Hello. This is my second post on the forum .
I have a 1973 Lionel Southern Express set that I set up for the first time in years last year and now again this year. This is a beginner Figure 8 layout - about 2.5 X 5 feet in size.
I'm not sure if my problem is the track or the engine, but I'm guessing probably some of both due to age/lack of care.
I've been able to get it to start and make a complete circuit or two around the track but it will lose its connection routinely and stop on various places on the track. It can take some time to get it working again and it's consistently inconsistent.
The track is actually in decent shape - not much if any rust or corrosion that I can see. However, getting the track sections to push together completely is tough to do.
I've read through suggestions for track cleaning and engine cleaning but I'd also like to consider upgrading the track.
So - here are my questions.
Can I run this O-27 engine and cars on Lionel Fastrak? I'm confused about the curve radii. I've read some things but have not been able to grasp the concept. It looks like the shortest Fastrak curve is O-31?
Are there alternatives similar to the Lionel Fastrak product?
Would you recommend trying to salvage what I have?
Will the O gauge track that Menard's sells work with my O-27 train and cars?
I'll continue to review the articles and threads on cleaning/restoring but would greatly appreciate any answers to my other questions!
I have a 1973 Lionel Southern Express set that I set up for the first time in years last year and now again this year. This is a beginner Figure 8 layout - about 2.5 X 5 feet in size.
I'm not sure if my problem is the track or the engine, but I'm guessing probably some of both due to age/lack of care.
I've been able to get it to start and make a complete circuit or two around the track but it will lose its connection routinely and stop on various places on the track. It can take some time to get it working again and it's consistently inconsistent.
The track is actually in decent shape - not much if any rust or corrosion that I can see. However, getting the track sections to push together completely is tough to do.
I've read through suggestions for track cleaning and engine cleaning but I'd also like to consider upgrading the track.
So - here are my questions.
Can I run this O-27 engine and cars on Lionel Fastrak? I'm confused about the curve radii. I've read some things but have not been able to grasp the concept. It looks like the shortest Fastrak curve is O-31?
Are there alternatives similar to the Lionel Fastrak product?
Would you recommend trying to salvage what I have?
Will the O gauge track that Menard's sells work with my O-27 train and cars?
I'll continue to review the articles and threads on cleaning/restoring but would greatly appreciate any answers to my other questions!