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Gauge
 On the real railroads as well as toy trains, gauge refers to the distance between the outside rails of the track. Lionel O gauge track systems—which include O, O-27, and FasTrack-all measure 1 1/4" between the outer rails. Any O gauge car or locomotive can ride on Lionel O gauge track, as long as the curve track used on your layout can accommodate your particular cars (see Minimum Curve section below).
Lionel G gauge track, which is wider than O gauge, supports G gauge cars and locomotives. Lionel S gauge track is narrower than O, and supports American Flyer and other S gauge cars.
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Scale Scale measures the relationship between a model and the real thing. Most Lionel cars generally measure about 1:48 scale. This relationship is approximate for the Lionel Traditional line of cars and locomotives, which typically can run on layouts with tight curves (like O-27 or O-31). Lionel Standard O freight cars and engines, which are made to be as exact as possible to 1:48 scale, oftentimes require a wider minimum curve, such as O-36 or more.
Minimum Curve
This measurement is very useful in purchasing track, locomotives, and rolling stock that are compatible with one another. For example, assemble O-72 curved track into a circle and you will have a 72" diameter layout. Assemble O-31 curved track into a circle, and you will have a layout 31" in diameter. A locomotive with a Minimum Curve requirement of O-31 will run on a layout with O-72 curves, but a locomotive with a Minimum Curve requirement of O-72 will not run on a layout with O-31 curves. For more information on easy layout planning, see The Lionel Train Book found on page 180.
Recommended Minimum Curve
Lionel locomotives and rolling stock are thoroughly tested to determine their Minimum Curve requirement. In some cases, a Lionel car or locomotive may be able to easily negotiate most, but not all, possible track configurations for that Minimum Curve. For these products, a Recommended Minimum Curve is also given. This larger measurement allows for all combinations of Lionel track and switches.
Traditional vs. Standard O Lionel O gauge locomotives and rolling stock are divided into two basic categories –Traditional and Standard O. Both lines are O gauge and can be run together if Minimum Curve requirements allow. Generally, the difference is a matter of size and consistent proportions. Traditional locomotives are sized for Traditional Rolling Stock, and Standard O locomotives are sized for Standard O Rolling Stock. Some other distinguishing features of each category are listed at the right.
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| Lionel Traditional |
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Based on classic Lionel designs |
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Approximate scale proportions |
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Perfect additions to Lionel ready-to-run train sets |
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Can run on any O gauge track curve, even O-27 (unless noted otherwise) | | |
| Lionel Standard O |
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Accurate reproductions of rolling stock and locomotives |
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Scale proportions |
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Super-detailed with many separately applied parts |
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Check the Minimum Curve requirement for each car or locomotive | | |
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