Lionel was at its postwar best in consumer interest as well as quality of product during  the late 1940's and into the early 1950s. Like every other successful company, Lionel was always looking towards the future to be certain their product would meet their consumer's future needs. As the 1950s progressed, however, there was a definite sagging of interest in Lionel's 0 and 027 gauge toy trains. HO trains were quickly becoming the leading model railroad gauge in America. HO track used two rails, while Lionel used Three, and the ties of HO track were much more realistic-looking.

Lionel was quite concerned as sales and profits dropped. They searched for fresh ideas to rekindle interest in their toy trains. They reviewed and tried many ideas. One major effort was to develop a new track system. This was the start of "Super O" track. Let me tell you about Lionel "Super O" track and try to spur your imagination back to 1957 when it was introduced for sale as well as in the new Lionel Showroom layout.

During the mid-fifties the space program and many new technological changes were occurring within the United States. Interest in Lionel trains was dramatically on the wane. Lionel sales were plummeting. Electric car sets, HO scale trains, space programs, chemistry sets, plastic models (of cars, planes, boats, etc.) and many other venues were taking away from Lionel sales. Lionel needed to come up with something to try and reinvigorate the interest of the train buying public.

One area that provided an opportunity was the unrealistic appearance of their 3-rail tinplate track system. Lionel had long been subject to criticism for the "toy like" appearance of their 3-rail track system compared to their main competitor, American Flyer, who had a 2-rail track. There was no way Lionel could switch to 2-rail but they made a valiant attempt to provide a much more realistic looking track system.

"Super O" was introduced in 1957 and was available for sale through 1966. "Super O" would continue to offer the main 3-rail advantage (ease of hook-ups for reversing loops) and be "scale like" in appearance. With its multitude of highly detailed dark brown railroad ties (16 per 9" straight section compared to three  for traditional tubular track) which included a wood grain appearance, simulated track plates and spikes plus a realistic flat "T" profiled rail, "Super O" was very strong on realism. Ordinary O gauge track has 3 identical tubular rails. In addition to replacing the outside tubular rails with "T" rails, the inside third rail of "Super O" was replaced with an "invisible" third rail made of copper that provided a most attractive alternative to traditional tubular track. Not to mention, that if it caught on, "Super O" would spur a whole new group of purchases for their new track system and hopefully revitalize interest in their trains.

The patent was issued by the US patent office on March 30, 1954:

•  Patent Number 2,673,689 Toy Railroad Track
•  Inventor of Record is Joseph L. Bonnano
•  The patent was applied for on March 26, 1951

Due to the small size and unique shape of the rails, thin strips of copper were used as track pins. The plastic ties were designed to lock sections together. The middle rails used clips which were pressed on top of the two joining rails. This method required operators to occasionally inspect the track bed and make sure no clips were slipping off from the rollers moving over them.

"Super O" was a creative attempt to rekindle interest in Lionel trains. Lionel advertised that "Super O" would enhance Magne-Traction due to the flat surface of the rails compared to the curved surface of O and O27 gauge track. The track system was made available with a complete package of components that included conversion pins so "Super O" could connect to O and O27 gauge tubular track. Most available items are listed below:                                  

• #31 Curves
• #32 Straights
• #33 1/2 Curves
• #34 1/2 Straight
• #36 Remote Control Set
• 2 Rails
• #90 Button
• #37 Uncoupler Set
• Uncoupler
• #90 Button
• #38 Accessory Track
• #43 Power Track
• #48 Insulated Straight
• #49 Insulated Curve          
• #61 Ground Lockon
• #62 Power Lockon
• #112, 112R Electirc Switches                            
• #120 90 Degree Crossover
• #130 60 Degree Crossover
• #142, #142-125, # 142-150 Manual Switches
• #31-7, #31-25, #31-45 Power Bus Bar
• #32-10, #32-20, #32-45, # 32-55 Insulated Power Bus Bar
• #31-5, #31-15 Steel Coupling Pins
• #32-10, #32-55 Insulated Coupling Pins
• 1122-500 Adapter Set (027 to "Super O")
• T022-500 Adapter Set (O to "Super O"

