If someone were to stick to only O-27 Radius Curves for a small portable layout, where would go to get real, quality O-27 Switches?
Which track manufacturer makes the reliable O-27 switches?
Are O-27 switches even worth pursuing?
Andrew Falconer
Hi Andrew, my layout is all 027. I use the Lionel manual 027 switches mostly - and find them bullet-proof. Guess it depends on what you mean by quality and reliable.
I use several PW 1022 switches on my layout and find them great in looks (nice low profile) and operation, plus I like how they cut current to the side not in use. That way you can get insulated passing sidings with a heck of a lot less wiring. And at around $5-10 per pair, you really can’t go wrong.
PW 1022? I didn’t know about them, are they a Lionel product? Isolating turnouts is exactly what I need!
Lionel’s 1021 pre and postwar switches are good too. They are fairly plentiful on Ebay. I also like the Lionel manual 1024 switches and Marx’s postwar metal switches.
If you can find any K-line modern O-27 remote switches they are top notch with separate track power and low profile.
Jim H
1024 prewar/postwar switches:
1022 postwar switches… with the wrong “device” plugged in to the direction indicators…(these are the power routing/isolating units):
Rob
I agree with Jim H, the K-Line series with the flat switch motor is by far the best ever put on the market for O-27 operation. We can only hope Lionel dumps their MPC-era design in favor of this! Jon
The Lionel MPC O-22 or O-27 Remote Switch looks like it might work, but is all wrong for operation.
The switch motor and indicator are right inside the curve. That is a place where only the smallest locos and cars will not strike it. Wrong place.
The direction indicator is tough for handling, but it would have been visually better as a rotating cylinder.
The old Lionel O-27 track system has be phased out.
K-Line Track is the system that Lionel has to add as a replacement.
Andrew
The best place to get 0-27 switches is any Lionel retailer that has or can order them.
[#ditto] [^] [tup]
I have been using the K-Line 027 switches since 98 and they have been great.
