I've Modified all of my Super O...

Great idea. You can do that in Super-O because of the "non-pin" center rail connectors.

Actually, you could do the same thing with O or O-27, but the center rail would still be a problem. Still, fiddling with 1 pin per section would beat fiddling with 3! 

PLCProf posted:

Actually, you could do the same thing with O or O-27, but the center rail would still be a problem. Still, fiddling with 1 pin per section would beat fiddling with 3! 

This is how Flyer "O" did it.

I think when I build a large permanent layout it'll be Super O. I'll have to do custom radii work on it as the 36" diameter is too small, but it's such a good looking track system.

what connects the center blade/rail?. i never had super o to play with......Jim

The "Power Bus-bar Connector"  known as 31-7, 31-25, & 31-45:

Super O blade connectors join the center rails.

http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/262088688491

ADCX Rob posted:

I can't believe I didn't do this years ago, or that Lionel did not do it this way originally... it would have eliminated all pin-pulling except for fiber pin placement, making the track system even more Super.

Lionel may have done that to remain consistent with their other tubular track types. But I have to agree, your fix is a more logical approach.

Dave

I have very limited Super O experience, though I have accumulated a good bit of it and am considering using it for my next layout.

Your idea looks like something that should have been done from the beginning. I wonder if the pins may  protect the plastic connector a bit too.

Thanks for the idea,

J White

I've often considered making the switch to Super O as I've always thought it was great looking. If I remember correctly someone made larger radii custom track. Our very own Michael Spanier should   know. 

If I ever decide to do it he's the guy I'd go to. 

Mike

The problem with dealing with Mr. Spanier is that every time I call to order something, we end up talking for an hour or so. Sometimes I will even get around to asking for the items I am wanting. Too nice of a guy.

As for the larger radii track, the Super O yahoo group had a nice thread about one pretty simple way to do it. Had some pictures and good descriptions and it didn't look too difficult either.

J White

Rob,

   Your engineering idea is very sound and you will probably have the best Christmas layout using it you have ever had, and if I were you I would transition in and out of FasTrack Switches, so you can operate the Command Control Switches from your Cab2 Legacy hand held remote controller.   I gave very serious thought about using Super O, I found availability to be the big draw back, not the engineering of the Sup O Track .  Although I never fully tested it out, it seemed to be Tin Plate friendly, and very quiet also.  In fact years ago, we transitioned it into the K-Line Super Snap and it worked very vey well.  

PCRR/Dave

because of cost,  look at what those clips go for,, I used HO,  track connectors, for center contact

Andrew B. posted:

I think when I build a large permanent layout it'll be Super O. I'll have to do custom radii work on it as the 36" diameter is too small, but it's such a good looking track system.

Super-O:

The tie spacing looks great, and the center blade is a good way to downplay a center rail. My only "hmmm" with Super-O is the humped ties.

Curious:  Does the center "blade" approach cause more roller wear than a rounded or flat top center rail?

laming posted:

Curious:  Does the center "blade" approach cause more roller wear than a rounded or flat top center rail?

There's a lot of info ... HERE.

Rob:

That's a great idea.  Like you said, why didn’t Lionel do it that way in the first place?  Could it have been because arch-rival Flyer did it that way?  Not only did Flyer use that alignment for the pins in their pre-war 3-rail O gauge track as you already mentioned, but also in their "S" gauge 2-rail track line which was the primary competition for Lionel when Super O was introduced in 1957. 

I've been working with Super O since 1971 and I don’t see any caveats either.  It would definitely eliminate the need to pull any pins in a reverse curve application which happens often in layout configurations.  

Re mating with insulated rails on #112 switches, you would still need to pull an occasional pin as the switches have one insulated pin on a ball connector and one on a socket connector.  Mathematically the likelihood of having to pull a pin is probably the same as it would be with both pins on the same end so it would not make it any worse.  The same with the #48 and #49 insulated track sections. 

Thanks for posting, 

“Super O” Bill

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

Rob,

   Your engineering idea is very sound and you will probably have the best Christmas layout using it you have ever had, and if I were you I would transition in and out of FasTrack Switches, so you can operate the Command Control Switches from your Cab2 Legacy hand held remote controller.   

PCRR/Dave

Hi Dave:

Be advised that Super O Switches can be operated with a hand-held remote.  I don't have the Legacy system, just the old first generation TMCC, and I'm able to use a CAB-1 to control my Super O switches which are wired through SC-1 and SC-2 switch and accessory controllers.  I’m sure it can be done with the newer Legacy system, too.

