We are working on samples of 072 Super O switches. With the goal of a high quality switch with a Super O appearance, we are optimistic. Certainly affordability, quality and appearance are all of equal importance.
These will go nicely with comparable 072 curves as offered from Gene Becker and Len Caparelli.
Very best,
Mike Spanier (long time Classic Toy Train advertiser[tup])
Lionel Super “O” Track is always being BOUGHT & SOLD
Mike, if you can come up with a Super-O switch that actually works, I’d be thrilled. Hell. I’d be happy with an 036 replacement for the originals. I wish I could make those darn things work right!
The folks on the Super O Yahoo Group can help…
Mike Spanier
I’ll have to check that out, thanks! I have several pairs of Super O switches that are all slowly giving up the ghost. I wish Lionel had made them as easy to work on as they did with the 022s!
Is anyone doing new production of more basic Super-O items, such as straights, curves, uncoupling sections and the like?
I think the 022’s are, without question, the best switch Lionel ever made. I am sure some don’t work but I haven’t run across it.
Mike Spanier
As far as I know of, nobody is making new Super O track or switches. There might be somebody that repairs the Super O switches, but then you will need to get with a group of people that do just Super O track. The original Super O track was made in the mid to late 1950’s, and Lionel kept selling it until they ran out of the production run in the early 1960’s.
Have you looked at either Atlas O track or Gargraves track to see if that track is compatible to Super O track? Does anybody make an adapter track or adapter pins for Super O track could be another thing to do.
Lee F.
There are over 750 folks on the Super O Yahoo Group and there isn’t a question that cannot be answered including switch repair and custom radius’s. All Super O trackage is available. Email me off line if interested: hspanier@aol.com
There is an entire sub-culture that utilizes and repairs it.
Did you see the Super O double crossover with 072 curves that recently was sold on eBay? It was gorgeous. Super O lives! Really!!
Mike Spanier
This is the double crossover.
I don’t think there is any chance of another manufacturer or anyone re-introducing Super O. There are just too many track systems out there. However, Super O is definitely available in all condition from Like New on down. It is NOT that much more expensive then many of the new systems.
Mike Spanier
Atlas and Gargraves are quite compatible with Super O. There are adapter pins for 027 and O to Super O as well. Have photos if anyone is interested.
Mike Spanier
Your last post caught my interest. I have some super O which is packed away; I also have some Gargraves in my mostly 031 layout. I’m interested if there are adapter pins from Gargraves (and Ross, since I will never buy another Gargraves switch) to super O?
Thanks,
runtime
Click below for a Gargraves to Super O mating by superotrack_don:
http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/12259540/hr/1804271052/name/n_a
When I figure out how to post a photo I will…sorry, haven’t got it yet!
Mike Spanier
Hi Mike… I know this is a very old thread, but I’m back to layout building after several year hiatus, and I’m wondering if you ever came up with any additional super O track switch options?
Mike has passed.
So sorry to hear. Good guy, super knowledgeable. The model RR community lost a valued member. 