train shows 027 track goes for next to nothing, for a few dollars you can buy it by the box. O ga. maybe 50 cents or so. You should consider if buying used track is worth the time you might have to spend making it useable. I have seen like new track go for next to nothing, you just have to shop.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
Charlie, depends on whether you are looking for regular 0 tubular or 027 tubular track. In general prices of used sections of either straight or curved tracks are less than new. Of course, some novice sellers see the name "Lionel" and assume it is worth a fortune - even for track of the worst condition. Look around and there are deals to be had. Classic Toy Trains has had several articles over the years about cleaning up and bringing old dirty tubular track back to life, so obviously people are still using tubular.
There are some exceptions here: Used Lionel 0 gauge switches seem to command good prices in part because they were so well made and reliable. Lionel redesigned the 0 gauge switch maybe 10 years ago or so, and those switches were more trouble than not and were dropped.
Some of the operating tracks too, can go for a little more than one might think if they are in good shape with orignal Lionel controllers still wired to them. Or if they are still in a nearly new condition orignal box. Even some of the MPC era track can command slightly higher prices if it is still in the orignal blister pack packaging.
Overall, compared to the newer track systems like Lionel's FasTrack, MTH's RealTrack, Atlas 0, etc. regular tubular track (either 0 or 027) is still a bargain, even brand new. Gargraves has been around for years and is a cost effective alternative to some of the more expensive realistic track systems.
But then again, track is something you are going to have on your layout and don't want to replace frequently, so it's best to buy what you believe will work best for you. Which is why some of the more costly track types and brands, like Curtis also sell.
brianel, Agent 027
"Praise the Lord. I may not have everything I desire, but the Lord has come through for what I need."
I am trying to get 150 pieces of rusty 027 tubular track for ten bucks from Craigs list. I think the garbage man beat me to it.
Old tubular track is worth a fortune on eBay for some reason. It's .10 to .30 a section for O or O-27 track in the bins under the tables at any sizable train show/meet/swap.
I've bought at .10 to .30 a section at a LHS and sold on eBay for consistent double returns. I don't get it. I sold all my Marx O-34, 25+ years accumulation, in lots, on eBay for nearly it's weight in gold(well, so it would seem). It funded a good part of my GarGraves purchases.
What is your definition of tubular track? I am confused?
Are you talking about the good old fashion "0" scale track? If so, it is $1.50 per section either straight or curved at my local train store. Used track uncleaned is $0.50 but goes fast and is always sold out.
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