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What To Look For When Purchasing "Super-O"
Track
By Mike Spanier
Lionel "Super-O" track is typically 40 years old (or
so) and has stood the test of time reasonably well…kind
of!
You must keep in mind that some rust on the track underside as
well on the sides of rails is very common and does not effect
the operation of the track. Also, discoloration on the rail sides
is very common. You can clean the tops of the rails and in fact
the entire track section should you elect with excellent results
depending on what you start with. When purchasing "Super-O",
if the above shortcomings are a problem for you questions must
be asked beforehand.
Some Like New or Mint sections are available but you will pay
a substantial premium.
Other questions need to be addressed when purchasing "Super-O"
as care is needed to be sure each section is in good operating
condition. Does the track have 2 steel coupling pins per section?
Are bus bar connectors for each section included? It is very helpful
to have the pamphlet "How to Assemble Lionel 'Super-O' Track".
Is it included? It is very common with "Super-O" to
find track where:
A) Steel coupling pins are broken off in the rail.
B) Steel coupling missing pins.
C) Bus bar connectors to join the center rail are missing.
D) The copper strip is loose from its moorings.
Broken Track Pins make a section of no use to most of us. Occasionally,
if the broken pins are in the non crimped end they can easily
be pushed in. This situation is almost impossible to resolve without
ruining the track. Many times I just destroy the section to get
at the pins that are embedded to reuse the pins.
Missing track pins are very hard to replace as reproduction pins
are not made. Close approximations from Gargraves or American
Flyer pins are available but no exact duplicates are available.
Sometimes the copper strip (3rd rail) can be pushed back in but
none the less it is an irritant and Bus bars can be found with
a little persistance.
Always enjoy hearing from you.
Best, Mike
P.S. If anyone would like to receive The Story of Lionel "Super-O"
Track let me know and I will e-mail it to you.
hspanier@aol.com
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