Difference Between Gargraves Switch and Ross Switch

Gargraves turnouts use Gargraves rail stapled to a molded plastic base. Though the points are better than they used to be, they're nowhere near the fit and finish of Ross turnouts.

Ross turnouts are hand crafted from Gargraves-compatible rail glued and spiked to the ties, use gargraves pins, have stringers running in the ties to keep everything laser-straight, and come in a variety of sizes and styles not available from any other O gauge manufacturer. I like the the standard 11-degree turnout (#5) as it is a good size, allows good mainline spacing on crossovers, and is precise enough to support scale-wheeled equipment.

Trust me (and others on the Forum) when I say they're worth the extra money. You can get them from several dealers including Mercer Junction Trains.

night and day, Ross are the best by far. selection surpasses ALL other manufacturers by miles. your choice should be clear.

Exactly my opinion as well. Gargraves has no where near the variety of the Ross switches nor the smooth operation. If you are building a permanent layout consider it a wise investment to go with Ross.

Over the years I have been replacing my Gargraves switches with Ross, as I run into problems with the GG switches.  I have some 66 switches on the layout, so the complete changeover will take some time, but as of now, I haven't an exact count but I would guess that there are only 15 to 20 GG switches left.

The other thing that Ross offers is much more variety of switches.  Steve has switches on curves of many different radius combinations, 3 way, 4 way and 5 way switches plus both double crossovers, double slip switches and more and some of these with different switch lengths.   Gargraves track is and always will be a great track system to use, whether you use fixed diameter "snap track" sections or actually bend your own curves.  But for switches, the Ross precision construction and design beats all the others.

If you go to York, you owe it to yourself to stop in and visit the Ross Custom booth.  It's right across the aisle from the OGR booth, which also is worthy of a visit.

Paul Fischer

as the saying goes... you get what you pay for! Gargraves...while a little cheaper is not worth the savings from stepping up to Ross!

• the switch frogs on ross are almost unnoticable when you roll over a freight car and/or passenger car compred to the Gargraves which bounces the car around.
• The Ross switch points are better crafted and don't "get picked" as compared to Ross.
• besides the multitude of switches from Ross, Ross also sells his compatible roadbed for his tracks and switches!
• Ross switches don't "Flex' and are more rigid than Gargraves which are stapled every other Plastic flex tie.
• Ross switches like their track have metal spikes in every tie.

I am sure others will chime in with more comments!

Another difference is about $40 for Gargraves vs about $80 for ROSS.  That said, we think ROSS is well worth the extra $$ for all the reasons above.

I just picked up some of each, second hand from another forum member.  I am hugely impressed by the Ross.  There are some minor issues, but it is used.

The GG on the other hand, well the price was right.  these are used but what I see so far is that pivot end of the points doesn't line up correctly with the running rail.  they only showed up yesterday so I haven't tried to run a truck over them yet but I foresee problems.

Now keep in mind these are older and used.  GG is actually my prefered track and I have a stockpile waiting to be installed.  I will likely be building my pike with the tried and true combo of most GG track and Ross switches.

I would also recommend Ross. Wonderful owner in Steve and a top-drawer product.

Does anyone know if they are a " drop in"replacement for Gargraves switches ?

thanks,

Ed

If you are looking to go budget GG has the best track deal.

For general all around 3 rail use there is no sane reason to use anything other than Ross for turnouts.

After having used all available three rail switches out there I see no reason to use anything other than Ross. 

I am not in this game for extra grief. 

Ross turnouts and GG track are a default standard.

If Ross switches did not exist and only if Ross switches did not exist I would use MTH.

I replaced my Gargraves switches with Ross years ago. If your on a tight budget then go for Gargraves swtches. It's kind of like a Chevy and a BMW. You get what you pay for. Ross works and looks much better. Don

From what I have read, I would go with Ross switches as well.

Had a chance to buy a small box of Ross switches at a hobby shop, but didn't know that Ross was better switch, so I passed it up. Now I could kick myself in the rear end for not buy those switches.

Anyway, I think that Ross and Gargraves can use the same switch machines, a DZ-1000 or a DZ-2500.

Lee Fritz

The best of the best....Atlas track and Ross switches.  Well worth the money and will last a lifetime.  BigRail

We have been using Ross switches for at least 22 years. They are flawless in operation and in my opinion they are worth the cost. If you are going to York in October, Ross will be there with a generous supply of switches and might even save a few bucks (at least shipping cost).  

Happy railroading in whatever you choose.

Woody

Thank you Dennis

Ed

OP here,

First thanks to all who responded!

By my count there are about 17 of you for going with Ross and Zero for Gargraves. That kinda makes the choice pretty easy dosen't it!

Thanks again

My layout was published in O guage mag about 2 yrs ago. I've used Ross switches for 30 yrs & never had a problem, Recommend them highly. Fil Fillion