Lionel Electric Trains Identification Guide Sub-Title Bottom of Page

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Lionel Track TRACK

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No other factor was as influential in determining the size and type of engines and rolling stock that Lionel issued during the Post War Period than the type of track that was produced.
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There were three types of track that were available:
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O27 Gauge Track was acquired by Lionel when in 1927 they absorbed Ives Trains. This track’s notable feature was that it has the sharpest curves. Eight sections of curved track describe a circle that is 27 inches in diameter.
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O Gauge Track will not mate with 027 track because it is one-eighth of an inch higher and eight sections of curved track create a circle that is 31 inches in diameter.
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Super-O Track was first available in 1957 and will not mate with either of the "tubular type" of track issued previously. Twelve curved sections of this track make a 36 inch diameter circle.

O Gauge Right Hand Switch No. O22

Because of the tight radius (for O Scale) of the curved sections used by all of these tracks, Lionel was limited by the length of the engines and cars that could be run on these tracks. Lionel frequently employed what has become known as "selective compression" of these engines and cars. Selective compression reduces the size of this equipment by uniformly shortening their length while giving the impression of being a full sized model. This is especially apparent on engines like the GG-1 and the 2400 Series Passenger Cars.
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With a few notable exceptions, like the 773, all of the Lionel engines and rolling stock produced during the Post War period were slightly smaller than 1/48 — actual O scale. Today, these sized trains are referred to as "Semi-scale."
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We’ve illustrated the types of track below and have offered additional details on some individual sections and track accessories in the Numerical Index.

Post War Track Height Comparison

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O27 GAUGE TRACK

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The following Locomotives are not compatible with this track:

BB 726 BB 726RR BB 736 BB 746 BB 773

The following Diesel and Electric engines are not compatible with this track:

BB All EMD F-3’s BB All Fairbanks Morse Trainmasters BB All GG-1’s

The following Rolling Stock Groups and cars are not compatible with this track:

BB All ribbed Aluminum Passenger cars of the 2500 Series BB All Madison Heavyweight Coach Cars BB 6418 BB 6518

O27 Gauge Track

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O GAUGE TRACK

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The following Locomotive is not compatible with this track:

BB 221

O Gauge Track

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SUPER-O GAUGE TRACK

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Super-O Gauge Track

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Numerical List Title
BB O20 O Gauge 90° Crossing
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BB O20X O Gauge 45° Crossing
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BB O22 O Remote Controlled Switches
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BB O22A O Remote Controlled Switches
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BB O22-500 O Gauge Adapter Set
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BB 31-45 Super-O Power Buss Connector
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BB 32-20 Super-O Power Buss Insulator
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BB 36 Super-O Operating Car Control Set
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BB 37 Super-O Uncoupling Track Set
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BB 38 Super-O Accessory Track Set
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BB 39 Super-O Uncoupling Track Set
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BB 43 Super-O Power Track Section
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BB 61 Super-O Ground Lockon
BB 62 Super-O Power Lockon
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BB 112 Super-O Remote Control Switches
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BB 142 Super-O Manual Control Switches
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BB 760 O Tubular Track Outfit
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BB 1008 O27 Uncoupling Unit
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BB 1008-50 O27 Uncoupling Unit w/track
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BB 1019 O27 Uncoupling Control Section
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BB 1022 O27 Manual Control Switches
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BB 1023 O27 Gauge 45° Crossing
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BB 1121 O27 Remote Controlled Switches
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BB 1122 O27 Remote Controlled Switches
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BB 1122-500 O27 Gauge Adapter Set
BB 2002 O27 Track Make Up Kit
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BB 6009 O27 Uncoupling Control Section
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BB 6019 O27 Uncoupling Control Section
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BB 6029 O27 Uncoupling Control Section
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BB 6149 O27 Uncoupling Control Section
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BB CO-1 Track Clip
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BB CTC Track Lockon
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BB LTC Lighted Track Lockon
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BB OTC Track Lockon
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BB RCS O Remote Control Section
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BB UCS O Uncoupling Control Section
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BB UTC Universal Track Lockon

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