Combining 0 and 027

I'm impressed!  Any chance you could post a track diagram?

Okay here it is.  I use 8 programs and a simple index card waybill system for moving stuff around.

Wonder if you could answer this from your opening line since you are doing it "Mixing 0 and 027 stuff is an issue that's been around...".  Since my luck with OGR search function is abysmal, I wanted to ask you out outright and not start a separate forum entry.  Can just about all O gauge equipment made by anyone operate on 027 straight sections of track with no flange issues?  If they can handle the curve, any flange issues in the curves?  I thou hgt it would be neat to build a passing siding with 027 to mimic one near me where the main line is all welded rail, but the passing track is still all jointed and a lighter weight.

@jps32016 posted:

Mixing 0 and 027 stuff is an issue that's been around since before Hitler became a smoke unit.  Plenty of ideas abound but here's my two dimes' worth (inflation). Having needed the room and donated my large Gargraves layout to a museum, the only space left at home was my workshop floor.  No scenery except for a piece of workbench backdrop and a couple tunnels, plus some old Plasticville stuff  at the foot of Mt. Power Saw.  However, the are lots of operational possibilities.  Without structures you can cram a lot of action in a smaller space.  Footing a little tricky but I use a quad cane anyway so no big deal.

The mainline is 0, and with the exception of the long passenger terminal track, the sidings are 027, matching the uncoupler tracks.  Rails are painted, but only the ones visible from the control center.  Additional 0 ties are standard size, and my 027 ties are 3/8 x 1/8 x 2.  Of course 027 rails are lower, but this provides a natural "hump" when handling cars.  Small shims under the track ties support a smooth grading.  Ties are Gorilla glued to the rails.

I have three operational trains and a yard switcher.  The diesel passenger train, plus 0 and 027 freight trains.  All the 0 train sidings are on one side of the layout, and 027 traffic on the other.  I wish I had only 711 switches, but had to settle for a few latter day Lionel, and 022 switches on one yard due to space limitations.  The painted rails, extra ties, and some ballast on the switches help the look.

I like your floor layout and chair pillow is perfect. I believe all layouts should be on the floor. That’s where all trains were meant to be. Many a train have derailed and fallen to the floor. If your layout is on the floor it only falls over not tumbling to the floor three feet below. I just love your layout have fun. It looks like a lot of fun to me.

Never thought of it like that but this was out of necessity with a lot of tubular stuff I had and only needed to get a little more.  One thing about 0 track no harm done if you accidentally step on it.  I have bumped cars over now and then.  My big layout is Gargraves because that was closest to scale 40 years ago when most of it was laid out.  Great thing about being in your late 70s you can look at painted and "tied" 3 rail tubular and comfortably think "Well that's what the real thing looks like 😀.

In answer to above all the curves are 072 except some 0 and  042 in the west yard.  Only the Burlington switcher operates there.  No 027 curves.

I use O tubular for some of my mains and passing sidings, and 0-27 for some of my spurs and yard tracks. I have had no flange issues with any equipment on the 0-27 track, but some equipment has never been on it--mostly freight cars. I had two half sections of 0-27 curve on a spur and even my Williams F-7 derailed. I bent them to make the curve gentler, and now things are fine.

My purpose was to model the contrast between the heavier rail used on main trackage, and lighter rail on spurs and in yards. I also have lower or no roadbed under the O-27 track. Between the rail height and the roadbed, O-27 tracks are noticeably lower.