New Lionel Standard Gauge Track?

[Algonquin]

While I was at my local Lionel Dealer last week admiring the new standard gauge Hiawatha Set, my dealer indicated that Lionel would be coming out with a full line of Standard gauge track with various radius curves, switches and crossovers. The interesting part was that he indicated the Lionel was contracting with K-Line to produce the track.

Has anyone else heard of this?

Tim P.

[JFermani]

Tim,

I was at my dealer last week when I made the passing comment that Lionel was coming out with new track for the O gauge line. He informed me that Lionel was working with KLine to produce the new track. I had not heard about the Standard gauge track but it coinsides with what ny dealer told me. I hope Lionel does a good job and puts out some really nice track. I've been bugging them for 054 and 042 switches for the O gauge line for sometime. Can CTT find out any more about this?

Joe Fermani

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

In the last 2 or so years a few different sources have mentioned that Lionel was considering another type of track other than tubular, something similar in appearance to Super O. I don't know if Lionel is still considering it or not (they keep their product development plans quiet). With all the track on the market now (MTH, Atlas O, K-Line) it would be a challenge for Lionel. This is the first I've heard about Standard gauge track but I expect to see Lionel offer spin-offs of its new Hiawatha Standard gauge set.

Neil Besougloff
editor, Classic Toy Trains

[cheapclassics]

Hi Standard Gauge fans,

Talk about feast or famine. For years there has not been a mainline producer of track and especially switches. I recently got a price list from Train Express with a listing for K-Line Standard Gauge track, including switches and crossovers. I called to confirm the data, and the person I talked to said shipments should begin in August with the entire line available in time for Christmas. I did not ask about the Lionel connection. Now there are two sources of track, and the K-Line appears to have a lower price. I still have one more switch to replace on my layout and I may have to try the K-line one for that spot. What a great time to be a standard gauger!!

Mike Connor