track sizes

[Anonymous]

NOVICE QUESTION
I have an old Marx train and O27 gauge track. This is an oval about 26" X 42" inside diameter. Can a HO gauge track be constructed to fit inside the O27 oval? Seems like it would since it's 1/2 the scale but the smallest curves for HO seem to be 15" radius (or 30" diameter).

[Roger Bielen]

I would think that the center rail and the difference in rail hight would be a problem.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Roger but I don't understand the answer. Maybe my question wasn't too clear. I have an O-27 oval track. I want to put it on a board and then add an HO oval set inside the O-27 oval. Two different ovals - two different train sets.

[spankybird]

HI Gizzardi, Welcome to the CTT forum,

Sorry to say, HO oval will not fit inside 027 loop.

What you say is true for HO being half of O gauge, but min dia of HO track is like 30"

[martinden]

Years ago -- mid-late '50's -- somebody offered HO 12" radius track, matching Atlas Snap-track. IIRC, it was Mantua (Tyco), though I can't remember if the track was made by Atlas or not. RTR sets from most manufacturers at that time came with Atlas track.

If you could find some, it would have brass rail, which has inherent conductivity problems from oxidation (meaning it needs frequent cleaning). And, of course, the range of equipment that can negotiate those curves is really limited; a little four-wheel switcher (Athearn Husky or something) probably would manage to make it, with 40' freight cars. You'd probably just have to just have to hunt around, or maybe modify an engine.

Finally, since the 12" radius is measured to the centerline of the track, it would take another inch or two (beyond the 24" diameter) on each side, allowing for clearance. So it probably still wouldn't fit, unless you put a very short straight segment in each end of the 027 oval.

You might find the track on eBay, or just keep looking at train shows, but I wouldn't expect to find it quickly or easily. (Good luck!)

[Anonymous]

if you really wanted to do this .i would think you could make your own oval from flex track .flex track will make a sharper curve ,however over all speed will be reduced the sharper the curve .

[Anonymous]

Hi I just want to tell you that I have Ho track made by fleischmann that measures 19 and half ins center to center and about 21 ins from outside rails. I had be into ho gauge for quite a long time and I just got my self involved with O gauge. The track is brass. I have gotten rid of all my ho trains and all I have left is a lot of fleischmann track switches and signals etc. felix

[fwright]

What I have done is build an elevated HO line that passes over a portion of the O27 figure 8. I used 15 inch radius curves with small rolling stock and locomotives - much like one of the combined HO/O27 display layouts. The HO oval runs at a diagonal from one corner. That corner has a mountain over the O and O27 tracks, providing them tunnels and a base for the HO. I use a 9 inch Atlas bridge for one straight crossing and home made piers/trestles where needed. Lots of fun, all on a 4x8! Pictures to come.

And the HO track can also be used for the very small On30 trains as well. The Bachman Porter and small freight cars will take a 15 inch radius curve.

yours in toy train fun
Fred Wright

[pbjwilson]

How 'bout putting the HO oval on the outside of the O-27 oval. I run O and HO together alot.



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