I'm working on some layout redesigns to fit in O-42 and O-54 curves. I have O-31 switches, and no O-72 switches (too expensive).
Can O-42 and O-54 sized engines and cars traverse O-31 switches?
Thanks,
Chris
Chris, I have seen with my own eyes on Spanky Birds layout, huge steam engines negotiate O-27 curves.
The answer to your question: Some can and some can't.
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
Chris....I run 031 tubular track on my layout with 022 switches. They work fine with FP-45's and Trainmasters, BUT those two engines will not negotiate 0-31 switches. These were made more recently by Lionel. They are slightly different.
Chuck
Maybe your hobby shop will let you bring in the engines and try them over an O31 switch.
underworld
Ah yes, the world of "try before you buy".
I already have the O-31 switches.
It was more trying to look down the road to possible future purchases. Just trying to reason through I were to have O-42 & O-54 curves, but stay with O-31 switches, would future engine purchases that were rated for O-42 & O-54 work on the O-31 switches.
So it sounds like some may, and some may not.
Thanks!
That makes it a bit easier! The biggest issue is the wheelbase for any of the wheelsets. My biggest engine is a 4-6-2. I use the wheelbase of the "6" to determine how sharp of a radius I can make with flex track and what switches I can use. If all of the engines that you have now will negotiate the switches, then you can use the wheelbase measurement for the longest fixed wheelset on the engine as a guide for future purchases. If the new engines longest wheelbase is equal to or less of your biggest engine then you should have no problems. If it is longer than you'll have to try it out.
Bob Nelson
In the last Lionel catalog (2006 vol 2, page 183) it showed O gauge 42" switches. They are not as expensive as the 72". Still, they are $75, I have 8 0-22s on my layout and I bought them all used because of the price. Are the 42" switches available?
With regard to bigger engines catching the switch machines, the Tips and Tricks book has a section on cutting the housing on the switch to allow the clearance.
dennis
TCA#09-63805
Thanks for sharing the various options.
All my engines are currently O-27 and O-31.
I especially appreciate the heads up about the "Tips and Tricks" book. It's always nice to be able to modify what one already has rather than scrap it and have to start over.
So are there folks out there who run some of Lionel's "Traditional" steam engines through O-31 switches even though the minimum curve stated in the catalog is O-54?
Cris, this is the Riddle book. Basically, you need to remove the black cover for the switch. If you eye up the cover with the internal mechanism, you will note plenty of space between the side closest to the track and the coil, yet the cover is raised almost to the track. You can cut down the cover just past the coil (not all the way through, you need to stop at about the level of the track), and then cut across from the track side to the cut down. In the book he just places electrical tape over this area as you still want to keep it dust free. I suppose a number of folks on this site could retrofit some plastic and attach it to the open area.
Hope this helps. PS: I wouldn't worry about the value of the switch as these are plentifull and it is not like modifying a 700E.
Dennis
My Lionel Dreyfus Hudson, which is the biggest engine I have and is listed as a minimum 0-54, takes Fastrack 0-48 curves with no trouble at all and seems quite happy about it. It is a little less happy going through the Fastrack 0-36 switches and successive 0-36 curve, though it kind of "thunks" its way through the changes in direction.
I can't tell if you are using FT or not from your post but am assuming not, so this may not be helpful. I don't take this engine over my traditional 0-22 switches because I am certain chaos would ensue.
I have a set of K-Line Interurban passenger cars and they need the 042 curves size or they derail almost instantly on smaller curve sizes. What will work with the interurbans is a half curve of normal 031 size with a half straight of 031 in between for curved section but not 031 switches. Bought the Lionel 6-23010 series O gauge switch and that worked fine until the switches decided to act up(if they were horses I would have shot them, the switches that is), then I went GarGraves switches and have not had a problem running 042 stuff thru any switch. Must have adapter pins to use GarGraves with tubular track.
Lee F.
I have appreciated everything that has been shared.
I am using O-31 tubular track.
Dennis, Thank you for taking the time to explain the modification of the switch housing. It makes sense.
One point I find interesting is the number of engines that require O-54 curves, yet no one seems to make an O-54 turnout.
I tried to redo the layout with O-72 turnouts but don't have anywhere near the space required to keep the same design. O-42 didn't quite work either.
So I am going to stay with O-31 turnouts (Lionel O-22) for now.
Thank you for all the thoughts and ideas.
I am starting to think that trains can make it through a much smaller diameter switch than a full curve. Neither MTH or Lionel make a full line of switches to complement their really big curves. 1 "piece" of curve track might be the real difference there. If it's longer, then maybe there is more of a chance of the bind and derailment. It still sounds like you will have to see what works, and what doesn't. It's not always the wheelbase length that causes derailments. I would still run the biggest curve you can buy, afford, or fit on the board.
Wes
"What will work with the interurbans is a half curve of normal 031 size with a half straight of 031 in between for curved section but not 031 switches. "
I tried this with my full-sized (18" or bigger) passenger cars. They still derail.
Byrds, have you tried going to GarGraves for an 054 switch or Ross Custom switches?
Raleigh TrainFan, are you using a half curve then a half straight then a half curve, must be half curve half straight through-out the whole curve section. If that don't work then your passenger cars may need a curve closer to 054.
phillyreading wrote: Byrds, have you tried going to GarGraves for an 054 switch or Ross Custom switches?Raleigh TrainFan, are you using a half curve then a half straight then a half curve, must be half curve half straight through-out the whole curve section. If that don't work then your passenger cars may need a curve closer to 054.Lee F.
Thanks Lee. No, I am using two full sized 0-31 curve pieces, then the half straight, then two more O-31 full sized curve pieces. This works GREAT for freight cars as it breaks up the "bind" of fully curved 0-31, which originally made this particular line akin to a Confederate railroad for derailments and other operational foibles. 0-27 passenger cars work fine, too - but full sized, no way.
As my space does not allow increasing the width of the curves on this interior line, I have resigned myself to strictly mainline operation of the big passenger cars. That's OK, really.
I have to run my Interurbans on the outside line as that is the only one with 042 curves all the way around the layout, I am using GagGraves 042 curves which are more like 043.5 inch curves. The main line on the outside sees my new MTH T1 locomotive and a pair of SD-45's as well.
Any way just thought that I would try to help you with the track sizes if possible.
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