Banked O Track

[mersenne6]

  Actually there were several manufacturers of banked curved and straight track in the pre-war period.  As mentioned, American Flyer made some so did Bing, Ives, KBN, and JEP and I'm sure others did as well.  In addition to banked 3 rail the banked the windup 2 rail and, most curious of all, the American Flyer 4 rail banked curved and straight track from 1936.  The 4th rail was used to power Flyers train whistle - it was built this way to avoid the Lionel Patent on their method of whistle control.

[rtraincollector]

I ran into some of this a few years ago made by lionel the owner told me it was lionel and it came out of a set back in late 30 early 40's it was like a olive green color.

[brianel027]

I've seen some of this too in the past: probably a train show.

On my last layout, I had banked 027 curves that I did myself by making gradual risers that went beneath the metal ties on the outer edges. Additional wood ties and ballast were then added. I didn't see too much advantage in it, so on the new layout I didn't bother with it.

The big advantage (as I see it) for banking curves is if you have kids (or are like a kid yourself) and like to run the trains fast. Banking the 027 curves didn't really help to eliminate engine "growl" much, probably because of the traction tires being on differing sides of the locomotie trucks. MPC Lionel put them on the same side, and I since have been removing additional traction tires, keeping a couple to the same side of the locomotive.

I gotta admit though, the banking did make for a cool look as the train slightly leaned towards the inside, as do real trains when running on banked curves.

[aurora351]

Give me a day or two and I'll post them.  I'm not home right now.

[chuck]

The outer rails are slightly higher on the curved sections to force super-elevation.  The original toy train wheel sets were not angled and the tendancy of operators (aka kids) was to run toy trains at high speed on tight radius track.  This was an attempt to to counter the centrifical forces and keep the loco and cars on the track.

[Anonymous]

still wouldnt mind seeing a pic, ive never seen banked track. sounds interesting

[rogruth]

Butleryard is correct.

[Anonymous]

please post a pic inquiring minds want to see.....

[aurora351]

  I can post a photo if you want T&M.

Thanks for the info.

[butleryard]

This track was made by American Flyer back in the 30's and early 40's. It is pretty cool looking track from back then.

 

[otftch]

I ran into one piece a few years ago.looked just like Lionel.but the ties were wedge shaped.Ties were grey.

                                             Ed

[Anonymous]

Hmmm.. Very intersting. I have never heard of that. Any way you can post pictures?

[aurora351]

I'm talking about the track being banked.  I haven't seen any before or since.  Sorry if didn't make that clear. I totally understand the raduis thing.

[Anonymous]

   The standard tubular "O"guage track is made in a variety of radi. '31 being the ost common. I know of '42 and '72 off the top of my head. There are others by Lionel, K-line and others. The o-27 line olso has more than just '27. Various radi are currently being produced by manufacteres such as Lionel, K-line and were made by Marx and others.

[aurora351]

I have some old banked O gauge track that I came across at a yard sale a few years ago.   A dozen or so straight and curved.  The curves are more gradual than O31 so I'm guessing O42?  In my library of books and magazines I've never heard any mention of lionel making this type of track.  Just curious to find out. Thanks