Confused by O gauge sizes

Because layout space is an issue for you, you might want to start out with smaller 'traditional' equipment that can handle O31 curves on a smaller indoor layout. My current layout project (not at my own house) is a 3'x 12' shelf along one wall of a bedroom, high enough to clear other furniture so "it doesn't take up any space", in a sense. I also built it simple without any attachments into the walls, and it will be easy to move it when the time comes. I'm using O27 curves, but O31 would be possible. The sharp curves don't look so bad if you use "easements", just a section of wider radius leading into the minimum radius, which adds little to the width of the layout.

Just some ideas. I will be re-doing my track arrangement soon. https://ogrforum.com/d.../lastReply#lastReply

Thanks Ace, I’ve been looking at every angle and it just isn’t going the way I had hoped.  I’m tired and giving up on having anything other than a toy train.  

I’m going to buy a couple of starter sets, 1 small passenger set and 1 small freight train both with steam. I plan on running them on my Christmas layout until my family kicks me out then I’m going back to N-scale till next holiday season

Just to give an example here on the different O Gauge "sizes", you'll see examples of 3 gondolas that were made by Lionel during the "MPC" era ('70 to '86).

The GT one is O Scale, the NYC "traditional O Gauge", and the Wabash is "027" sized.

When MPC made their Standard O cars they were built to run on 031 curves, but today you'll find scale cars that require greater curves like 042 and more.  In fact when MPC created the Standard O line they were planning a very realistic track, Trutrack, that would have been 042 (the line never went into full production).

Ken

More confusion! These are all O-27 O-gauge boxcars!

Back row: Marx 7" tin boxcar, Lionel 3464 series operating boxcar, Lionel 6014 series boxcar

Front row: MPC Lionel 9731 boxcar, Marx 6" tin boxcar

unless you are in 2-rail does it really matter?