O-27 Question

Many of the PW locomotives were sold as both O-27 and O-31 but under different nos. e.g. the PRR turbines 2020 for O-27 and 670 etc in O sets so it would depend on the specific engine you were interested in. If you have one in mind ask on here as I'm certain someone can let you know. If you can at all fit the room get some O-31, doesn't take much more floor space, is more rugged and can be obtained for a good price used.

If you have O27 track and want to keep the straight tracks, while it sounds counter intuitive, you can buy wider diameter curves than 27".  You may have to do some hunting, but Marx made 34" radius in low-profile O27 track, and Lionel and K-Line have made 42" (very common) and even some 54" and 72".  My new, upcoming O27 layout has no 27" curves, oddly enough.

RobRiehn posted:

My parents and I got my uncle's train after he passed.  I decided to let them keep it for now.  The smoke unit is burned out.  The set is an O-27 set.  I understand what the minimum curves are etc, however, I'm not sure about this part.  When we put up the Christmas tree layout this year my dad and I were contemplating if an O-31 minimum locomotive would work on this layout.  Of course, I said no right away.  However, we do a 45º curve, a short straight, then another 45º on each of the four corners.  Before we buy a 31 minimum, does anyone know if it will actually run without derailing?  We hate to have to buy all new track. 

There were few locomotives that were 31 minimum.  Any steam engine with four or six drivers could do O-27 if the center drivers were blind for six driver locos.  All of the Alcos could do O-27, but I'd be careful of GG1's and F-3's, which were not shown with O-27 sets. And not a Berkshire.

RobRiehn posted:

My parents and I got my uncle's train after he passed.  I decided to let them keep it for now.  The smoke unit is burned out.  The set is an O-27 set.  I understand what the minimum curves are etc, however, I'm not sure about this part.  When we put up the Christmas tree layout this year my dad and I were contemplating if an O-31 minimum locomotive would work on this layout.  Of course, I said no right away.  However, we do a 45º curve, a short straight, then another 45º on each of the four corners.  Before we buy a 31 minimum, does anyone know if it will actually run without derailing?  We hate to have to buy all new track. 

If there are any train shows near you, you will be able to get a loop of O31 for $10 to $20.  IT would be well worth it for next Christmas.  Easier to set up and more tolerant of irregularities in your carpet or whatever you set it on.

Although as marketed as the O-27 line, my 2055 4-6-4 does not like O-27 curves...

I found that out, as the 2055 was my first Lionel O-gauge locomotive a little over 20 years ago.  It would not stay on the track of the O-27 loop from our Marx set we had around the Christmas tree; it would roll over entering the curves.  I picked up O-42 diameter O-27 track, and it ran fine on that, which allowed re-use of all the straight and cross-over sections we had (and accommodated purchase of more engines).   

-Jim

Hi. Here’s my thought. I offer it because you originally posted that you would hate to buy all new track. The smoke unit failed on your uncles set, but you didn’t indicate if the train still runs. If it does, I’d use that for now. Keep an eye out for locomotives that definitely run on O27. If the hobby sticks, buying some wider diameter track may end up being your smallest expense Having gone from O27 to O82 on my Christmas layout over the last 12 years, I can safely say 2 things

1) if the hobby sticks, you’ll end up widening that curve, since Dad’s already eying larger locos

2) If you take the leap on an O31 that binds on  the O27, you’re gonna but the track. And if it doesn’t bind, it’s likely going to restrict the max speed you can run. Easily controlled by you and your parents, but if there are little ones around, you’ll have to share the fun!

I hope this turns into a fun thing for you and the family. 
fyi

lionel tubular 31 curve on an auction site shows a whole loop and extra straights for 27.50......

me... because I’m me, would look at o42 and run a new train outside your uncles train!

Marty

I had an extensive O27 layout for many years.  GG-1s (1947 single motor, Williams, and MPC versions) had no problems.  Neither did the EP-5 "Little Joe" electrics which are larger than a GG-1.  I never tried a Berkshire or FM TrainMaster so I don't know about those.

I also had a 2055 for a short while.  Mine had no issues with the curves, and this loco was sold in O27 sets.  Of course all metal-bodied steam locos are top heavy, and will tend to derail if run into the curves too quickly.  This is especially true if the track is on a soft surface.  Even the larger 2056 Hudson negotiated curves and S-curves with no problems, but a ton of overhang which created an odd appearance.

O27 works and it helps to minimize your train budget!  But if I were to build a new layout today, for appearance and to accommodate more types of locos I would use a minimum of O36.  Of course even larger curves might be better, but it depends on what trains you want, how you plan to operate them, and the available space.  My $.02.

I have a 2055 I ran for years on Lionel 027 track with no issues.

My 685 runs on 027 just fine, same engine other than the part number. My great uncle’s 2243 A-B F3’s run on it just fine too, matter of fact that’s what they were sold with back when he got his 1567W set for Christmas in 1956(?). 

Please post a picture or description of the locomotive and cars.  It would make this discussion much more productive.

Thank you

my 2055 runa on my O27 just fine. As does my MTH Rail King M1a. And all my Pre and Postwar Lionel and Marx steamers run on O27.

Jim Harrington posted:

Although as marketed as the O-27 line, my 2055 4-6-4 does not like O-27 curves...

I found that out, as the 2055 was my first Lionel O-gauge locomotive a little over 20 years ago.  It would not stay on the track of the O-27 loop from our Marx set we had around the Christmas tree; it would roll over entering the curves.  I picked up O-42 diameter O-27 track, and it ran fine on that, which allowed re-use of all the straight and cross-over sections we had (and accommodated purchase of more engines).   

-Jim

On the problem of falling off curves.  I set up demonstration loops of Standard, O and O-27 at our local TCA shows.  With all three track gauges, I never have two curve sections in a row.  I have six inch straight sections for Standard, use half sections for O and full straights for O-27.  The allows significant increases in the curve speeds.  An eighth of a circle does not allow time to build up enough centrifugal forces as does a quarter circle.  Also having the adjacent coupled car always on straight track helps.  That five inches for Standard gauge is longer than the wheel base of engines like to 10E or a 2-4-2 and that much straight track is enough to keep more trains on the track.