Can Old lionel O42 switch track be converted to remote control?

[71835]

I have seen many O42 manual lionel switch tracks on ebay and wonder if I could just replace the manual mechinisim with an O-22 switch moter and get a remote control O-42 switch track. The wider curves really help operation but still let me stay with my multiple 4 by 8 plywood layout configuration.

[wrmcclellan]

71835,

The Lionel #042 switch is a manual 0-31 radius switch. 042 is just the Lionel part number, not the track radius. The 042 shares a lot of parts (like the rails and base) with the 022 switch, but is not equipped with any of the circuitry for the non-derailing feature.

Regards,
Roy

[ChiefEagles]

Saw a thing years ago about using a manual choke cable [auto parts store] or lawnmower throttle cable to make switches move. Can not remember what was used to move the switch lever but cable was used under table to move the switches. Not the remote you were looking for but will prevent you from reaching over the layout to move switch.

[71835]

Thanks for the information. now I know that 042 is only a part number.....so much for my dream of wider curves from inexpensive post war lionel .

[Jim Duda]

Dunno about the "inexpensive" part, but here's a 42 in. switch that will mate perfectly with your Lionel O gauge track. I don't have any K-Line switches, but I think those that do like 'em...

http://www.k-linetrains.com/products/viewprd_new.cfm?prdID=1B1761D8-6C6C-11D4-ADA90060B0576B82&secID=B17A068D-6D44-11D4-ADA90060B0576B82

[lionelsoni]

It sounds like you probably have O31 now. But, if you do have or are willing to switch to O27 profile, consider Marx O34 curves. They made very good switches for O34 which are not hard to find. (The radius to the center rail is 15.75 inches, compared to 12.5 for O27 and 14.142 for O31.)