Gauge Track
Gauge Track
Guide to Model Trains Scale and Gauge
Although Lionel offers several kinds of model trains and track, most of their sales come from O gauge trains. What’s an O Gauge Train? To better understand that, you first need to know a few things about scale and gauge.
Let’s start with scale. Model trains are scaled down trains--that is, smaller versions of real trains. A Model Train’s scale tells us its proportion in relation to the real train version. For example, a Lionel Train is an O27 train, with a scale of 1:48 . This means that the Lionel train is 48 times smaller than its real train counterpart, with one-quarter inch equal to one scale foot. Due to their larger size, Lionel Trains are easy to work with, especially for beginners--but they may not be the best choice as the available product line is smaller than that of Standard Gauge trains, or HO (half-zero).
Gauge--gauge is the distance between the rails of a Railroad Track. Standard track gauge is 4’ 8.5â€. O gauge tracks are 1.25†apart. Something to be aware of, though, is that gauge and class specifications can vary internationally, so always check the exact measurements before buying internationally.
As O27 trains, Lionel trains are a bit different from standard O gauge trains. They run on O27 track, which is a bit shorter and narrower than standard O track. The difference can be seen when O27 track is laid out in a circle--an 8 piece circle of O27 track will be 27†across (an 8 piece circle of standard O track is 31†across). Love Lionel trains but have a lot of O track from other set-ups? That’s okay because You Can use O track and O27 track together without any problem. Raise your track a little by using a shim, widely available at hobby shops.
Some companies, like Conrad, NZG, and Corgi manufacture die-cast, or metal, model trains that are also compatible with O Scale Track. This can lead to some interesting Track Set-ups, and die-cast trucks, cars, buses and construction equipment are popular with collectors.
Lionel trains are a good choice for many reasons. Beyond the ease of running an O27 train, they are also great for modelers looking to perfect model and replica trains. Their size is easy to work with (unlike the smaller N and Z gauge trains), and a great choice for children interested in railroading.
About the Author
Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Lionel trains toys. Click here to download a free model trains guidebook filled with hobby tips, ideas and information.
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BACHMANN On30 DRGW FLAT CAR |  |
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US $28.00 | 16m |
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Lionel O Gauge Scale Boston Albany 6 8606 Hudson Train Set NEW in Box | |
0 Bid | US $1,200.00 | 18m |
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BACHMANN On30 DRGW HIGHSIDE GONDOLA | |
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US $31.00 | 19m |
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LIONEL Graduated Trestle Set | |
0 Bid | US $35.00 | 27m |
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Vintage Very Large LIONEL Train Set O Scale | |
14 Bids | US $562.00 | 32m |
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K LINE THE KATY LINE STOCK CAR M K T 5210 W CUSTOM ORANGE METAL DOORS O GAUGE | |
1 Bid | US $9.99 | 38m |
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Lionel and Bachman Trains Engines Rolling Stock and other items Estate Sale | |
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US $2,000.00 | 40m |
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LIONEL REEFER RAILWAY EXPRESS AGENCY BLT 1974 EXCELLENT BOX 0 027 GAUGE | |
12 Bids | US $9.37 | 50m |
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MTH RAIL KING ATSF FLAT CAR 0 027 GAUGEEXCELLENT BOX | |
2 Bids | US $5.24 | 52m |
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No 2 HORNBY LOCOMOTIVE R310 BR 4 6 2 LORD BEAVERBROOK TESTED RUNS USED | |
5 Bids | US $52.30 | 59m |
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Lionel track clips 12743 | |
1 Bid | US $5.95 | 1h 7m |
