Do you have a specific model number in mind?

If you are looking at a prewar set with articulated cars, it probably will not do O27 diameter. Those cars look to be the same or very similar to the 752 M10000 sets and they are rated for O72.

 

There is an 072 which I know is out of the question.

The 350E Streamliner says it's for O

 

Bump!


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Check to see what the minimum radius would be to run the Hiawatha set. I run O scale on 027 track with no problems. It all depends on the radius. I have a 4-8-4 Northern from Lionel and it does well on my 042 track. My Lionel Lionmaster Big Boy and my K-line Allegheny also run fine on my 042, but the minimum radius is 031.

 

Where do I find minimum radius information? I did a couple Googles and didn't come up with much.


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Normally the manufacturer has minimum radius info for specific models.

 

I use O-27 style track but my tightest curves are O-42.
One problem can be with switches(turnouts) because of overhang cars can hang up and derail on the machine. The Lionel O-27 style
all have high standing covers and not much except O-27 cars will get by them. I was fortunate to get K-Line switches, O-42, that have a very low profile and have never had any cars of any length have a problem.
I did have some full scale sized cars but did not like the look of the overhang on curves under O72 so I don't use them.
The Hiawatha is a great looking train but you might not be happy with it on O-27 track.
Good luck and have FUN.

 

I can't find reference to any Lionel Hiawatha trains, prewar or later, that were made for O27 curves. They all appear to be deluxe larger trains with long cars requiring wide curves. It appears the later versions of Lionel or MTH Hiawatha trains call for O54 or O72 curves.

 

Ace,
I think you are correct.

 

Always wanted one , but If I were a betting guy, I would say it will not run on 027! If you want an articulated train there were some lionel jrs pre war I think that would run on 027. Not a Hiawatha, but its something.....

 

Something like this? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lionel-Prew...s-ca-1935-37-C-6-01336552t-/202017269131?hash=item2f092ae58b:g:xqgAAOSwbmtZjMX9

 

What I've found on the web points to O72.

Steve

 

For the Lionel jr. Trains? Lionel jr was the predesossor of the 027 trains, small and cheap!

 

Original poster asked about 350E streamliner.
A search of 350E streamliner Hiawatha led me to Lionel 6-51000 which I found O72 listed as the minimum radius so yes I'll stick with my original answer.

 

That top loop is no where close to 072 https://youtu.be/Msy0T1XHBeg

 

I actually have the answer you need. Emphatically NO. Not one lionel hiawatha will run on O27. If you want to do this your only option is MTH rail king. The cars on the original and the 1988 reproduction set (which is what I own) will not make a tighter turn. I know this is an old post. But in case you still want to do this I thought I would answer. And for anyone else following, the 1988 reproduction is an exact copy of the original meaning they are both o72.

 

Old threads can be good but the op has been missing since 2017. You can check it by visiting their profile.

 

Thank you, I had the same question after seeing a prewar Hiawatha at a train store and just found your answer. You saved me a big disappointment.