FAQ2

1.What types of trains do we sell?

Since 1981 Collectible Trains and Toys has specialized in O-Gauge Trains, both old and new, used and current, from many manufacturers. In addition we carry a variety of other sizes of trains and accessories. Please see ABOUT US for a more complete listing.

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2.What does “Gauge” mean?

Gauge is simply the distance between the running rails of a train track. In America real trains run on track that is 4’-8½” between the rails, usually called Standard Gauge. Some historic and mountain railroads used a smaller track gauge (such as 3’ Gauge) often referred to as Narrow Gauge. In model trains there are many different gauges that are measured in Imperial dimensions (inches) or Metric (millimeters) depending on their origins. These track gauges are often designated by using letters such as “O”, “HO” or “N”. Some of these types are also described by a “Code” which is a measurement of the height of the actual rail in thousandths of an inch. For instance “Code 100” has a rail 1/100th of an inch high.

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3.What is the difference between Gauge and Scale?

Although the two terms are used almost interchangeably they mean very different things. As mentioned above:

Gauge is the distance between the rails of the track.

Scale is the proportion to which the models are built.

O-Scale for instance is often defined as 1:48 Scale. That means the models are 1/48 the size of the real thing. For many reasons pure scale construction cannot always be rigidly built into the models and some small compromises have to be accepted even in a “Scale Model”. Often the “O-Gauge” model trains are built to “around 1:48” scale. You might see the terms “O-Gauge trains” or “H-O Gauge” for instance they could refer to the size of the trains AND/OR the gauge of the track depending on the context. When the word “Scale” is used it should be a specific reference to the proportion. Click HERE to learn about the different Scales.

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4.Why do O-Gauge trains use AC power to the track?

The short answer is – that’s the way it has always been. Electric trains pick up power for the motors and lights from the track – of course. Electricity needs two connections in order to flow. In simple terms “hot and ground leads” for Alternating Current or “positive and negative leads” for Direct Current. In the early days of all metal electric trains, rather than try to build a model in which the wheels had to be insulated from each other and from the metal frame, it was MUCH easier to manufacture a model where all the wheels picked up one lead of power from both of the outside rails. An insulated center rail was added to provide the other lead to a simple insulated pickup attached to the underside of the train. With advances in manufacturing technology there have been many 2-Rail variations over the years (and most other sizes of trains have adapted the 2-Rail format) but the traditional 3-Rail style has endured in O-Gauge railroading. As far as why the difference between AC and DC power at the track there are similar technological reasons. Early in the 20th Century, with the introduction of “Primitive” power supplies, it was necessary to manufacture a “transformer” that would convert house current to the lower voltages necessary for toy trains. It was much simpler and less expensive at the time to manufacture these early transformers to supply an AC output than DC. Small AC motor technology was also much easier to manage. As time passed and technology improved many types of toy trains migrated to DC motors and affordable DC output transformers.

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5.Are toy train transformers safe?

Absolutely. The output voltage and current is so small there is no shock danger. As with any electrical appliance care should be taken with children. Make sure any older transformers are in good working condition and the cord is not brittle or frayed.

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6.What do the terms “O”, “O-27”, FasTrack©, RealTrax©, etc. mean?

Traditional Lionel-type trains have used a 3-rail track system for over 100 years. Around 1915, Lionel© introduced a new line of trains that used a gauge (distance between the rails) of 1-1/4”, generally referred to as “O-Gauge”. Since that time there have been many variations of track that have used the common 3-rail, 1-1/4” standard.

However the height and cross section of the rails, shape of the rails, and the materials used in the track all depend on the manufacturer.

“O-Gauge” and “O-27 Gauge” track both use a traditional hollow steel rail mounted on steel ties and connected with steel track pins in each rail. “O-Gauge” is the heavy-duty version compared to “O-27 Gauge” track. It uses a slightly larger diameter and taller rail (about 11/16” compared to 7/16”), the standard “O-Gauge” straight track is longer (10” to 8-3/4”) and standard curve tracks make a larger circle (approximately 31” to 27”). In 3-rail trains the circle diameter is usually measured from outside rail to outside rail. The 27” diameter circle is where “O-27” gets its name. The “O-Gauge” track is often referred to as “O-31” track to differentiate the tracks. Although the gauge is the same the two types of track are not interchangeable. Both types of tracks have many additional pieces available to change the geometry and configuration of the layout. Tracks to make a number of larger diameter circles, crossings, switching tracks and trestle sets are available for both types. “O-27” tracks and accessories are usually somewhat less expensive than the “O-Gauge” versions.