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SERIE HORNBY MO TINPLATE 1ST CLASS VOITURE SALON SALOON CAR C | |
4 Bids | US $7.49 | 1h 7m |
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SERIE HORNBY MO TINPLATE SCNF 1 ST CLASS COACH CAR A | |
3 Bids | US $7.49 | 1h 8m |
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LIONEL 12059 EARTHEN BUMPERS FOR O GAUGE FASTRACK NEW IN BOX FOR YUR LAYOUT | |
2 Bids | US $11.00 | 1h 12m |
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SERIE HORNBY MO TINPLATE VOITURE LITS 2ND CLASS SLEEPING CAR F | |
3 Bids | US $6.49 | 1h 16m |
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Green Tree Railroad War Scene Model Scale O OO 55 10 | |
0 Bid | US $6.99 | 1h 16m |
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Lionel O gauge track | |
2 Bids | US $12.26 | 1h 17m |
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16 MODEL RR TRAIN PINE TREE for Railroad House Park mix | |
1 Bid | US $.99 | 1h 23m |
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50 N Z Model TREE RAILWAY FARM HOUSE STREET PARK Layout | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 1h 32m |
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69 sections O gauge scale train track curves and straights | |
7 Bids | US $36.00 | 1h 33m |
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RAILROAD OPERATING WATCHMANS SHANTY BY K LINE O O27 GAUGE ACTION ACCESSORIES | |
8 Bids | US $31.88 | 1h 36m |
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VTG HO SCALE ATHEARN 40 SINGLE DOME TANK ATSF 100801 MODEL RR TRAIN CAR V GOOD | |
1 Bid | US $6.50 | 1h 36m |
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200 piece H O brass track w accesories and 2 transformers | |
10 Bids | US $41.76 | 1h 38m |
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lionel marx O gauge train track and wire lot | |
0 Bid | US $4.99 | 1h 39m |
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2 Aurora Postage Stamp sets 4703 Cannon ball 4728 Penn Central Express | |
4 Bids | US $64.00 | 1h 40m |
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LIONEL TMCC 14552 14555 24517 NYC F3 A B B A LTD EDITION 2002 SET EXCELLENT | |
0 Bid | US $699.00 | 1h 53m |
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48719 MARKLIN HO Heavy Duty Flat Car Set NEW | |
0 Bid | US $109.99 | 1h 56m |
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LIONEL TRAIN O27 GAUGE TRACK | |
0 Bid | US $4.99 | 1h 56m |
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1967 Aurora Postage Stamp Trains Micro Gauge Atlas Cars extras ENGINE broke | |
1 Bid | US $60.00 | 2h 3m |
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MTH RAIL KING REALTRAX 10 PC LOT SHORT 55 35 SECTIONS O GAUGE TRAIN TRACK | |
2 Bids | US $20.45 | 2h 5m |
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VINTAGE LIONEL O GAUGE TRACK | |
0 Bid | US $6.99 | 2h 6m |
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100 Model Tree Train Railroad Building Street Scale N Z | |
0 Bid | US $4.99 | 2h 14m |
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16 Forest Green Pine Tree Model Train HO OO Scale MIX | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 2h 17m |
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25 Lot Train Layout Model Tree FARM HOUSE STREET PARK | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 2h 23m |
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HORNBY LOCOMOTIVE DOWNSIDE 30912 TESTED RUNS USED | |
4 Bids | US $37.93 | 2h 28m |
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MTH REALTRAX INFRARED TRACK ACTIVATION DEVICE ILLUMINATED LOCK ON O GAUGE | |
1 Bid | US $19.95 | 2h 30m |
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Shuttle Reversing Circuit | |
0 Bid | US $44.00 | 2h 30m |
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Lionel Model Train Assortment | |
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US $60.00 | 2h 38m |
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Spectrum On30 Scale Train Ventilated Box Car Chesapeake Delaware 27635 | |
6 Bids | US $12.50 | 2h 42m |
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Llagas Creek Track Gauge for G scale | |
