Question about O27"type" curved track

Most common are 042 and 054 in the 027 profile track series.  A number of mfgrs made them. I believe K-Line came out with the 042 first in the mid-70's, but I could be wrong on that.

 

O31 profile (the heavy stuff) had 031 and 072 originally; Not saying other sizes weren't made, I'm just not familiar with them.

 

If you've checked the other forums on here lately, Menards indicated they're coming out with a whole bunch 'o new track radii. I think someone said you could have 6 concentric loops if you used 'em all. No word on when they'll be released, but probably this fall in time for Christmas.

Jeff here's pictures of Lionel 027 and 042[top in 2nd. pic] curves that I use on my layout. Azgary

Thanks guys. I must have the O42 then. I just have never come across it before.

Jeff

027 is the profile of the track   O is the higher profile

 

The radius or curve designation is measured on the center rail

 

The diameter of the circle is measured outer rail to outer rail

 

Track

 

I use both K-Line and Lionel O-42, different number of metal ties but otherwise the same.

There also is, but not very common, Marx O-34 around, I've got a full circle that I'm going to use to give a bit larger curve for my switchers and freight tracks.

Scotie

I agree. Children who grew up with trains in the 1940's and 1950's were starting to buy Postwar and MPC trains. As I recall, K-Line was the first to offer different curves in "027" and "O"; then Lionel followed suit.

Though a Hi-Railer, I'm fond of 027-profile track in yards where sharper curves may be needed or permitted. (I also don't mind the tinplate bones showing, here and there).

I used this track back in the late 80's/early 90's for some yards; it's 042/027 profile.

The 3-ties don't matter as the track was buried anyway. Wasn't much choice back then.

 

I wish that there had been 072/027-profile curves; could be very handy in some layout areas. I do have some of the Marx 034 track "in inventory", but not on the layout. 

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The photo below (my dirt has loosened over the last 25 years; my entire layout is an old mess - like me) shows Lionel 042 (left, bottom) mated with a GG switch. 

 

 

Lionel did not make wider radius 027 profile track during the postwar period. It was introduced during the modern era (post 1970). I don't know the exact year.

I believe that Marx did offer 027 profile track in a wider radius.

 

Marx made both 27" and 34" diameter track systems.  The "034" track had five ties per section. whereas most 027 sections had 3 ties.  (It seems that at some point, Marx also made 027 track with five ties.)  Each track system's "geometry" was complete with its own curves, straights, track switches, and crossings.   

Lionel has also made O27 switches with 42-inch diverging route.  I have a couple, but rarely use them as the pickup rollers on some of my engines bridge the gap between the center rail and the points/closure rails.