Until recently Lionel© Trains Sets came equipped with either “O” or “O-27” track depending primarily on the price and features of the set. Most sets had “O-27” track while the more desirable deluxe sets came with “O-31”. Lionel© a few years ago discontinued the use of “O-27” track in starter sets and has introduced a much nicer replacement standard track called “FasTrack”© which is just one of many “O-Gauge” 3-Rail tracks available today. MTH (Mike’s Train House) has their RealTrax© and ScaleTrax© systems, Atlas-O has their very realistic looking 21st Century Track© system, and until recently K-Line Electric Trains had the SuperSnap© system which Lionel has been slowly re-introducing. Click HERE for examples. There are in addition any number of other options both old and new.

The thing to understand is this: Virtually ANY brand of 3-Rail O-Gauge train will run on ANY brand of 3-Rail track --- BUT --- the types and brands of track will not usually interchange. Although there are some adapters available to go from one type to another, in general it is best to stick with a single type of track. Also some engines and rolling stock may need a larger than standard or minimum diameter of circle.

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7.Which is the best type or brand of track for “O” Trains?

There is no one simple answer and many 3-Rail enthusiasts have their own favorites. It depends on many factors. While “O-27” track is not suitable for many of the longer, heavier scale-type trains that most manufacturers offer these days, any of the other tracks work well for virtually everything both old and new. Availability, convenience, appearance and price are factors that figure into a track decision.

The traditional “O-Gauge” and “O-27” tubular steel track is usually the most widely available (due to its long manufacturing lifespan and is typically cheaper than the newer types of tracks. The sections of Lionel© FasTrack and MTH© RealTrax lock together to form a layout that won’t slip apart and both have an attractive molded base that can be used on carpeted or finished surfaces. Both are well-suited to both temporary and permanent layouts. The Atlas-O© System features nickel-silver rails with a blackened center rail mounted on a very realistic tie bed and many modelers prefer the realistic look that can be achieved on a permanent layout when ballast is added.

In addition there are any number of other types of 3-Rail tracks that are available to the dedicated modeler.

“O-Gauge”, “O-27”, Lionel© FasTrack, MTH© RealTrax and the Atlas-O© System are the most widely used and readily available of the 3-Rail Track Systems.

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8.What are some of the most common model gauges?

There have been a great many toy train gauges that have been used over the years around the world. Some have faded into history, some have found a niche among dedicated modelers and collectors and others have become long time standards. Following are some of the most well know.

      2-7/8” Gauge: Some of the earliest toy trains used a track of this gauge. Lionel used it from about 1900 to 1905.

      Standard Gauge 2-1/8”: Lionel introduced this 2-1/8” Gauge in 1906. It was only “Standard” because Joshua Lionel Cowen said it was. There was no standardization in American-made trains at the time and Cowen wanted to set the standards. It was a great marketing ploy. When an enthusiast visited the toy or hardware store to – hopefully – buy more track, all he had to do was ask for the “Standard” kind. It worked. Lionel used Standard Gauge for their more expensive premium train lines but soon other manufacturers started making their trains to fit Lionel’s Standard Gauge line. Standard Gauge was discontinued by 1939 but several manufacturers including Lionel and MTH have engineered a resurgence of interest in the size and there have been many beautiful Standard Gauge trains reproduced or “re-imagined” for more than 20 years.

      O-Gauge 1-1/4”: O-Gauge has a somewhat longer history. In Europe toy train track had evolved an earlier gauge standardization. Track gauges were numbered; 3-Gauge, 2-Gauge, 1-Gauge in decreasing widths. What we usually refer to as O-Gauge (like the letter O) is actually Zero-Gauge. In Europe the gauge is 32mm and for the US it is 1-1/4”. Lionel did not re-invent the wheel here. It simply used the regular Standard tubular rail, shorter in length, narrowed in width, and mounted on smaller metal ties.

