My cousin John asked me a question…Could not answer…SO, I thought I’d ask it here: Do Pre-war trains run on O-27 track and do they need special power packs or transformers? As always, many thanks.
Just like “modern” trains, some can run on O27 and some cannot. They do not need any special power pack or transformer. If your cousin could specify the prewar engines he is interested in, then we could tell you for sure if they would run or not.
Envfocus: Thanks, I’ll give him a call.
Envfocus: Cousin John says he has three: #385E…#1688…And one that he says is larger #38. (I have not seen them and don’t know their condition) Aren’t cousins wonderful!!! Again, thanks.
The prewar trains will run on 027 track. The problem I have encountered is with some newer style switches. The prewar engines and or cars seem to have deeper flanges on the wheels and when they go through some of these switches, they jump and derail while going through the frog area.
I have a tinplate set I run around the Christmas tree with 027 track with no problems. But there is also no switches and runs great.
So to answer your question, yes they will as long as you do not have any newer switches on the layout. Old trains and old switches will work… old trains and newer switches don’t work.
Hello Traindaddy!
Your Cousin John has good taste; He has a 1688 in his collection![;)][;)][:P] The #38 & the #385 are Standard Gauge & all John has to do is buy the Reproduction Switch Tracks that MTH makes & he should be set. Now the 1688, They do not like Tubular 0-22s. What your Cousin will have to do is Buy a set of Prewar O-27 Switch Tracks for the 1688 to run on & it will be fine. Marx Switch Tracks will work with 1688s also. Hope this helps. Take Care.
Or any Lionel 1024(made through 1952) or 1121(made through 1951) switches. No guard rails to bounce over.
Rob
Butleryard-Keith-Rob: Can’t thank you enough for the information. Am going to tell John to sign-in and read your responses for himself. Now, back to my O-27 Lionel PWs for a run. Thanks, again.