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I am in the process of purchasing switches for my layout and I am planning on using Gargraves  Phantom tinplate track. I was wondering about the difference between Ross and Gargraves switches because they look almost the same to me. The Gargraves seems to be a little less in the cost department as well.

 

Any feedback is appreciated

 

Thanks!

 

Dave

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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.

Originally Posted by JohnS:

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!

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.

another great feature is that they are completely rebuildable. I have gotten some real basket cases, abused, stepped on etc. and returned them all to like new condition. 

 

 
 
 
Originally Posted by jhz563:

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.

 

 

 

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.

We used that combo.  Shimming up the track to meet the switch as the ties on the Gargraves track are slightly shorter than the ones used in the ROSS switches. Keeps from having the ramp up-ramp down effect going onto and off of the switch.
 
I did end up somehow with a couple of pieces of Gargraves track which had the same ties as the switches, same height,  and that was sweet, but I don't know how they got into the new case of track ...  like to have had cases of it early on ...
 
Originally Posted by jhz563:

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.

 

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

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

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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