Track Recommendations.

Sorry to hear about the looting.  If you're rebuilding your collection to include diesels with 6-wheel trucks, larger steamers, and TTUX cars, then O27 is definitely out - too tight.  Beyond that, it depends on the look that you want to achieve.  Tubular track is available in various curvatures, it's inexpensive, and easy to cut to custom lengths.  Fastrack has many options, but it's expensive and cutting custom pieces is challenging.  Gargraves track and Ross switches offer a more realistic look; flex track can be bent to any curvature, but the switches can get pricey.

Good luck with the rebuild.

Should also add that Menards (yes, the Midwest home-improvement chain) has its own line of O gauge trains which includes tubular track in a variety of curve diameters. But only in "O" height (11/16") rails. For 027 height rails you're looking at secondhand or new/old-stock Lionel, K-Line, GarGraves, Ross or AtlasO (in roughly increasing order of cost).

---PCJ

OP

I like and still run O27 height track on my large layout. They come (came) in wide radius curves too (O42, O54 and O72).

Check out:  Lionel Tubular track info & tips (warrenvillerailroad.com)  for more.

@Mallard4468 posted:

"....... cars, then O27 is definitely out - too tight.  ....."

Check out my post above - O27 height track can be found with O42, O54 and O72 curves

@Lionelski posted:

Check out my post above - O27 height track can be found with O42, O54 and O72 curves

What kind of switches are available?

@Mallard4468 posted:

What kind of switches are available?

O27 and O42 only.

Both were made by Lionel & K-line.

Warrenville uses Lionel's. Only one failure in about 35 years

@Lionelski posted:

O27 and O42 only.

Both were made by Lionel & K-line.

Warrenville uses Lionel's. Only one failure in about 35 years

Not worried so much about failures - my concern is obstruction.  The O27 switches have the throws/machines permanently mounted on the inside of the curve.  Lots of equipment can snag on them.  Can't speak to the O42 versions.

I'm not bashing O27 track - I've used a lot of it.  IMO, considering the availability and low cost of O tubular track, that's what I would use except for short equipment or a starter set. 

It depends on the look you want. For a classic Lionel look, stick with tubular track. For the most realistic looking track, GarGraves, Ross or Atlas. I have a mix on my layout. I like the look of the GarGraves much better, but I also appreciate the clickety-clack of 10" tubular track sections.

@Mallard4468 posted:

Not worried so much about failures - my concern is obstruction.  The O27 switches have the throws/machines permanently mounted on the inside of the curve.  Lots of equipment can snag on them.  Can't speak to the O42 versions.

I'm not bashing O27 track - I've used a lot of it.  IMO, considering the availability and low cost of O tubular track, that's what I would use except for short equipment or a starter set.

No snags with the O27 height O42 curve switches.

I run all postwar from the smallest to largest steamers, and  FM's, GP7's, GG1's etc, with no issues