presently have a round the room layout. Gargraves track. I would like to put in a crossover and reverse loop. Am I asking for problems using the tubular switches with gargraves adapter pins. Thanks in advance. Tstark
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I have several Lionel modern era Lionel 0-72 switches. Many have not had problems with them, but if I had it to do over and I wanted to stay with tubular switches, Ross would be my only choice.
If you are using Gargraves Track, are you considering tubular switches only because you have them?
If you use O-27 profile switches, the GarGraves mating pins work great, and the two track systems are virtually the same height.
I have a lot of GarGraves switches, but even more tubular, so I will probably use a mixture on my next layout of GarGraves(various types), K-Line K-275 & K-276 O-42(27), a few Lionel O-42(27), and a few 1122/1122E. I have accumulated hundreds of the mating pins to accomplish this.
Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:
I have several Lionel modern era Lionel 0-72 switches. Many have not had problems with them, but if I had it to do over and I wanted to stay with tubular switches, Ross would be my only choice.
If you are using Gargraves Track, are you considering tubular switches only because you have them?
I already have these switches they are all o gauge. I am not adverse to buying the regular Ross if they will make it easier.
O gauge profile switches are taller than gargraves track. Where I used them Irouted out the table top by 1/8" and they lined up. This kept the track level and avoided grade elevations going into the switches.
Tom
Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:
Many have not had problems with them, but if I had it to do over and I wanted to stay with tubular switches, Ross would be my only choice.
Brian:
Another alternative is to replace your modern tubular O72s with Prewar Lionel #711 switches. The performance is much better.
There are many variations of the 711's. Some are just annoying (early ones have no fixed voltage plugs), some render them unusable for later trains (the early frogless variety will knock the pickup shoes off a postwar operating car). I am building a layout that needs 29 of them and I have been accumulating them for about 9 years. Please ask questions if you think it's something you might like to try.
711s are an even-up swap with a modern O72. They're diecast, so they're tough as all get-out. Prices have dropped recently on eBay as well.
HTH.
Steven J. Serenska
Thanks Steven. I am just looking into the rear view mirror. Ross had not come out with their line of tubular switches at the time I could have used them.
Marty F. is the master of tubular track applications and I think he served as a test source for the Ross switches. If you have been to Marty's layout and like tubular track, the Ross switches he has installed will make your decision very easy.
And Tstark, go with the Ross switches either the standard or tubular. You won't regret it.
I am living with what we have, but probably will eventually change them all out.
I have used Gargraves switches with 031 tubular and I shimmed the Gargraves track to the height of the switch starting about three feet before the Gargraves switch.
Gargraves works much better with 027 profile track as you don't need to shim the track or cut out an area beneath the switch.
Be sure to use the proper adapter pins with Gargraves track.
If you have MTH engine go with Ross Custom switches.
Lee Fritz
