O27 Switch Track Options

[pgtr]

As I've been learning about trains one thing I've picked up on with Lionel O27 as far as limitations isn't necessarily so much the 27" radius itself but the interference problems with O27 switche tracks in many cases. As I understand it, the larger bulky Lionel O27 switch control (manual?) or solenoid is too close to teh track for larger engines/stock to 'clear'. I presume this is referring to current O27 switches such as: 6-65021/2, 6-65121/2 and perhaps older models too...

Short of getting into O31 from the get go are there any other options?

Other brands of O27 switches that are simply plug and play with Lionel O27 track connectors but have better clearance?

Older or other models of Lionel O27 switches that are better?

There's the O27 42" switches but they are rather pricey, almost what O (31) switches run. Keeping cost down is definately a plus and the main attraction of O27 for me.

[willpick]

Well, with K-Line gone, your options are few[:(]. If you can find the K-Line O27 switches(both the older style & the newer low profile ones) buy them! They have plenty of clearance for most(older style) and all(newer style). I wish Atlas O had produced an O27 switch along with the rest of their Track system.
I know that the Postwar(1950's) switches have enough clearance, as my sister's layout uses them, and she has no problems with the equipment she runs.
Hope this helped!

[Dave Farquhar]

O42 switches are pricy, but remember, O27 straights cost less than O31 straights, and O27-profile O42 switches cost less than O31-profile O42s, so you end up getting more radius for less money with the O27. So O27-profile O42 switches aren't necessarily a bad deal--especially if you already have O27 track anyway.

I know K-Line switches are highly regarded, and with so much emphasis out there on Fastrack and other track systems, there should still be K-Line O27 switches available to buy for at least a few more months.

[Dr. John]

K-Line switches are still available and not hard to find. I just bought another one on Ebay (low-profile version). Granted, the low-profile versions are a bit harder to find.

The postwar Lionel 1121 switches are also fairly plentiful on Ebay and at train shows. The solenoid housing sits back farther from the turnout than on modern Lionel O-27 switches. You can also trim the solenoid housing some without affecting the operation if clearance is a big issue.

[pgtr]

Thanks everyone.

Will the KLine switches 'plug' into O27 Lionel track as is? Or does anything have to be 'tweaked' or modified?

I was kind of wondering to what degree either older or current O27 switches can be 'modified' to allow for less interference. That's an approach with possibilities I'd be willing to consider.

thanks again

[jimhaleyscomet]

K-line O27 switches are plug and play with Lionel (or K-line) 027 track.

Jim H

[Dr. John]

QUOTE: Originally posted by pgtr



I was kind of wondering to what degree either older or current O27 switches can be 'modified' to allow for less interference. That's an approach with possibilities I'd be willing to consider.

thanks again

On the Lionel 1121 you can use a razor saw to remove about 1/4" of the curved housing closest to the track. Do this slowly, checking your progress and making sure you are not cutting into the mechanism. A piece of black electrician's tape will cover this, making the cut nearly invisible. I don't think you can really do this on the more modern O27 switches.

[cnw1995]

Dr. John is right, it's hard to work on the modern Lionel 027 switches but I'm not sure you'd have clearance problems with the manual ones - the electric ones I can see some potential problems. .

[pgtr]

OK I"ve got as options to pursue:

KLine switches
Older Lionel 1121 switches (can be modified further...)
Modern Lionel manual switches

Sounds like three good options - thanks everyone!

[fwright]

There are also the Marx switches which match O27 track. They came in O27 (readily available and quite cheap) and O34. Switch machine has a nice low profile. Neither size is lighted but both use fixed voltage instead of track voltage. They do not have a built-in non-derailing feature. Some folks modify the guard rails with a piece of plastic to reduce derailments at the frog. I use mine in the yard without any problems.

Hope this helps

Fred Wright