0-27 curves

[Anonymous]

I have all 0-27 track and switches and was wondering will trains that require 31 inch curves absolutely not run on 27 inch curves even if I put small straight sections in between each of the curved section.I,m sorry if this sounds like a stupid question,but I my layout is only 36 inches wide and I was hoping that I,m not limited to just a few trains that take the 27 inch curves. Thanks.

[Algonquin]

Hi Dale,

In the postwar years, when Lionel made both 027 and 031 track, most engines would run on either track. The 027 line was essentially made up of less expensive engines.

However, I believe some of the longer 031 items such as the streamlined passenger cars and FM Trainmaster my hit the switch stand on Lionel 027 turnouts.

Today, there is still confusion here. Some manufacturers still use "027" to identify their lower cost lines. Generally, manufacturers today, identify a "minimum radius required" when a train piece will not run on all "O" gauge track down to 027. This IS the minimum radius the piece will run on. Otherwise most trains today, except for the larger sacle items, will run on 027 track.

If you have no switches, than car overhang is not an issue. The larger scale engines, like a 4-8-4 requiring 054 curves will have problems with the 027 track since the four pairs of drivers cannot acommodate the tighter turns. These big scale engines generally require 054 or 072 track.

Sorry, I could not be more specific. The O gauge industry still needs standardization in areas like this.

Personally, I have a train layout with a minimum diameter curve of 072. This allows me to operate the really big steam engines. However, at Christmas, I generally set up 027 track and can run all but my largest pieces under the tree.

I hope this helps. If you need any more specifics, ask again.

Tim P.

[dknelson]

Probably the folks who read and post in the Classic Toy Trains part of these forums would be better able to assist.  I did note in paging through a new Lionel catalog at Trainfest this last weekend that they indicate which items can run on O-27. 

Originally most O-27 trains were smaller than 1/4" scale -- more like S scale sized trains running on O gauge track (this would be very obvious if the two sizes were mixed).  Some stuff from the O part of the catalog would also run on O-27 but Lionel was careful to clearly identify cars and locomotives for the two lines. 

Ideally you can ask your hobby dealer if they have literature on minimum radius.  Best of all they might have a layout where you can actually see the trains run on O-27.

Dave Nelson