O-27 to 0

[Anonymous]

I am just getting ready to set up my trains after several years of non-use. I have decided on the layout size (L shaped 8x12 foot) and plan on running just 2 trains to start. My question is if I should upgrade to standard O track or maintain the 0-27 I have now. Replacing the existing track would not be a major cost but getting the 8 switches and crossovers would be. My current trains are all O-27 but I have seen several 0 size that I might want to go to in the future. Can I upgrade the track now and run my current switches with shims under them until I need bigger ones?
Sorry for the long post but I want to start this project off right.
Thanks,
Steve

[jimhaleyscomet]

I like using 0-27 with the k-line (transformer powered) 0-27 switches. The cost is much less. You can get 0-27 track with larger diameters so you do not have to change to 0. Any 0 train will run on 0-27 track if the 0-27 track diameter is large enough. You might require the low profile k-line 027 remote switches for switching larger engines. Many of us are switching to fastrak (036). An adapter section is available to go to 0 and can be modified to go to 027 with shim and by clamping down the tinplate rails to match the 027 pins.

You can use 027 switches with 0 track but will need to open up the 027 track for the large pins. It will make the 027 switches less useful for 027 track later.

Jim H

[otftch]

I don't think you need to upgtrade.You can get wide radius curves,42,54,72 in 027 track.Try putting your old switches as sidings.As lond as the mainline path is straight,not curved they will work fine.If you want to switch off the mailnline you can purchase wider radius switches for that.I have many 027 standard switches used n this way.You never see large road engines switching anyway.Remember real trains slow down when going through switches,something a lot of us forget ! I don't think any trains are manufactured today that need "O" guage over "027" ,just wider radius.You can also use gargraves flexible track will do anything you might want within reason.
Ed

[cnw1995]

Welcome, Steve. You may be answering your own question - if you intend to buy larger trains - go with standard O track with larger curves. And standardizing on one type of track is a good idea. I have an 027 layout and am happy with its lower profile and sharp curves. You can join 027 track with standard O - there are special joining tracks you can purchase - or just experiment with the connectors - get a bag of both 027 and standard O pins; the latter are much thicker. I am cheap-enough to try to use all the track I can get my hands on. I've usually use 027 pins and use a needle nose pliers to squeeze the O track so they fit. I also 'tie' all the track together (using yarn) so it doesn't work itself free. You should be aware the 027 is shorter in length as well - but experimenting is fun. For example, I made a new siding recently - it goes Marx switch, 027 track piece, 2 standard O and another 027 piece - it fit because the track I was adding the siding too -also was 'evenly matched to it with 027 and O. But you can even make up for being a bit long or a bit shorter by sacrificing a piece of track to cut little custom-made pieces to fit those spots. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the quick replies. I am glad to know I do not have to dump what I have now. My plan was to start with what I have now and slowly replace with newer items as needed for expansion. Thanks to you responses, I will continue with that plan.