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General Lionel & Model Train Discussion => General Lionel Model Train Discussion => Topic started by: LionelZona on December 02, 2013, 09:04:46 am

Title: Re: HELP..Trying to put a circle around the Christmas tree w/ 031 gauge track.
Post by: TrainLarry on November 22, 2014, 04:06:02 pm

AmericaWestLines, welcome to the forum!

You are correct that adapter pins would be needed. Rather than trying to adapt the 2 types of track for a short section, it would be easier to just cut an '0' gauge track to size.

A minor issue here needs to be addressed concerning the identification of the various types of track Lionel made. The smaller track is known as '027' track, which unfortunately identifies both the minimum circle diameter of 27 inches and the type of track.
The larger track is '0' gauge track, which has a minimum diameter of 31 inches.
Both types of track come in larger radii. Technically, there is no such thing as '031' straight track, it would be '0' gauge straight track. You would use '031' curved track on your layout. Unfortunately again, we would also refer to the smaller straight track as an '027' straight section, and you would use an '027' curved track on your layout. Confusing, but that is how the track was marketed.

Now back to the trains!

Larry

Title: Re: HELP..Trying to put a circle around the Christmas tree w/ 031 gauge track.
Post by: AmericaWestLines on November 22, 2014, 02:32:27 pm

Wont O to O-27 pins be required?

Title: Re: HELP..Trying to put a circle around the Christmas tree w/ 031 gauge track.
Post by: LionelZona on December 02, 2013, 11:21:57 am

Thanks , Dave    I'll look to pick up a few 031 straights.

Title: Re: HELP..Trying to put a circle around the Christmas tree w/ 031 gauge track.
Post by: djacobsen on December 02, 2013, 10:14:25 am

Robert,
Yes you can use the O-27 straights.  They're 9 & 1/2 inches long, I usually figure 10" for off the cuff measurements.
You will want to check to make sure the track height is the same, if the O-31 is taller you'll need to shim the straights
to bring them up to the same height as the curves.

Dave

Title: Re: HELP..Trying to put a circle around the Christmas tree w/ 031 gauge track.
Post by: LionelZona on December 02, 2013, 09:47:25 am

I'm guessing I can actually add a few straights in there as well? Can I use 031 on curves w/ 027 on the stright aways?

Thanks,   Robert

Title: Re: HELP..Trying to put a circle around the Christmas tree w/ 031 gauge track.
Post by: djacobsen on December 02, 2013, 09:38:24 am

Robert,

Yes a 42 x 42 table would work.
An O-31 circle of track will occupy 31" of surface area across the diameter 

So if you're using a circle of O-31 track you can put it on a table with a 31" top.
but I would suggest that you go at the least 4"- 6" larger than your circle of track.
(extra width gives a place for your trains to land in case of a derailment rather than
falling to the floor.)

Happy Rails!
Dave

Title: HELP..Trying to put a circle around the Christmas tree w/ 031 gauge track.
Post by: LionelZona on December 02, 2013, 09:04:46 am

What is the smallest board I can place a small circle on? Would a 42 x 42 inch table work?

Thanks,  Robert