Is it still wise to stick with Lionel 0-27 into the future?

[joetheplumber]

Is it still wise to stick with Lionel 027 into the future? I'm referring to the fact that the only place to find 027 tracks are on eBay. What will happen if ten years from now there are no more 027 tracks available on eBay? Also, the only supplier of O gauge trains that can possibly run the 027 curves are made by Lionel. What about if Lionel files for bankruptcy ten or twenty years from now and O gauge trains become obsolete?

Do you think it is wiser to stick with HO scale trains since that scale is plentiful?

 

[Bruette]

the only place to find 027 tracks are on eBay.

Walmart and Amazon both sell Lionel O‑27 Track.

What will happen if ten years from now there are no more 027 tracks available on eBay? Also, the only supplier of O gauge trains that can possibly run the 027 curves are made by Lionel. What about if Lionel files for bankruptcy ten or twenty years from now and O gauge trains become obsolete?

You could be over thinking things. Worry less and enjoy more.

Do you think it is wiser to stick with HO scale trains since that scale is plentiful?

It comes down to which one you prefer. Provided space is not a consideration.

Have you considered Lionel's FasTrack?

Welcome to the forums, we are glad to have you with us!

I for one am interested to know which way you go, and I look forward to seeing what you create.

 

[Mixed Freight]

Try Googling "O-27 3-Rail Track For Sale", and see what pops up. You might be amazed at how many places besides eBay offer new and/or used track for sale, and various brands.

Find and attend some model train shows in your area. You can generally find used track there. Also, any hobby shops that carry O-gauge trains will most definitely have 3-rail track. New track for sure (probably Lionel FasTrack), and sometimes they might also have used track to sell.

Menard's has a good selection of new 3-rail tubular track, albeit the slightly heavier/larger O-31 size instead of actual, true O-27 size. If you don't have a Menard's close enough for you to drive to, you can always order from their website.

Actually, I don't think you have a thing to worry about in regards to finding 3-rail track now, or 10 years in the future, or even beyond that. I'm pretty sure the track will be around for a long, long time.

 

[Iron Horseman]

Is it still wise to stick with Lionel 027 into the future? I'm referring to the fact that the only place to find 027 tracks are on eBay. What will happen if ten years from now there are no more 027 tracks available on eBay? Also, the only supplier of O gauge trains that can possibly run the 027 curves are made by Lionel. What about if Lionel files for bankruptcy ten or twenty years from now and O gauge trains become obsolete?

Do you think it is wiser to stick with HO scale trains since that scale is plentiful?

Well, there is so much 0-27 stuff out there on the used market it will be more like 50 years before it starts becoming rare.

Lionel has gone bankrupt how many times now? and yet still there they are.

O-gauge trains have been going strong for over 100 years now. Getting more popular instead of less popular. I don't think that is an issue.

Why is it you want to stick with O-27? Is your space that limited you could not manage another 4 inches for a standard O-31 curve? I am assuming you are wanting to stick with the tubular track and don't want to switch to FastTrack, or one of the other non-Lionel brands. Personally, I moved to the Atlas track, but I use minimum of O-54.

If you are space constrained to O-27, moving to HO would be a huge mistake because space wise the minimum is more like O-36 size circles. If it is just availability of equipment HO always wins, but like I said above O is becoming more popular not less, and there is no shortage of all types of O equipment tin plate to 1/48 scale stuff to choose from.