Looking for layout pics using "027" 42 inch diameter curves and switches

I wish I had my old basement layout still set up, but I tore it down and have started rebuilding my layout in a vacated bedroom (kids are leaving our nest).  I used and will use again 42" and 54" O27 curves and switches.

I really like the lower O27 profile compared with O Gauge.  With 42", 54" and even some 72" curves out on the market, it's easy to use O27 tubular and not limit yourself small engines and rolling stock (though I have stayed with Traditional size).

Having had an O27 layout before, one recommendation.  Find a way to convert your switches to pull from fixed voltage, not track power.  I found 4 used K-line O42 switches that I will use on the new layout, but have read that the Lionel versions can be converted. 

The inner loop of my layout is O42.  Outer loop is O54. 

Gosh, I could show you probably 50 images of O27 track and 42"/54" curves and 42" switches!  I only have a Christmas layout and I change it every year so I have lots of images to pick from.  Anything in particular that you are looking for?  If there is I'll see if I can find images that match to that, OK?

- walt

Mike,

Here are some from 2015's Christmas layout.  The outer 3 loops have some 27" curves mixed in but the inner trackage is all 42" and 54". Also, the 3 outer loops use O27 27" switches but the inner tracks use O27 42" switches.

Again, if you're looking for something specific, tell us what it/they is/are, OK?

- walt

Here's a schematic of sorts.:

Some great thoughts and pics so far - thank you.

My layout utilizes 027 track with 042 curves and switches.

Joe, I'm curious: why did you cut down the straight part of you K-line switch?  It seems to be a 42" one based on the fact that 2 curves are attached to the divergent route.

- walt

Here's a couple more from my 2014 Christmas layout.

- walt

I should mention that the track labeled 'FAMILY' is full 'O' track.

It's multi-level.  Here are the 2 schematics, lower level first, upper level 2nd:

Again, just to stress it, the middle track shown here is full 'O'

Here is an example of how not to do a layout with 0-27 and 0-42 switches.  Just imagine how may derailments occurred when trying to back up the various trains through a series of mostly 0-27 and 0-42 switches.  Was very happy the day this layout got torn down.

Mike,

The inside track in these photos is O-42; the outside is O-54. All track, including turnouts (switches) is Ross-Curtis, Curtis and Ross.

Thanks for the great pics and info everyone.

MIKE

walt rapp posted:

Joe, I'm curious: why did you cut down the straight part of you K-line switch?  It seems to be a 42" one based on the fact that 2 curves are attached to the divergent route.

- walt

Walt,

I did not cut down the straight part of the switch. I just removed the plastic ties and added a metal one so it matched the 027 track better.

Joe,

Looking at your picture, it looks like on the straight thru option, that 1/2" past the switch seems to be a small piece of track connected, based on what appears to be a line on each of the 3 rails that makes it look like a separate piece of track.

I like your idea though and I might decide to do that too to be in line with your line of thought on the look.

thanks - walt

I think that "line" is just the marks from the crimp of the old tie that was once there.

The top of rail is not broken or cut at that point.

totrainyard posted:

I think that "line" is just the marks from the crimp of the old tie that was once there.

The top of rail is not broken or cut at that point.

That is correct.

My layout uses 0-27 and O Gauge track. I now only have 0-27 track on the outer loop, one siding and the trolley track. The inner and upper loops I changed to O gauge track to get 031 curves. 

Here is an older photo, guess I need to take an updated one!