Traditional Lionel O Gauge Freight Cars have the same height and length measurements as S Scale Cars. This means that many S Scale cars can be converted to O Gauge if you think it through.
American Models S Scale Freight Cars can operate on O Gauge.
What is needed is the right screw for the bolster, Nylon Washers to space the trucks, and Atlas O or Weaver 3-Rail O Scale Trucks.
Take off the S Scale Trucks. If the foot stirrup is in the way, cut it off.
Experiment with the Trucks and Screw & Washer sets for each car.
Soon more O Gauge operators will have a wider variety of O Gauge proportioned cars.
Andrew Falconer
I think they are narrower, but otherwise should work fine. The Industrial Line used a 1/55 scale and some of the larger locomotives are 1/64.
Enjoy
Paul
Some of the lower priced K-Line freight cars look like they belong to S Gauge rather than 027, and some of their S Gauge looked like 027 size freight cars. Lionel makes O Gauge replacement trucks that should do for this & comes with a small bushing.
Lee F.
The K-Line freight cars of which you speak were based on old Marx tooling. The Marx cars, although riding on O gauge trucks, were in fact closer to 1/64 or S scale.
Some S gaugers have been known to convert O-27 cars to S scale by narrowing them but keeping the same length and height.
Likewise, the American Models or SHS or Flyer cars could be used for O-27. The challenge would definitely be in replacing the trucks.
The best place to get the right nylon washers, miniature bolts, miniature nuts, and screws for this project is a LARGE Hardware Store or Hobby Shop. The smaller stores have nothing or a limited selection. It might take 15 minutes or more to find the best parts.
Some S Scale or S Gauge Operators have bought Industrial Rail freight cars, removed the O Gauge Trucks, and installed S Gauge trucks. The Industrial Rail cars are closer to S Scale than O Scale.
Andrew F.
Sounds like a good idea for S gaugers to do the opposite with 027 cars.
Actually, some have. They are a little wide, but some people have made two cuts down the middle and then glued the outer pieces together. You also have to modify the floor and swap the trucks and couplers. Also I have seen where some have taken On30 passenger cars and changed the trucks and couplers to S.
Enjoy
Paul