Confused... need Lionel tubular 042 switch ...but....

Just did a quick google  I think 042 switches aer nothing more than manual 022.. If thats the case what switches (part no.)   do I need  if connecting to 042 curve track Lionel tubular that is..

Lionel did not make tubular switches in O profile with a O-42 sized curve.

O22 and O42 refer to the product number for O-31 powered and manual switches respectively from the pre/postwar era:

https://www.tandem-associates....onel/lioneltrack.htm

If maintaining tubular track and the O22 style switches, your only other option is O-72 want the prewar 711 switches or the modern Lionel 6-5165 & 6-5166 switches.

http://www.lionel.com/products...hand-switch-6-65165/

Lionel/K-Line dabbled in a O gauge O-42 switch styles, but they are not like the O22 switches:

http://www.lionel.com/products...-right-hand-6-12080/

RSJB18 posted:

I have a pair of 6-65167's on my layout. 042 radius and automatic non-derailing.

Those are O-27 profile, not O profile and not likely what the OP is seeking.

IIRC, K-Line is the only manufacturer to make O-42 switches in std O profile.  I have 2 RH and 2 LH manual switches (FS, NIB BTW).  Don't know if K-Line ever made powered versions in O-42.

K-Line K-375 and K-376 are 0-42 radius O gauge rail automatic switches (not 0-27 profile track). I did a search online and you can find some on the 'bay, and from online sellers.

K-Line O-42(diameter) track switches were remote control with a flat top over the motor mechanism.  The height was such that it would not allow K-Line 18" heavyweight passenger cars to go through the curved portion of the switch.  John in Lansing, ILL

K-Line by Lionel also made the 0 profile 0-42 switches, and the motor was different and had a much lower profile. I had bought one to run my Williams GG-1 through it, but it didn't work for me. RMT made them after Lionel stopped, but I can't tell you how they compare with the others.