new train guy with O guage track questions

[Anonymous]

Hello,
I just got an O guage lionel train set for christmas, and was wondering what is the most cost efective way to lay down some track and start messing around with a layout. I understand that my engine will run on O27 track can I mix O and O27? What should I look for when buying used track (ebay)?
Thanks

[Anonymous]

"O" and "O27" don't mix very well due to the fact that "O" is higher, so the connector pins/openings don't match ( the O27 would be "in the air" between the O sections). While others will dissagree, I'd stay away from used track, especially on eBay (condition and shipping cost). Unless you have some experience, and are building a very large layout, used track can give you far more problems vs the cost savings. For a small to moderate size layout, track will be a small part of the total cost. Joe

[jimhaleyscomet]

If your set came with Fastrack I would consider staying with it. If not, I would transition to O using the transition piece.

Go to one of the online places for better prices on track (Wholesaletrains.com or Justrains.com have good prices).

If you must limit the money you spend on track then keep your fastrack as an outside loop and start the 027 track action inside it. O27 track and switches are way cheaper if purchased online....however....O27 is a pain on the hands and tends to get loose and bent if assembled and disassembled often.

Also check out this link to a track discussion.

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=53278

Jim H

[lionelsoni]

O27 is cheaper and more realistic (faint praise) than O31. It is also available in 27, 34, 42, 54, and 72 inch diameters (to the outsides of the ties). K-Line makes (made?) 36-inch straights, Lionel about 35 1/2. On a layout, ease of dissassembly is obviously not a consideration, although I have never had a problem with it nor any injuries from it.

[Anonymous]

Bob,
What switches do you use with 027? I'm still debating also about using 027 or O. I keep hearing the 027 switches are a pain and I like the idea of using constant voltage, like the O switches can, so I'm now leaning torwards the 027 and rewire the switches like in the current CTT issue or do the K Line switches work better? I suppose I like the profile of the 027 better. Too many decisions....

Larry

[spankybird]

IMO the K-Line switches are much better.

[jimhaleyscomet]

Ditto, K-line 0-27 switches are excellent!

Jim H

[Anonymous]

Can the K-Line be wired for steady voltage?

[jimhaleyscomet]

Yes! and they are very low profile.

Jim H

[pbjwilson]

In the last ten years I've managed to collect all kinds of track and use them all in different circumstances. MTH realtrax are great on the floor and carpet. I like Lionel O and O27 because of the classic look. Then I have some 2 rail clockwork track for my wind-ups. Bought some Marx switches for next to nothing just cause they were kinda funky.

One thing to consider if you have the room is wider diameter curves. All my engines run nicer on O42 curves, and cars track better and look better on them too. O72 curves make nice S curves. Nothing like watching a train snake through an S curve.

[cnw1995]

I mix 027 and regular O track - from this decade all the way back to the 1930s - so it is possible... though the differences in track profile and even pin size can make it tricky. I recommend picking one track type and sticking with it. I started in 027 because that's what came with my train set - most of the layout is 027 - and I used the regular O because my dad used it - and I'm cheap enough to try to work it into the layout...

[Anonymous]

O31 switches have another advantage: the motor can be unscrewed from the track and reattached opposite where it is usually situated. Instead of being next to the curved section, it can be placed next to the straight one. Comes in handy when you make a short crossover with 2 switches connected to each other. And they usually have the non-derail feature built in.
Lionel's 027 switches may not accommodate some of the larger O guage engines because the motor cover is too close to the track.

[lionelsoni]

I use Lionel O27 switches, with a few Marx O34. I rewired all of them for separate DC capacitive-discharge power. (I haven't seen the article yet, but will be interested to see what it says.) I take the strange signal gadgets off the tops of the modern switch machines. I have added microswitches to many track switches to control power to sidings. I take it as a challenge to modify large equipment to run through the O27 switches, which may not be your cup of tea.