I have used Atlas switches all of my life and recently have noticed some things. First, I have had many switches misalign after a train is done going through them. I recently had an SD40-2 hit the floor due to this. I have also encountered many derailments. I know the easy solution would be to buy a ton of switch machines, but at 10 dollars a piece, that’s a little to much for a switch lock. Anyway I plan to add tortoises eventually so this would be a waste of money. I really don’t want to nail the throw bar in one position as I prefer functional switches for bringing locomotives in and out of the yard. Second, I have noticed that a few of my switches have bent throw arms or a bow in the middle of them after about a month or two of normal operations. This usually happens when I run my J1a, a gg1, or an SD70ACE. The SD70ACEs don’t do it as often, but still have a few times. I am completely confused on what to do until I decide to switch to PECO or Shinohara. Also does anyone have preferences over the two brands?(Peco and Shinohara) I am open to any ideas or suggestions. Thank you all.
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