Bill Zide @ BELL COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH@hou2e.UUCP (Bill Zide @ BELL COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH) (12/27/84)
In answer to Carl Blesch's request for Info:
Lionel O and O-27 track differ in three aspects. Both are technically
"O" guage, however, the O track rails are taller and thicker.
O curved sections also form a larger diameter (approx. 31 inches).
O-27 track, as its name implies, forms a diameter of 27 inches.
O-27 straight track sections are also an inch or so shorter
than their O guage counterparts. This means that you could construct
the "equivalent" O-27 layout in a "smaller" area than would be
required for O type track.
In general, there is full compatibility between engines, cars,
accessories, etc. for the two track types for both "old" and "new"
Lionel equipment. By "new" I mean the products produced
by General Mills (under license from the Lionel Corporation).
This includes all Lionel trains that have been manufactured since 1967.
By "old" I am refering to train equipment that had been manufactured prior
to 1967 by the Lionel Corporation. For the most part, the "old" and "new"
products tend to be mechanically identical since original dies and
molds are still being used. In fact, General Mills has
embarked on a very ambitious program to resurrect many of the
engines and accessories that had originally been manufactured
during Lionel's golden age (1950s).
The only equipment not compatible between O and O-27 track are
the larger locomotives (Hudson, Berkshire, GG-1
FM Trainmasters, early F-3 Diesels) and the extruded aluminum
passenger cars. These pieces have long wheel bases and will either
not be able to negotiate the tighter O-27 turning radius or interfere
with the switch motor housing on 0-27 switches.
If you intend to build your railroad empire to include examples of
the larger Lionel motive power, O type track is the best choice.
On the subject of switches, the O type again are both physically and
and electrically more substantial than their 0-27 counterparts.
The O type are more easily serviceable and offer better electrical
controllability on large layouts. O and 0-27 switches and track are
not interchangeable because of the differing rail heights and rail
thicknesses.
Collecting and operating toy trains (of which Lionel is perhaps the most
widely known) has a fairly strong following in the Northern New Jersey area.
"Train meets" are held almost every Sunday at various locations in New Jersey,
New York, Conneticut and Pennsylvania from September through March or April.
A "train meet" is a specialized flea market dealing in old and new toy trains.
Although Lionel equipment tends to predominate, other makes and guages can
also be found (e.g., S guage (American Flyer), HO guage, 1 guage).
You will find dealers at these meets offering both brand new and used
equipment for sale or trade. As with any type of flea market, "caveat emptor"
prevails except for brand new Lionel equipment which will still carry
the factory warranty. If you are reasonably handy (one thumb per hand),
it is more cost effective to make your future equipment purchases at such meets
rather than through retail establishments (such as the one you visited).
For instance, in the case of O type switches, a pair (i.e., BOTH left
and right turnouts) can be had for 35 to 45 dollars. In many cases
these will already have been reconditioned by the seller and are
ready to run. In other instances, simple clean-up to insure electrical
conductivity and some new light bulbs are all that's needed.
In fact, there are always dealers at train shows who specialize strictly
in replacement parts, thus making repair and restoration "relatively" easy.
As one might have surmised by now, I am a collector of "old" Lionel
Trains. In the past, I have both bought and sold Lionel trains at such
meets. For anyone seriously interested in either collecting or operating
toy trains, there are several national organizations devoted to this
pastime (i.e., Train Collectors Association, Toy Train Operating Society,
Lionel Collectors Club of America). If any reader should desire more
information or wish to continue this discussion (technical or otherwise)
on toy trains feel free to drop me a note by E mail or direct call.
Bill Zide
BELL COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH. INC.
West Long Branch, NJ
201-870-7148
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