@Mannyrock posted:Wow. You guys are certainly experts! Thanks very much for your advice. The reason I am going 027 is that when you create a layout for child, you want him to be able to reach all of the places on the track, in the event of a derail or putting in a small accessory. This makes sure that the child can actually be involved in the set, rather than just being propped up on a stool with a throttle, hat and whistle. So, I want to keep this particular layout very small, max would be 4 feet by 8 feet. To do this and be interesting, I think I want to stay with 027 curves and maybe a few 031 curves.
I also want a very small , cheap, switcher engine, that they can easily handle and attach a few cars to by hand. I am looking at the 1970s Lionel 8209 switcher. But, I cannot find out anywhere whether this little locomotive is AC or DC.
Thanks in advance.
Mannyrock
Definitely understand the desire to keep the reach short. But remember that you can't mix O (31" diameter) and O27 track. Well, not easily at least. Although as mentioned earlier, wider radius O27 track is available, it's a double-edged sword. Demand is low, so it's hard to find, but it's very inexpensive if you can find it - the seller will be grateful to get rid of it. That's a long way of saying to do what Eddie suggested above - go with O gauge track. It will work much better in the long run - the difference in cost is small, and it expands your options.
