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Hi, So I’m planning a layout and space is very limited. I can fit a 4-track yard, however only if I use Gargraves O-42 switches since their straight portion is much shorter than the Ross counterpart.  I know the general consensus is that Ross is the better product, however would you think it would be worth the trouble to buy Ross switches, cut the straight portion down (If this is even feasible)  so that the profile matches Gargraves, or should I just go with Gargraves?

The rest of my track is good old tubular 0-27 height and I’d be running mostly modern Lionel and MTH equipment with some postwar thrown in occasionally if that makes a difference one way or the other. 

Thanks!

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It's definitiely feasible to cut down the straight portion of a Ross switch.  I guess they leave it long so that it matches the length of their #020 straight section, if you're substituting a switch for straight track in an oval layout, etc.

I'm not personally familiar with the Gargraves O42 switch.  From what I've been told, the newer GarGraves switches are fine, but the older ones are problematic.  Considering how time consuming it is to replace a switch once it's integrated into a permanent layout, switches aren't an area where you should try to save money!

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