Regards,

Bill

Yes, there is no practical way to transition to FasTrack switches, and I have SC-1s & ASCs for CAB-1 remote capability.

The two track systems are completely different profiles & rail heights, really only sharing the track gauge.

WFTTRAINS,

    Bill thanks for the info, never realized Super O Switches were Legacy controllable with the SC1 & SC2, way cool.  Bill &  Rob can you run Tin Plate thru the Super O Remote Control Switches?  I have always liked the Super O Track, but I am unfamiliar with the switches.  Can you post some pictures of them for me to see, this is interesting stuff!  Bill my Pittsburgh, Pa 34 Shannon Street Car with Frank doing the route announcements, works like a million bucks, I put the 34 Shannon in Auto Mode and hear my buddy doing the announcements from heaven, it's one of the greatest additions to my Christmas layout in many years.  Just thought you might want to know, this P2 Pitts Street Car is one serious memory maker.  Bill if you happen to see the 84 Ardmore/Turtle Creek P1 Pittsburgh Street Car with Lou's announcements in her, please let me know, after all you were the one who found me the P2, I owe you for your kindness, in helping to replace my P2 Street Car.  Thanks much!  I looked for many years to replace it.

Rob,

   The FasTrack Road bed probably does make it impossible, never thought about the actual height difference, between the two.  Was thinking about the wireless remote control addition to the Super O layout.  If the Super O switches can run off track power and be controlled by the Legacy Cab2, I really like this very much.  Now if the Super O switches will accommodate my Tin Plate, I could see another level of engineering coming to my Christmas layout!

PCRR/Dave

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

If the Super O switches can run off track power and be controlled by the Legacy Cab2, I really like this very much.  Now if the Super O switches will accommodate my Tin Plate, I could see another level of engineering coming to my Christmas layout!

Track or fixed, your choice for power.

I had prewar a year or two ago on the Super O for Christmas w/o a problem, although there were no switches.

Hey all just an FYI:

Lionel part number 32-30:    Outside rail Super O to O transition pin.

I have used these to go from Super O to Fastrack.      You just need to shim up the Super O (I used some cork roadbed), and make a jumper underneath for the center rail.

So:

Lionel Super O to a Fastrack 5" transition track.

Very easy mod.

There's no way I'm going through all of that for a seasonal, sectional track layout that only takes 20 minutes to set up.

Also, there really would be no benefit. The Super O is better looking, much quieter, and about half the cost of FasTrack.

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

WFTTRAINS,

    Bill thanks for the info, never realized Super O Switches were Legacy controllable with the SC1 & SC2, way cool.  Bill &  Rob can you run Tin Plate thru the Super O Remote Control Switches?  I have always liked the Super O Track, but I am unfamiliar with the switches.  Can you post some pictures of them for me to see, this is interesting stuff!  

Dave: the only tinplate I own is standard gauge so I’ve never tried running O gauge tinplate through Super O Switches.  Perhaps someone on this Forum knows.  If not, I’ll ask on the Super O Yahoo Group.   I posted a photo below of two Super O Remote Control; LH switches installed together on my layout.

Bill if you happen to see the 84 Ardmore/Turtle Creek P1 Pittsburgh Street Car with Lou's announcements in her (I think you mean the 64 East Pittsburgh/Wilkinsburg – see 2^nd photo below) , please let me know, after all you were the one who found me the P2, I owe you for your kindness, in helping to replace my P2 Street Car.  Thanks much!  I looked for many years to replace it.  You're welcome and thanks also to our fellow Pittsburgh buddy Nick for posting it for sale.

Bill

 

 

PCRR/Dave

Bill,

   Actually that is exactly what I meant, the 84 Ardmore changed to the 64 Turtle Creek/Wilkinsburg, via rotating flip sign, as it turned the corner.  Let me know if you see the P1,  I am still looking for it also.   Thanks of the pictures of the Super O Switches, back to back, they look kind low for accommodating Tin Plate, please let me know what you find out about them on the other forum.

ESCAPERROCK,

     Thanks for the engineering info, glad to know it can be accomplished if needed!

Rob,

    The engineering reason for the transition, is to use the track powered low voltage FasTrack Command Control Switches, right form the Legacy Cab2, which accommodate all Tin Plate Trains.

PCRR/Dave