Lionel "Super O" Track.....What You Need to Know can be accessed through this link: Super O Need to Know

Not all "Super O" items were produced throughout the 1957 to 1966 time span. As you probably know, the system never had the desired effect of stimulating the type of interest for which Lionel had hoped. It seems if Lionel would have elected to produce 54" and 72" diameter track and switches in addition to 36" diameter track it might have helped out, but, that probably was not the answer either. "Super O" was last offered by Lionel in 1966, as Lionel cut back on all areas of train production "Super O"'s time had come and gone as it slowly disappeared from the market.

Okay, okay...........the questions are: Does Lionel still have the tooling for "Super O" or not? Wasn't it scrapped years ago? Could Lionel reissue "Super O"? Would they?

Well, I would never be the one to perpetuate controversy but here is what I am led to believe to understand from those who seem to have some insight into this situation. In the first place it was the common impression from "insiders" at Lionel, several years ago, that all the tooling for "Super O" had been scrapped. At that time I had this verified from a high level Lionel (since retired) employee. Well, so much for the validity of that information, at least in totality.

All the sudden, however, I know 3 individuals who say the tooling does exist! Now, what does that mean? Is it just for curves and straights? All items including switches? Or what ? Well, I do not know the answer to all but take a look at the below picture:

What you are looking at is a sample (left side of picture) of "Super O" (ties and road bed only) that was shot in 1999 / 2000 compared to a regular production "Super O" curved section from the 1957 / 1966 genre. As you can see the sample is black instead of traditional brown. I am also lead to believe that there are some straight shots that have been produced in white. Apparently Lionel was testing to determine the tooling's performance. Does the tooling still operate properly? The test appears to have been successful. Those who have the roadbed samples say it looks great. Many, many questions still exist as to whether other tooling exists and if Lionel would ever produce "Super O" track again. Certainly, the switches would present a formidable challenge as they generally work fine but can be fragile.

What about the "Super O" rail? If you remember, years ago Lionel made a flat car (#6805 from 1958, 59 and reissued in 1980 as #9234) that carried radioactive cannisters (where was the EPA when we needed them?). If you carefully think back, electricity to the cannisters was carried through "Super O" rails. So, up until 1980 Lionel either had left over rail stock or capabilities to produce or procure rail stock.

From several conversations with those who seem to have inside information and from conversations with some Lionel people who added little, I can say that it appears that Lionel still has the capability to produce "at least" the roadbed for curves and straights. Now, reproductions and originals are available for bus bars, power and ground lockons, insulated coupling as well as steel coupling pins but what about ALL the other "Super O" parts?

The rumor was that Lionel was "considering" a one time run" of Super O" straights and curves. No idea, really, when or if this is, or ever was true but..........IF Lionel wanted to produce "Super O" just to satisfy the pent up demand for curves and straights they probably could. Is the market large enough? How much can we actually buy? Would it justify recovery costs and a profit?

Today, there are a plethora of track systems on the market. Never have there been more track systems for 027 and O gauge trains. One of the advantages of "Super O" is that it still provides maximum effect for Magne-Traction locomotives due to the flat surface of the steel rail top. Many modern scale detailed track systems are not ferromagnetic, making Magne-Traction ineffective. "Super O" is now available on the secondary market custom fitted to any desired diameter. Of course, the switches remain 36" diameter (measured center rail to center rail).

Also worthy of note is an exquisite 24 page booklet that was first offered in 1962 by then Lionel dealer J. L. Rudley. Not only are there 18 pages of well detailed "Super O" layouts, but all layouts include an itemized list of necessary components. Also included are 6 pages featuring scenery, accessories and wiring. It is a fine "Super O" reference book. Don't miss it if "Super O" is your interest.

Should you have further questions about "Super O" track I may be contacted through eBay. I have developed an interest in this almost 50 year old track system which many consider the most realistic track system ever offered.

Lionelsuperotrack (Mike)