Ross Switches and Lionel 022 Switches

They have O31.  I use use switches but mine are O72 so I can't speak to the O31 size.  They do not have a derail feature unless you buy a switch machine like the Z1000 with them.  The feature takes some work to implement (cutting gaps).

Brendan

If you're getting Ross O31 switches, they won't fit exactly into place with the track you have now, on account of the sections of track being longer than the PW switches, so you'd have to kind of cut down the ends of the switch itself, or put in smaller sections of track that connect to the switch. There isn't a non-derailment feature out of the box for their switches; it needs to be wired by the user for the feature to work.

Also Ross switches may need modifications to the center rails if you are running PW cars that use the contact shoes below their trucks for coil couplers or some operating feature. They get caught on the extra center rails of the switches, and so sanding the ends of them down or possibly putting in a track pin should do the trick. Not hard to do at all, but just something to know if you want to get them.

You might want to consider modifying your track plan slightly to take advantage of the Ross Custom RossPlate switches. Otherwise, the smoothest O-31 footprint switches ever made are probably the K-Line SuperSnap, but they get harder to find every day.

Brendan, Carnerd3000, and Rob, thank you for your replies that are very helpful to me. Arnold

It’s my understanding that the RCS 072 devices line up with tubular track. Is there a way to incorporate their other products?

Thanks,

Jay

I must be losing my mind because I have no recollection whatsoever of starting this topic.

Also, I can't remember ever seriously considering replacing my 022 switches with Ross switches.

I'm a big fan of Postwar Lionel 022s; they are non-derailing; IMO look great notwithstanding their toylike appearance; are very economical on the used market; are very reliable and serviceable (I find it fun to fix them); and they have certainly stood the test of time.

Very strange, Arnold

PS: I'm well aware that Ross switches have an excellent reputation, and they certainly look great, but I'm a Postwar Lionel 022 lifer. LOL.

Thanks for responding Arnold. All my switches are Lionel. It’s just that with some operational changes I’m contemplating I could use some of their nifty offerings.

Jay

Arnold, this turned out very well.