In my opinion, most of the problems with sectional track switches and operating track sections are due to the unintended consequences of the angled wheel. The basis of my argument is shown in the sketch. Angled wheel sets can accommodate significant variations in wheel gauge and track gauge because it always centers the trucks of our trains for smooth running. To the contrary, when an angled wheel set goes through a switch or operating track section, there are consequences that negate the advantage of the angled wheel set.
Consider what happens when a narrow gauge wheel set goes through a switch with wide gauge rail. Sparks, derailments and at best, swaying / hopping of the train. When one angled wheel of a set finds a gap in the rail of a switch, a side thrust of the wheel set into the gap occurs. The guard rail should negate the side thrust, but the spacing of guard rails from the track rails in sectional track switches is not effective.
Wheel and track gauge standards are necessary for O-gauge trains.