2 Bids | US $2.27 | 2h 47m |
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VTG HO SCALE BACHMANN 414715 UNION PACIFIC 206 CABOOSE MODEL RR TRAIN CAR EXLNT | |
1 Bid | US $3.50 | 2h 52m |
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Bachmann G Scale Train 1203 Low Side Gondolas Pacific Coast 88296 | |
8 Bids | US $57.85 | 2h 53m |
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15 LIONEL TRAINS O GAUGE 40 SUPER LONG STRAIGHT TRACKS CLEAN NO RESERVE | |
13 Bids | US $109.05 | 2h 54m |
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K Line K 0690 O Gauge Protection Lockon for all Tubular rail New in Package | |
0 Bid | US $9.95 | 2h 57m |
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MTH HO TRAIN UP 4 8 8 4 BIG BOY STEAM ENGINE SOUNDS 30 DCC MIB 80 3191 1 | |
1 Bid | US $549.99 | 2h 58m |
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25 Lot Green Tree Scale War Scene Train RR Model HO N Z | |
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US $1.99 | 3h 12m |
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VINTAGE POSTWAR RARE ORIGINAL LIONEL X2758 PRR AUTOMOBILE CAR1945 46 FLYING SHOE | |
6 Bids | US $32.00 | 3h 13m |
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MARK TOYS ELECTRIC RAIN TRACK CROSSOVER NOS STILL IN PACKAGE 027 GAUGE | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 3h 16m |
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Lot of 3 Vintage Lionel O27 027 Switch tracks | |
0 Bid | US $8.99 | 3h 21m |
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MTH HO TRAIN CSX SD70ACE ENGINE SOUNDS 30 DCC MIB 80 2001 1 | |
3 Bids | US $155.50 | 3h 21m |
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Hornby R363 Track Pack D Twin Track Extension Set BOXED | |
8 Bids | US $12.62 | 3h 28m |
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MTH 11 99042 Tinplate Standard gauge 0 42 curve track w roadbed 8 pieces | |
20 Bids | US $36.19 | 3h 34m |
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VINTAGE TRAIN SET TRACK MARX TIN LITHO WIND UP UNION PACIFIC NY CTL ROK ISL | |
4 Bids | US $45.03 | 3h 38m |
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American Flyer Vintage Standard Gauge Curve Curved Track 12 Piece Lot | |
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US $19.99 | 3h 39m |
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Lionel electric Trains 0 Gauge Operating Track Section 6 5530 with box | |
1 Bid | US $5.00 | 3h 41m |
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Lionel O ga track 20 Straights 8 curves 6 halfs hardly used | |
3 Bids | US $35.99 | 3h 43m |
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Spectrum On30 Scale Train Ventilated Box Car Painted Unlettered Black 27699 | |
6 Bids | US $11.61 | 3h 43m |
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N Scale Gauge Locomotive Rolling Stock Buildings Lot | |
20 Bids | US $137.50 | 3h 47m |
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Lionel Burlington Northern Extended Vision Caboose Excellent Condition | |
0 Bid | US $50.00 | 3h 54m |
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Lionel O gauge vintage track 42 Pieces 20 str 22 Curv plus UCs track Xing | |
8 Bids | US $42.99 | 3h 55m |
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K LINE Adolphus Bush Aluminum Business Car O Gauge excellent condition | |
0 Bid | US $65.00 | 3h 56m |
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Bachmann G Scale Train 1203 Tank Cars UTLX 88196 | |
9 Bids | US $58.98 | 3h 58m |
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Lionel 027 vintage track 67 pieces in total 35 Str and 32 Curve | |
1 Bid | US $19.00 | 4h 5m |
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Spectrum On30 Scale Train Steam 0 4 0 Porter DCC Tsunami Sound Black 28058 | |
7 Bids | US $130.07 | 4h 8m |
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Spectrum On30 Scale Train Tank Cars Silver 27198 | |
7 Bids | US $10.10 | 4h 8m |
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HOn3 Gauge DRGW Stock Car Kit by E B Valley RR Co | |
0 Bid | US $14.99 | 4h 10m |
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