I'm still kind of new to this scale/gauge so I have a question. Are O and O27 the same size or at least compatible when it comes to track? Thanks
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Yes, they are the same Gauge. "O27" cars and locomotives will run on "O" gauge track.
From a Lionel 1960's catalog:
Rusty
Attachments
Images (2)
Excellent --Thanks so much!!
In terms of the track itself, the O27 Gauge Track has a lower profile (height) than O Gauge Track (I see Rusty added a picture that shows this while I was typing 
). So while they can be connected, you need to (ideally) use an adapter pin because the hole in the end of the rail is slightly different. For the height difference, you can easily put a small shim (paper, cardboard, very thin wood) to bring the height to match.
In terms of the width (gauge), yes, they are the same.
You do always need to make sure you don't run rolling stock or engines through smaller diameter curves than they are specified for though. It's possible you could have a car called "O gauge" that might require O31 (the smallest O Gauge diameter generally), so it might not successfully pass through an O27 diameter curve (or an O27 turnout/switch - there is a chance to catch on the switch stand there).
-Dave
Attachments
Images (1)
27" is the nominal diameter of a circle of "O27" track, hence the name. Lionel [tubular] "O" has a minimum circle diameter of [nominal] 31". While all three-rail "O" track has the same gauge some O equipment won't work on sharp curves.
Lew
