O-27 Question

[daan]

The only reason not to go with the 0-27 would be that the tracks are not as realistic as realtracks or something. As far as I know you can get 31 and 42 curves for it too, which will allow you almost every train to run. There are some big models which ask for wider curves, but those are mostly the very expensive models.
To start with, it should be more then sufficient. (my 2 cents..)

[Roger Bielen]

Joe - the O-27 will limit you on the type of, and length, of equipment you can run. Many of today's engines are designed for a min. of O-31. The problem I've run into when I used O-27 track was with the overhang, or some other part, hitting the housing for the switches. Also with the sharper curve longer cars may tend to derail and also longer trains may derail.

A possible way around the derailing may be to insert a 1/2, or whole, straight section between curved sections, this will "open up" the curve.

As far a mixing rolling stock you can be selective and see what looks good together, after all real trains are a mix of different size cars. I usually will taper down, or up, from large to small or small to large.

I'm sure others will have more input for you after they come on board later today.

[Anonymous]

I'm getting back into model railroading now that I have plenty of space. I'm basically inheriting all of my dad's O-27 Gauge trains and was curious about a few things since I haven't been in the train scene since I was a young teen.

Is O-27 still a good way to go? Should I just go to O and abandon O-27 or run in a mixed mode of O-27 and O? Is that even possible? I have tons of 3 rail steel lionel O-27 track so any where I can reuse will save me big bucks.

I realize there a diameter issues with O gauge engines running on O-27 track but from what I see online and in stores it's mainly O Standard. Are most O compatible with O-27? What am I missing.

Any insight is appreciated, I posted a similar topic in the model railroad forum and they said the O-Gauge-Gurus reside in this forum so I apologize if this is a repeat topic for some.

Thanks
Joe