Please help me understand my recently-purchased 31" switches

The switches are O gauge tubular track.  Not compatible with O27, and are a nominal 31" diameter curve - they match traditional O gauge track.  Should be compatible with Menards O gauge tubular track (I've seen Menards track but do not own any).  If you really need 36" diameter to accommodate your equipment, they are too sharp of a curvature.  O22 is a reference to the postwar model number for similar switches.

@Just Havin' Fun posted:

The boxes state that they're both O22 with a 31" path. What does that mean?

Well, it means that they mimic the original Lionel O switches(022, eg.) in that they have a 10" straight section, with a 1/8 of a full circle turn out. That full circle(and hence that piece of curve too) is 14.14" center rail radius. The "31" designation comes from the approximate measurement of original Lionel "O" track diameter as measured over the ties...

I believe that the Menards O36 curves are 18" center rail radius.

Both are traditional "O" profile, not the more realistically proportioned O-27.

OK, now I understand it better. But will the only curve off this switch need to only be O31, or can I use anything else? What would you guys recommend as far as track? One of my local club members said that most trains rated for O36 will navigate O31 if run slowly. With such a small layout, I didn't think I'd be running my trains fast anyway. I always appreciate how much knowledge is to easily be found here by simply asking a question.

Tom

4x8 is just barely enough for an O-gauge layout.  If I were going to build a layout that size, I would use Ross O31 curves and switches, and not O36.

You didn't say which locos you have, but I disagree with what your club member told you.  If it's rated for O36, it will probably balk and may derail on O31 curves and switches.  With prolonged operation on sharp curves, the flanges on some MTH eight-drivered steam locos will wear to a knife edge.  IMO you're asking for frustration.

Unless you can negotiate a little more space--at least 5x9 or so-- I would stick to trains that were designed and rated for O31.  My $.02.

You "can" use the O22 switches with wider curves, but it will throw off the geometry of your track plan, and it will still probably be too tight for longer equipment.  If you need wide radius curves, even one piece that is too tight will cause problems. 

@Ted S is spot on - 4x8 is too small for large steamers, 6-axle diesels, and longer passenger cars.  If you can't negotiate more space, stick to shorter equipment that is designed for O31 - semi-scale steamers, 4-axle diesels, and short passenger cars - postwar, MPC, and some Railking stuff works best.

There are plenty of us who operate in small spaces.  Your 4x8 plan is fine, and there are tons of options for compatible steam and diesel locomotives in this environment with O36 curves.  But most of those options are not 1:48 scale locomotives - MTH Railking is a great source for good looking, great running locomotives and there is plenty available on the used market

I use Menards track for my Christmas layout.  It works great and I like the traditional look.  Menards recently released some switches, but does not yet offer a full line of switches.  I have not tried it, but I believe you can mix Ross switches with Menards tubular track.  Can’t beat Ross for quality, they are the gold standard for switches.  

I have a 4 x 5 3" layout using all 31" Switches (Lionel 022 or 6-14062/3 or 6-5132/3) and can even run 0-42 engines on the outer loop (O-31 on inner loop) using all legacy Lionel or Menards tracks. You can seamlessly combine the legacy Lionel and Menards trackage.

You can get lots of play value from tiny layouts. Many Lionel LionChief steamers just need O-31 track. Same for the Lionel Camelback or an A5 0-4-0. I can even run the large MTH Trainmasters and SD70ACe's on the O-42 track.

Hi Tom (OP),

From your post I'm not sure if you are using O or O27 height track. In any case, this might be of help to you: Lionel Tubular track info & tips (warrenvillerailroad.com)

BTW, both Lionel & K-line made O42 radius (path) switches in O27 height.

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the advice.

Tom

The part # you gave for the switches is the later reissue which are much better than the original reissue of O22 switches with part # 5132/5133.  I had a number of 5132/5133 switches that were brand new in storage for decades and a few were DOA and others lasted a few weeks.  I replaced with the part #'s you indicated and have been happily railroading for a few years.  Good luck with your build.