A brief summary of track systems issued by Lionel since 1900 :
1900-1906, the first track was 2 rail, with a gauge of 2 7/8ths inches, brass rails
1906-1942, Standard Gauge, 3 rail, gauge 2 1/8th inches, tinplate rails
1915-2015, Traditional 0 gauge, 3 rail, gauge 1 1/4 inches, tinplate rails
1927-2015, 027 track, rail, gauge 1 1/4 inches, tinplate rails (ex Ives)
1935-1942, T Rail, 0 gauge (1 1/4 inches), 3 rail, solid steel code 250 rails
1938-1942, 00 Gauge, gauge 3/4 inch, Bakelite roadbed, 3 rail
1938-1942, 00 Gauge, gauge 3/4 inch, Bakelite roadbed, 2 rail
1957-????, Super 0, 0 gauge (1 1/4 inches), 3 rail
1957-1966, H0 track, gauge 16.5mm
1973-????, Trutrack, 0 gauge (1 1/4 inches), 3 rail, aluminium rails
1974-????, H0 track, gauge 16.5mm
1979-1982, S gauge track, 2 rail, 7/8ths inch gauge
2003-today FasTrack, 0 gauge (1 1/4 inches), 3 rail, plastic roadbed
2003-today H0 track reintroduced
2006-today FasTrack, S gauge 2 rail, 7/8ths inch gauge
G Gauge, gauge 1 3/4 inches, 2 rail
G Gauge, gauge 1 3/4 inches, plastic track
Ready to Play, plastic track, 2 inch gauge
Imagineering
Mega Tracks
Lionel 022C Controller for Switches (turnouts, points) 1945-66 |
Lionel 025 Illuminated Bumper 1946-47 |
Lionel 030 Curved and 031 Straight Standard Gauge Silent Track Bed circa 1930 Also made for switches and crossings, and to suit 0 gauge track |
Lionel 41 Accessory Contactor 1936-42 |
Lionel 111-50 Trestle Set from Father and son Set 2555W, 1960 only |
Lionel 111-50 Trestle Set from Father and son Set 2555W, 1960 only |
Lionel 111-50 Trestle Set from Father and son Set 2555W, 1960 only |
Lionel 111-50 Trestle Set from Father and son Set 2555W, 1960 only |
Lionel 1008-50 Camtrol Uncoupler for 027 Track 1957-62 |
Lionel 6019 Remote Control Track Set for 027 Track 1948-69 |
Lionel RCS Remote Control Track Section for 0 gauge Track 1945-49 |
Lionel UCS Remote Control Track Set for 0 gauge Track 1949-69 |
Lionel Track Printing Kit for 027 and 0 gauge track, mail order only, 1952 |
Lionel Track Printing Kit for 027 and 0 gauge track, mail order only, 1952 |
Lionel Track Printing Kit for 027 and 0 gauge track, mail order only, 1952 |
Lionel Track Printing Kit for 027 and 0 gauge track, mail order only, 1952 |
Lionel T-Rail Track
Lionel introduced T-Rail in 1935, production continuing until 1942. T-Rail was three rail 'scale' track with rails joined by miniature fishplates, nuts and bolts for which a wrench was supplied. Each length of track featured ten die cast ties (sleepers) whereas traditional tinplate track used three ties per length. The rails themselves were solid steel code 250, wide 072 (36 inch radius) curves (16 per circle) and long (13 7/8th inches) straight sections. Additional track sections were limited, comprising a 90 degree crossover, 072 switches (points, turnouts) and, 1940-42 only, insulated straight track sections.
Lionel 772 T-Rail straight sections, length 13 7/8ths inches |
Lionel 771 T-Rail 072 curved sections, 16 per complete circle |
Lionel 771 T-Rail 072 curved sections, 16 per complete circle, showing underside |
Lionel 7725 T-Rail straight uncoupler section, length 13 7/8ths inches |
Lionel T-Rail fishplates, for track joining |
Lionel T-Rail nuts and bolts, for track joining |
Lionel T-Rail wrench, for track joining |
Lionel T-Rail wrench, for track joining |
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