O27 Switches with Menards Track

There are O-to-027 adapter pins out there, usually by Lionel, although it may take some looking around to find them since Lionel concentrates on FastTrack. Then you'll need to shim the 027 switches and account for the different curve geometry owing to the different curvature imposed by the switches.

---PCJ

I think the Menards track is regular "O" not O27.  It will sit higher than O27, You can shim the O27 to the right height (around 1/8, great precision not required), I use Masonite.  O27 pins and smaller in diameter than "O".  If its just a few then grind down one end of a "O" pin may work. Hold pin in vice grips and rotate one end on a bench grinder.  Test fit often,

@FortyFivePalms

Hi: I recommend you forget the Menards track if you want to use your Lionel 027 switch tracks and look for some Lionel (or other brand) non-rusty 027 track. There are lots of listings for it on eBay. Or, you may want to do a “wanted to buy” listing here on the Forum. I’d bet there are Forum members with 027 track they want to sell.

Mixing 031 and 027 will not be a fun thing to do.

Good luck however you proceed!

Stan

I got some bad information when I got back into the hobby in the early 90s and went with 027 instead O.  I saved  a good deal of money especially on the remote control switches but was transitioning from traditional size to larger and scale size equipment.  The 027 diameter curves and especially the switches would eventually limit what I could run.  Longer engines and even longer and lower rolling stock hit the cover of the switch motor and derail.  If your only talking two sets of switches you'd be better off looking for switches instead of 027 track.  Menard's hasn't come out with switches yet but you can search the secondary market for Lionel or K-line O Gauge switches or you can look at Gargraves or Ross switches to go with the O Gauge track

@coach joe posted:

I got some bad information when I got back into the hobby in the early 90s and went with 027 instead O.  I saved  a good deal of money especially on the remote control switches but was transitioning from traditional size to larger and scale size equipment.  The 027 diameter curves and especially the switches would eventually limit what I could run.  Longer engines and even longer and lower rolling stock hit the cover of the switch motor and derail.  If your only talking two sets of switches you'd be better off looking for switches instead of 027 track.  Menard's hasn't come out with switches yet but you can search the secondary market for Lionel or K-line O Gauge switches or you can look at Gargraves or Ross switches to go with the O Gauge track

Considering the all the options, I think I'd rather source some new-to-me O-gauge switches. I really like the Menards track; I guess I'm just attracted to shiny things, lol. Seriously, it's so much nicer that the batch of rusted Lionel/Marx track I have. I tried to clean some of my old stuff using the methods found online, but it was no fun and the results weren't impressive (to me, at least). I suppose that with a lot more time and elbow grease I could have that old track looking much better, but that's time I'd rather spend tinkering with a diesel engine or caboose.

Out the four choices mentioned (Lionel, K-Line, Gargraves, Ross), which would be the most compatible with the Menard's track?

@stangtrain posted:

@FortyFivePalms

Hi: I recommend you forget the Menards track if you want to use your Lionel 027 switch tracks and look for some Lionel (or other brand) non-rusty 027 track. There are lots of listings for it on eBay. Or, you may want to do a “wanted to buy” listing here on the Forum. I’d bet there are Forum members with 027 track they want to sell.

Mixing 031 and 027 will not be a fun thing to do.

Good luck however you proceed!

Stan

Hi Stan,

I get what you're saying. The four O27 switches that I inherited will need a lot of work to be usable, so I'm not attached to them. Truth be told, I'm delighted with the Menard's track so far, plus it's half the price of any new O27 track I've found online. Yet I suspect that there may be issues with it, or perhaps some valid arguments against it? If so I would like to hear them. I'm just trying to keep an open mind before I throw down any more coin on track.

Lionel or K-line are both tubular like the Menard's track and would be direct connection.  I believe Gargraves need adapter pins mad by Gargraves.  Not sure about Ross but I believe an adapter may be required.