Hello everyone,
I have just always been confused between ) scale, O-27, and O gauge. I was just wondering if someone could give me a difference between the three of them. [?]
Thx Gootzman
O gauge or trains made to the scale of 1:48, can refer to all O gauge trains, tinplate, scale, 3 rail or 2 rail. O-27 refers to the smaller trains made by Lionel, K-line ect, uses a lighter thickness 3-Rail track that has a diameter of 27 inches. O scale normaly refers to the 2 rail scale trains made in O gauge. But lately with the influx of scale size trains by Lionel, MTH, K-line ect, it has blurred the edges between 3 rail trains and 2 rail trains. Remember Lionel trains from the 30’s thru the 70’s with just a couple of exceptions are not true scale trains, but shortened to run on tight curves, Normail 3-rail curves in O scale have radius of 31", 42", 54" and 72" Untill recently the only true scale items were the Scale NYC hudson made before WWII, the PRR B6 Switcher also made before WWII. Some of the items made after the war were real close, ie: The trainmaster and the F3 diesels. Hi Rail or 3rail track using scale trains and detail is the new thing and is very popular and many items are avaible from retailers, or you can make a traditional O gauge layout using tubular Lionel style track and the smaller non scale trains. Feel free to email me or post here with further questions. Cheers Mike
O scale (1:48) is two rail track with dc current, body mounted couplers and small flanges.
Generally requires a radius of 36 inches and up.
O gauge sometimes called standard O, full size O, O72, O31, and others is also 1:48 has truck mounted couplers and oversized flanges, will run curves that are 31 inches in diameter (15.5" radius) although some locos require 72 inch diameter (36" radius). Has 3 rail track and uses AC current.
O27 is not 1:48, length, width, and height are reduced from 1:48 but not proportionately.
will run on 27" diameter (13.5" radius) curves, has oversized flanges and truck mounted couplers. Has 3 rail track and uses AC current.
O gauge is often used to describe the track gauge for O, which is the same for all three.
O scale is often used to mean 1:48 which O27 is not.
Some large locomotives have been produced in scales other 1:48 such as 1:64 for use on three rail track usually O72.
Enjoy
Paul
Both O Gauge, 027 and O Scale are 1 1/4" between the rails.
O Gauge rails are heigher and thicker then 027
027 track refers to 27 inch circle
If equipment is label 027 it can run on O gauge track. But O gauge might not run on 027 due to the tight radius curves.
0 Scale usally refers to 2 rail scale trains
The scale is 1/4" inch to the foot
John