022 switch vs 1122

[Anonymous]

I am in the planning phase of creating a layout and wondered what the pros and cons are or preferences on using the 1122 switches or O22 switches. I want to run primarily both postwar Lionel O guage engines and a few O27s. Also would a new modern Lionel train make it through the old switches?

[Algonquin]

Hi Dave,

The 1122 switches have turns that form a 27" diameter, 022 switches form a 31" diameter and Lionel's 072 switches form a 72" diameter.

Your switch selection should be based on the type of engines you want to run. most postwar trains will run on the tight curves of the 1122 (027) curves. There are exceptions. Trainmasters for one will not work as they will hit the switch stands of an 1122. Very few pre or postwar trains will not run on the 022 switches. The M-10000 from the thirties is the only one I can think of at the moment that required 072.

Since the early 90's, Lionel has been producing large scale locomotives, many of which require a greater than 022 (31" diameter) curve to operate.

Most of the scale locomotives being issued today state the minimum radius required. If you want to be able to run the big scale locomotives being made today, you should go with 072. Some of us have to balance our desires to be able to run everything with the amount of space available. An 072 layout takes up a lot of real estate with the larger radius turns.

You need to decide which locomotives you want to run and and the space you have and select the largest radius the meets that balance.

Regards,

Tim P.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Tim. I was planning on running a combination of old Lionel 027 yard switchers - 1615,1656 along with some O guage steamers - 736,2055 but wanted to leave my options open if I needed say the 072 switch for new Lionel models to run on an outside radius. Do know of any problems running the old 027 steamers past the new O72 switches or a 736 steamer on the O72.

[Algonquin]

Hi Dave,

Everything Lionel has made to date will run on 072, even 027 engines. The only problem comes in when you go the other way. Some Lionel trains designed for 031, like the trainmaster, are long enough between the trucks that the overhang of the middle of the engine will not clear the switch stand on 027 curves. It will run on 027, just not on 027 switches.

Most postwar trains, either 027 or 0 will run on either 027 or 031 track. The real difference was in the quality of the track and level of detail of the trains supplied.

A lot of the new scale Lionel pieces are resticted to larger radius track because of the long distance between wheel flanges (as is the case with the big steamers) or overhange of the midsection (as is the case with some scale diesels). Lionels postwar 027 and 0 trains were compressed such that the flanges were close enough and the overhang small enough to acomodate the tigher 27 and 31" diameter curves.

Regards,

Tim P.