Replacing old switched with new

If you used #4 switches instead of O72, it would have the advantage of less S-curve through the crossovers because the angle of divergence is only 14 degrees instead of 22.5 degrees. You could also consider a Ross #8 scissors crossover to fit in the same length with really easy curves.

I thought of that, the #11 would fit better but I still have to nudge the parallel tracks together by 1".  Not a show stopper.  the price is a show stopper, or at least a yellow caution light. 

So if you already have the O72 switches, that would be my choice instead of shelling out for more switches.

If you are having problems negotiating the crossovers because of the S-curves, then it might be worth the time effort and cash to swap out for #4 switches.

I just put in a crossover using a used pair of Ross #4's that I picked up, butted right together for my ~4.5" track spacing, and it is a thing of beauty.  You can't go wrong.

Beemer posted:

I thought of that, the #11 would fit better but I still have to nudge the parallel tracks together by 1".  Not a show stopper.  the price is a show stopper, or at least a yellow caution light. 

Just add a short piece of straight track between the two diverging switch legs to maintain your parallel track spacing.

The crossover at present is 90% of my derailments, stalls and failures to actuate. The Atlas switches are just falling apart; so I don't know if it's the configuration or the actual switches causing a lot of the problems.  The area (of course) by Murphy's law, is the hardest part of the layout to reach.  So I want to fix it once for all and never, ever have to remove houses, crawl under the table, remove a section of the table top, squeeze through the hole and put the train back on the track. 

Major house issues (roof, insurance, kitchen!!) have all of a sudden drained my kitty so know I have to make a decision that would have been a no brainer just a month ago.

1) Buy one 072 switch and use four 072 for a crossover

2) Buy a #11 (does he still make them or do I have to assemble the parts??) or a #8 double crossover

3) Buy a regular double crossover #175?  Lots cheaper than a #8

4) Any other ideas? Would a #275 doubleslip work on a mainline for example.

Another option with three ways, Ross 204  #4 switches.  Lower middle and middle left of the picture.  Five tracks are connected within 6 ft. These  three way switches were custom fit to existing #5 switches that we had.  Track spacing is 4 1/4" center to center. 

Photobucket Video.  Mouse over the image and click on the triangle.