rcs@linus.UUCP (12/27/84)
x
The price quoted you was probably for a pair of switches.
Otherwise, you are being ripped off. My local Lionel dealer
quoted me $49.95/pair reconditioned 0 gauge, $73.00/pair
new, and $29.95/pair 027 gauge. This dealer is a reputable dealer
that I have done lots of business with over the past years. He
does mail order as well as showroom. For a catalog call
Charles Ro Supply (617) 321-0090. He has a toll-free number, but that
is only for orders.
There are several differences between 0 gauge and 027, see
the following diagram.
027 0
o o o ^ ^ O O O
| | | 7/16" 11/16 | | |
--------------------- v v | | |
=======================
Although the gauge is the same, the height of the rails and the size
of the ties are larger for 0. The diameter of an 027 circle is 27 inches
and that of an 0 gauge circle is 31 inches. The length of a curved section
of 027 is 9.5" as opposed to 10 7/8" for 0. The straight sections are
8.75" for 027 and 10" for 0. 0 Gauge has a wide radius curve track that
is 14" long and makes a 74" diameter circle. I don't believe that
that track will attach to 027, since 0 and 027 don't attach to each other.
I have had no problem running trains that came with an 027
layout on my 0 gauge track, but in the past, some of my heavier
trains de-railed when on 027 track. Since then, I have replaced all
the 027 track with 0 gauge and that problem has gone away.
As far as the future of 0 gauge goes, only time will tell.
I can't see a parent paying all that money for his/her child's
toy train. However, the serious model railroader will
pay the ever increasing prices just to out-do his/her friend's
layout. If you think track is expensive, don't even consider
looking at 'good locomotive' prices ( >$250.00 ).
Rick Smith
......decvax!linus!rcs