Can lionel 031 track be modified for a larger radius...

Back in the 70's when I built my attic layout in Michigan I was faced with the same issue.  I disassembled the 031 track and using new larger radii drawn on a board re-bent the track.  Then I reassembled the track.  The joints for the rails are no longer next to each other but it does not really matter.  The track needs to be fastened to the table.

With all the track available today would I go to that amount of work today?  Probably not, but back then model railroading was very different.

I guess ...  what I was hoping for was just adding  a 6"  straight piece  in between the two curve 031 tracks   I did not want to duplicate 054 or072 just wanted the 773 to go through with  no problems....

The 1950 773 was designed to operate on O31 curves.  However, it's a scale-sized locomotive, so it may not "look good" doing so.  Leave plenty of clearance next to the track because the body will protrude quite a bit.  If you have room for O42 your trains will look and run better on that diameter. 

A middle option is that Menards makes tubular track in O36, which matches the geometry of Lionel's Fasttrack.  Switching to O36 may also allow you to run some modern trains that can't run on O31.  So instead of bending or chopping up O31, I recommend that you redo all of the offending curves with Menards O36. 

If there's not a Menards that you can drive to, you might be able to buy the track on their website and have it shipped.  Or perhaps another Forum member would be willing to get some for you, for a small fee.  My $.02.

DanssuperO posted:

I need to go larger  I have a layout that is ,was, design for 031 ... Is  it possible to add , cut , sections  of the 031 track with straight pieces  say 1 or two inches .. and make those tight-curves  handle a 773  . every curve I have now uses too   031 curves ....... tubular...

If not would 042  be enough for the 773..thanks for the info ...daniel

Rather than make a mess of it with a track joint I'd go with a larger radius. It should run on O Gauge O31 track.  

http://postwarlionel.com/motiv...3-semi-scale-hudson/

I just got the 2001 version of the 773  38015    I  spread the two track 031 @1/4 in it sort of helped The  engine would  hop off..  But I Evan tried removing the front trucks ... The three large center wheels is where I  see  that's why  or where the problem is.... making the turn gradual one way or another is what I need to do...But I like to do it as easy as possible...

Dan, I think what the others are saying, is that if you take a 031 curve and cut it into two sections and add a length of straight between you are still ending up with an o31 curve, just shorter.

You stated you want to take the easy way, well, cutting track is not the easy way. Go out and buy some 036 Menards, (good), 042 Lionel (Better) or 054 Lionel (best) for your engine. It is much easier and will allow you to better appreciate the larger engines through smoother operation.

Hope that helps.

Charlie

ok......  Thank you

I agree with the suggestion to use wider radius curves rather than cutting up O31's and inserting full or short pieces of straight track.

I tried the curve, straight, curve thing on Warrenville many years ago, and was never happy with the result and re-re-did it again using wider radius curves of O42, O54 and (very hard to find in the O27 gauge that I use) O72.

As to re-bending, I've done this, making O44, for example, out of O42, to fit a need. Mark the radius needed on a piece of cardboard (or whatever), remove the ties, and massage the rails between your fingers and thumbs until they match the drawn radius. Replace the ties, trim the ends and you are done. I've done this with the thinner gauge of O27 gauge track, the steel on O gauge may not be a pliable.

You can also use a combination of curve diameters to make a larger curve. 

For instance, if you have a 48" wide piece of plywood on which an O-48 FT curve will not fit, but you need/want more than an O-36 curve,  you can mix O-36 and O-48 curve pieces to get a nominal O-45 curve that will fit on the board.

I believe one of our Forum designers does this frequently with FT, if space is at a premium. 

Always go with the largest radius possible. That way when you get larger locomotives you can run them.

Menards 036 sounds like your best, and least-hassle, solution.

Given the price of larger diameter tubular track , you would be better off going that route,either menards or the stuff that was produced by other firms (Lionel produced at least O42,O54 (?)  and O72 in the full O gauge form factor, others produced tinplate tubular in other diamers as well, and at train shows or on flea bay you can find it pretty cheaply. 

If you put all 042 curve tracks together

and make 1/2 circle  how wide of a board would you need to have  allowing at least 2" on both sides...?

Not sure how much you need, but Marx made 034. You can still find it. It is however, 027 in rail height. That is my go to track for many projects.

Steve

DanssuperO posted:

If you put all 042 curve tracks together and make 1/2 circle  how wide of a board would you need to have  allowing at least 2" on both sides...?

The exact measurement depends on the brand of track.  If the manufacturer is measuring from the center rail, then you would need a board 48" wide.  In fact, part of the popularity of O42 is that it's usually the broadest curve you can use for an oval on a 4' x 8' board.

Just be wary of doing this, and then pushing your train board tight against the wall.  The Hudson in particular has a lot of overhang.  It will run fine on O42, but the cab roof may scrape the wall when you come out of a turn going in reverse.  The only way to account for the overhang is to measure it yourself.  Try all your locos, and build for the largest one!

I think if you did that by adding a straight piece inbetween curves the engine would not look good going through that curve. You are better off locating some slightly larger radius tubular track...............Paul 2

An option is Gargraves track and bend it to the space available(consider overhang).  John in Lansing, ILL

How much track are we talking about. I would go with 042 if space is available or go with Menards 036. 

If you like tubular track go to the Menards website and order some of theirs. Or like Rattler 21 suggested above go with Gargrave track and Ross switches.

Have fun.