Will Lionel engines #681 and #2035 work with regular O27 #1122 switches? The #1122’s have the O27 turn and I am wondering whether the 681 and 2035 can navigate the switch without derailing? Perhaps I need a O27 switch with the O42 turn or perhaps should just go to O Gauge track all around? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks, John
The 2035 should have no problems with the 027 switches. The 20 in its number indicates that it is an 027 locomotive. The 681 should also work, the problem usually comes with the larger engines, like FM’s, which hit the motor housing of the switch because of their length. If you plan on buying a lot of different equipment, especially long wheelbase pieces, it might be a good idea to change over early, and save trouble and money.
I run both a 682 and a 2037 on O27, which are the same size as yours, with no trouble. You can also run the Trainmaster, as a matter of fact, with a few modifications: Remove the fuel tank casting, and reverse the pickups to put the rollers between the flanged wheels.