      O-Gauge track was introduced by Lionel into the line about 1915 for its lower priced trains (compared to Standard Gauge). O-Gauge trains were typically smaller, cheaper versions of premium Standard line. The Great Depression, starting in 1929, sealed the fate of the expensive line of Standard Gauge trains not only for Lionel but for any number of other high-end train makers. Lionel survived (barely) due to the now extensive line of lower priced O-Gauge trains.

      O-Gauge trains and track are of course still made today but often with variety, details and features that could not be dreamed of then.

      G-Gauge or 1-Gauge 45mm: In the U.S. this Gauge is better known as G-Gauge, however it has been around for over 100 years known as 1-Gauge track. A company known as L.G.B. (Lehmann-Gross-Bahn or Lehmann’s Big Train) chose this gauge for its famous line of weather-proof Garden Trains (or gartenbahn) introduced in the U.S. 40 years ago. Currently several companies produce these large trains in various scales that all run on G-Gauge track. Each make their own variation of 45mm track using various rail shapes and “codes”. The “code” (or rail height) can vary considerably and again there is not as much compatibility between brands as you might think.

            S-Gauge or American Flyer: Although most modelers think of American Flyer trains when they hear S-Gauge, in fact the gauge is derived from a very old European size. It is actually half the width of G-Gauge at about 22.5mm or .884”. It was popularized in the U.S. after WWII by A.C. Gilbert’s American Flyer Trains with the introduction of a complete line of newly re-engineered models. Built to 1/64th Scale they were somewhat smaller than Lionel and featured a 2-Rail instead of 3-Rail track. American Flyer was purchased by Lionel in the late 60’s and since 1979 Lionel has produced a very extensive catalog of S-Gauge models. In addition in the last 15-20 years several other small S-Gauge companies have provided extensive additions to the line.

      There are limited sources available currently for S-Gauge track.

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      HO Gauge: Ho Gauge Track is a 2-Rail track 5/8” (16.5mm) wide. It is one of the most popular train sizes worldwide and in general uses trains modeled to 1:87th Scale. The term HO means “Half-O” but the evolution of the scale/gauge combination is very extensive and complex. There are many varieties of HO-Gauge track and once again they may not interchange. In general most HO trains run on most HO track.

      The most notable exception is Marklin, A very old and respected German company that has evolved into a state-of-the-art manufacturer whom many credit with establishing the popularity of HO worldwide starting in the 1930s. Marklin HO trains have retained their original 3-Rail system and even though the Scale matches, Marklin and American style HO trains and track are not compatible.

      OO-Gauge: This is a somewhat variable Gauge that gained some popularity in the U.S. before WWII. Technically OO-Gauge is 19mm between the rails but worldwide it has evolved into a combination of trains that are 4mm scale (about 1:76th – slightly larger than normal HO Scale) that run on regular HO-Gauge track. Lionel oddly made a very limited line of OO Trains from 1938-1942, with production ending at the start of WWII. These were somewhat expensive, very nicely made well detailed models that were offered in Scale and Semi-Scale 2-Rail and 3-Rail versions and ran on Lionel-made track. Lionel dropped all references to the line after the war.

      TT-Gauge:TT-Gauge is a niche modeling scale that is much more popular in Eastern Europe than the West. It is 1:120 Scale and uses a 12mm gauge. Curiously the scale was invented and marketed in the U.S. by Hal Joyce immediately after WWII. It derived from a common engineering scale where 1” equals 10ft. Its popularity declined with the greater acceptance on N-Scale.

      There are a number of overseas companies that have some TT production. As with many model train related adaptations, the British have made subtle changes to the original designs. In England the scale has evolved into a 3mm (1:100th) scale and there are several Narrow-Gauge variations using smaller track.

      N-Gauge: N-Gauge is a 2-Rail system using a 9mm Gauge track. N-Scale however is not as well defined. The scale ranges from 1:148thscale to 1:160th scale worldwide. Typically in the U.S. it refers to 1:160th scale but they all run on the standardized 9mm track.

     Z-Gauge: Z-Gauge is the smallest commercially available train model size with a complete operational system. The track gauge is 6.5mm and the scale is defined as 1:220th. These trains were introduced by the German manufacturer Marklin at the 1972 International Toy Fair in Nuremburg Germany. Since then they have enjoyed a prominent place in Marklin’s catalogs with prototype engines and rolling stock representing countries from around the world.

      The letter Z (Zed) was chosen as “the last word” in train scales, assuming there would never be another smaller.

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