I have always used K-Line O27-profile O42, O54, and O72 curves. Last Saturday, I bought a lot of unused O54 track that was mixed K-Line and Lionel. I was not too surprised to find that the two brands did not match, but amazed that the Lionel itself had two different radii. The K-Line radius (to the center rail) is 26 3/8 inches. The Lionel radii are 25 3/4 inches and 27 inches, 5/8 inch shorter and 5/8-inch longer than the K-Line.
Regarding the Lionel tracks, do you think it could be differences in the tin that causes the difference? Perhaps the tighter radius pieces are made from a more ductile metal and may spring back into the proper radius if forced. The only other thought I’ve got is perhaps one size was made here, and the other
across the ocean. Maybe the metric to inch conversion got messed up? [:D]
J White
No, the rails themselves are substantially different lengths.
Something else that I noticed with Lionel 054 track is the number of crossties that hold the track together has gone from five to four. And new 042 track has three crossties instead of four. Used to be able to tell what size curve you had by how many crossties, not so anymore.
Lee F.
All my Lionel O-27(54) sections have 3 ties. All my Lionel O-27(42) sections have 3 ties. All my K-Line O-27(42) sections have 4 ties. All my K-Line O-27(72) sections have 6 ties.
I have examples of “O” profile track too, but it’s not accessible right now.
Rob