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Lionel super o track radius question.

L Lionelzwl2012OGR Forum Member
What curve radius did the original track line come in? Also question on the switches. Are they worth using on a layout? I have seen these on ebay going for quite a lot of money. Did they not have issues. How good are the uncoupling tracks?
I ask these questions because I ran across super o bob's youtube videos that feature his great layout. Bob if you read this you have a great layout! I thought the track looked so good it got me to considering trying to acquire a lot of this track for my next high rail layout. I realize it is going to be a challenge to hunt down a lot of it since it is no longer made, but after seeing bobs layout it may just be worth it. What do you guys think. Worth it or too much trouble?
All comments from everyone welcom.
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ReadingFanReadingFanOGR Forum Member

No. Only 0-36.

 

Super "O" track was introduced in 1957. Switches were "tweaked" in 1958. Lionel started a long, dismal downhill slide at that time, and no further changes were made to Super "O" track.

 

Super "O" had some nice features. Insulated sections were available in straight and curves. Small, unobtrusive lockons fit neatly into a slot in the center rail. Outer rail lockons were clamped on. A pair of control "blades" fit into holes in the ties. ANY staright section could be an operating track. One blade was wired to a transformer; the other, to an outer rail. A small magnet fit just about anywhere an uncoupler was needed.

 

Super "O" curves can be bent to a wider radius. I have heard that Super "O" switches have "issues." They are non-derailing but not as rugged as 022 switches.

 

I prefer Lionel FasTrack to Super "O": much wider selection of straight sections, curves and switches. Switches work well.

 

Super "O" is good for a branch line or part of a layout. I think FasTrack has a lot more to offer.

A AdriaticOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by ReadingFan:

No. Only 0-36.

 

Super "O" track was introduced in 1957. Switches were "tweaked" in 1958. Lionel started a long, dismal downhill slide at that time, and no further changes were made to Super "O" track.

 

Super "O" had some nice features. Insulated sections were available in straight and curves. Small, unobtrusive lockons fit neatly into a slot in the center rail. Outer rail lockons were clamped on. A pair of control "blades" fit into holes in the ties. ANY staright section could be an operating track. One blade was wired to a transformer; the other, to an outer rail. A small magnet fit just about anywhere an uncoupler was needed.

 

Super "O" curves can be bent to a wider radius. I have heard that Super "O" switches have "issues." They are non-derailing but not as rugged as 022 switches.

 

I prefer Lionel FasTrack to Super "O": much wider selection of straight sections, curves and switches. Switches work well.

 

Super "O" is good for a branch line or part of a layout. I think FasTrack has a lot more to offer.


Re-curving Super O may be possible but not easy. All the sleepers are connected under the outer rails. Re-curving 027 or O would be a snap in comparison. I hate the look of modern plastic roadbed track, unless well detailed, its louder, and more fragile than the softer S.O., but it is easier to come by and has more, and better options. 

WftTrainsWftTrainsOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Lionelzwl2012:
Doesn't michael spanire make and sell custom curves? I just shot him an email so I will so see I guess. Was wanting to see some photos and get a feel for the prices.

Mike Spanier sells regular curves only but he can provide a link to several guys who make and sell wide-radius Super O curves.  Or you can go to the Super O Yahoo group which Mike moderates where you can get plenty of info on Super O.  The guys that make the custom curves and Super O Bob are members of that group.  Here is the link:

 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lionel_SuperO_Track/

 

 

HTH,

 

Bill   

WftTrainsWftTrainsOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Madison Kirkman:

I have a question, does 0-27 mean that the center rails are 27 inches apart in a semi circle, or where does the 0-27 come from. 

Madison:

 

27” is the approximate OVERALL diameter of a circle of “O27” track measured from the outside edges of the ties.  The center rail-to-center rail diameter is only 24½”.

 

HTH,

 

Bill

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