I was wondering about some of the newer diesels Lionel make like the Lionmaster Conrail or GG1. These are min. curve o31. What happens if they are on O27? Could they go around a loop OK and just not make it through the switches or do the wheels not turn enough to make a 27" turn? Thanks!
The Lionmaster engines are not designed to negotiate any curves sharper than O-31. That also goes for switches. They will bind up on the tighter 27" diameter curves and derail. However, Lionel does make broader curves and switches in O-42 and O-54 as part of their O-27 track line. All O-27 track manufactured sinces the 1970’s have brown metal ties. The bases for their switches are also brown. In other words, you can use O-27 track, just not the 27" diameter curves.[;)]
Several years ago, when I purchased a Lionel Baby Hudson. The specs stated minimum of O-31. I tried running it on O-27 curves. It wasn’t the locomotive that was the problem, it was the tender that would not negotiate the curve.
I have also seen Tom Pescha home layout and his big locomotives will negotiate the O-27 curves but the overhang can kill the plasticville people next to the track. [;)] (Check out past Sunday Photo Fun posts and you will see several photos from Tom’s home layout.)
Several years ago, when I purchased a Lionel Baby Hudson. The specs stated minimum of O-31. I tried running it on O-27 curves. It wasn’t the locomotive that was the problem, it was the tender that would not negotiate the curve.
I have also seen Tom Pescha home layout and his big locomotives will negotiate the O-27 curves but the overhang can kill the plasticville people next to the track. [;)] (Check out past Sunday Photo Fun posts and you will see several photos from Tom’s home layout.)
You also risk tearing up the wiring harnesses. If it says O-x, they generally meant O-x.
This goes double for WEAVER passenger equipment. No likey anything under O-42…[sigh]
I have run some Lionel Lionmaster diesels on 0-27 curves with no problems. But going through those tight switches is a no go.
laz57
I have found very few “O31” pieces that I can’t modifiy, some quite easily, to handle O27 curves and Lionel O27 turnouts. The list includes Lionel 16-wheel flatcars, spine cars, 15-inch aluminum streamliner, Train Master, and scale Hudson; Rail King Big Boy and Superliners; and Williams 15-inch heavyweights.
But I maintain one loop of mainline track with no sharper than O34 curves (using Marx track) around the outside of the layout, so that any visiting O31 trains (and the 773 that I have decided not to modify) can run on my layout. I recommend O34 as an alternative for those O27ers who might otherwise feel the need to use O42 or (shudder!) O31.
Minimum curve ratings could mean both, one, or none of the above, all depending on what manufacturer is doing the rating. For example, my K-Line Allegheny is rated for O-31, but passes thru and clears Lionel O27 switches fine. Have a Williams SD45 also rated for O-31 that will handle Marx low profile O27 switches just fine (but won’t clear Lionel’s fat O27 housing). Longer rolling stock will often handle the radius, but not clear fat O27 switch housings. Could even be that the manufacturer didn’t/doesn’t produce track in O27 radius, hence didn’t bother to check. On the reverse side, early Beep’s that should’ve run on O27 couldn’t because of coupler clearance issues.
Personally, I use the curve rating as a rough guide but not cast in stone. Going down one level doesn’t concern me too much, although jumping a couple - like trying an O-54 minimum on O-31 - I’d expect big problems and a no-go. Like Bob, my last layout - and the next one that ever goes up - will predominantly use Marx O34 (O27 rail height) curves and switches, or larger. O27 curves and O27 Marx or K-Line low profile switches will be relegated to yard areas only, or the occasional dead end siding. Been “hoarding” Marx O34 curves and switches for awhile (got @ 100 curves, 7 pair switches), now I just gotta get a layout up.
Thanks to all the replies, if anyone owns these specific engines and know if they work or not would be great. Where do you folks find the 0-34 Marx curves and are they the same height as Lionel’s track? Thanks again!
I’ve fished most of mine out of the 'bay, but it’s taken awhile as I’m cheap and don’t spend more than @ a buck a section, preferably less (including shipping) - it routinely sells for alot more. It’s O27 profile (height). Marx track has a slightly different pin but mates up just fine. Look for 5 tie curves that are @ 12" long (that’s with O27 height ties). O34 switches from the same place - don’t care if the switch controllers are included as I use Atlas switch buttons instead.
Most of Marx track is based on 027 height, same thing for their switches, wiring for switches might be different.
Now for the subject of this post, most of the stuff made that has 042 on it may work on 036 Fastrac curves. I have found that even with Atlas their 21 inch passenger cars, the Amtrac set, will work on 042 curves, 036 Fastrac may give the 21 inch Atlas passenger cars some derailment problems, I have tried the Atlas cars on 036 Fastrac and it is iffy sometimes.
Lee F.