I am planning to use tinplate track on my new layout. I would like to retain the uncoupling and operating features that some of my tinplate cars have, but only if there are switches that don't catch the shoes. What is your experience?
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I've always used original Lionel tinplate switches and have never had a shoe catch. However, I have had accidental activation of whistles for whatever reason, and a rare dump from only one prewar log car.
I just switched to Merkur switches so I can run all of my tinplate including thick gear wheel locos like American flyer and Marx. No issues with uncoupling shoes.
George
O22 switches, even the new ones. Look for switches that have the upside-down-spoon for the center contact. Many new switches have rail-type contacts that look nice but are the main culprit for ripping off shoes. I use Gargraves and also a Ross that I removed the rail-center-contact and installed a spoon from an O22 and that has worked well. I run sliding shoes of 1946 and later across the switches. I only run flying shoes of 1945 and early 1946 on ovals without switches.
I've never had a problem with 1122, 1121, K-275/6 &K-375/6 switches.
