Is it possible to modify a locomotive to run on a tighter circle, for example could a locomotive that requires an O31 curve be modified to work on an O27 curve?
Yes. I run a 1950 Lionel 773, a Rail King Big Boy, and a Lionel 2321 Lacawanna Trainmaster on O27, including the troublesome Lionel postwar turnouts. What you might need to do depends on the locomotive. Some locomotives sold as O31 don't need any modification at all. What have you got?
Bob Nelson
This is a case of "if you can get away with it, great!" Most manufacturers specify a minimum radius so you don't have problems with switches. I've run some 031 locomotives myself on 027 unmodified and with no problems.
But if you DO have a problem don't go running to the manufacturer, all he's going to say is "we told you not to do that!" Fair enough, they do.
I have a Lionel Hudson that said it needed a minimum of 0-31. Imagine my delight when the locomotive went through the 0-27 curves, then I added the tender. The tender would not go through the 0-27 curve without major cutting.
When I designed my layout, I chose 42" curves. Back then about 80% of everything would navigate the 42" but it might be very different now.
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I had the same problem with the Big Boy's centipede tender, which required more work than the locomotive. The locomotive was easy, because everything below the boiler swivels. Only the pilot truck needed a little modification.
In some cases modifying the front or rear truck does the trick. Possibly you may have to remove an O27 switch cover so the frame will clear. I'm not big on using O27 track at all. If you plan to have a nice layout start converting to standard O track. You will be better off in the long run.
What one considers a "nice layout" is subjective, don't you agree? Some prefer O31 to O27. Others prefer O27 to O31. I like the more realistic size of O27 rails and ties, even though they are still far from scale. I use gentler curves in the O27 rail profile where I have room. I also enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to run pretty much whatever locomotives and cars I want on O27 curves and turnouts. Chacun à son goût.
Mainlines and most switches, 072. I found 072 switches give closer sidings. Switching yard, 072 Y switches. When I had carpet RR, I ran engines through 027 with the switch stands removed. Fuel tanks on diesels would hit if not removed. Switches with low level switch stands and/or below switch motors would work.
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Thank you all for they replies. I use O27 track, most of my curves are 042, 054 and Marx 031. I do have a few 027 curves and switches, mostly O42 switches. I want to run a Lionel 5972 Hogwarts locomotive on my track but the curves are too sharp, (027 and 031). The wheel arrangement is 4-6-0. Is there any way to modify the wheel arrangement to make it work. Or would it be easier to replace my 027, 031 with 042 curves?
What happens when you try to go around an O27 curve? Do the drivers bind? Does the pilot truck derail? Does the pilot truck hit the cylinders?
Thank you for all your replies, I solved the problem by selling the locomotive (Lionel Harry Potter Hogwarts) with its) O36 radius. All of my other locos will do O27 curves.
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