What is gauge?
Gauge is the width of the track. Only trains that fit the track will run on it. Gauge is the distance between the outside rails (the ones the train rides on). O and O-27 will have the same distance between the rails (1 1/4"). O guage track sits up slightly higher that O-27 track but this makes no difference in operation of the trains.

What is the difference between O and O-27?
O-27 gauge track will have tighter curves than in O gauge. That means that some of the very longest O gauge cars and locomotives are too long to turn the tight corners of O-27 gauge layout. Therefore, not all O gauge cars and locomotives will run on O-27 but all O-27 gauge cars and locomotives will work on O gauge track.

*O27 track is an older system and generally only produced currently by Lionel. It is a metal track with brown ties and has no roadbed.

All Lionel train sets are now packed with Fastrack which is O gauge, but is equipped with 036 radius track. MTH train sets are also equipped with O gauge track, RealTrax, but MTH sets start with the 031 curves.

It Takes EIGHT O-27 Curves To Make A Circle
It Takes EIGHT O-31 Curves To Make A Circle
It Takes EIGHT O-36 Curves To Make A Circle
It Takes TWELVE O-42 Curves To Make A Circle
It Takes TWELVE O-54 Curves To Make A Circle
It Takes SIXTEEN O-72 Curves To Make A Circle
It Takes SIXTEEN O-82 Curves To Make A Circle(not shown in diagram)

Can I purchase different curves?
Additional curved track is sold seperately, so that you may change the radius.

Will MTH trains run on Lionel Fastrack?
MTH trains will run on Lionel Fastrack as long as the diameter matches the train minimum requirement.

Will Lionel trains run on MTH RealTrax?
Lionel trains will run on MTH RealTrax track as long as the diameter matches the train minimum requirement.

What is Gargraves and AtlasO track?
Lionel trains and MTH trains are compatable with Gargraves and AtlasO track. These are different track systems and are sometimes chosen when building advanced layouts. If you have more questions on AtlasO or Gargraves track, please call.

What is the minimum curve requirement?
The minimum curve size is just that, the minimum sharpness of curve the train can negotiate without derailing. Locomotives designed to operate on a 42" curve will not operate on 31" or 27", it will derail. Trains can always operate on curves wider than their minimum recommendation.