I know the general consensus among many here is to use Gargraves Track with Ross Turnouts instead of Gargraves turnouts because they are better made, but does that apply to MANUAL turnouts as well?
Thanks,
John
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Truthfully, I'd just go with the Ross, they're way better switches! There's nothing special about the manual models, they just don't have a remote switch machine installed.
When I was building my layout twenty years ago, I had a lot of issues with gargrave turnouts. Sparking, arching, derailments and the like. Went to Ross and never looked back. And why stop there, Ross sectional track is great.
GarGraves for flex, Ross for the rest.
Thanks for the help. Much appreciated.
John
Assuming you are talking about brand new gear from an authorized dealer, and money is no object, then by all means, buy Ross. Buying used from eBay, is a whole other question.
In general, when buying used, you should stay away from the older generations of both Ross and Gargraves. In the early days, Ross was buying turnouts from Gargraves, making some improvements, and then re-selling them under the Ross name. Old Ross turnouts can often, but not always, be identified by a metal frog instead of a plastic one.
The older Gargraves turnouts can be identified by the longer length of their straight section (versus the shorter straight section of Gargraves' current production). Gargraves has a chart that lists the dimensions of their old products versus their new products. I think this is on their web site, but you might have to ask for it.
The current production of Gargraves--turnouts and flex track--is excellent, reliable and worth the money. I have no experience with Gargraves sectional track. The current production of Ross, both turnouts and sectional track, is outstanding.
Good luck!
Don Merz
@Craftech posted:I know the general consensus among many here is to use Gargraves Track with Ross Turnouts instead of Gargraves turnouts because they are better made, but does that apply to MANUAL turnouts as well?
Thanks,
John
John, We built our room size layout twenty years ago and used Ross hand thrown track switches exclusively. The throws are marked Red and Green on top to indicate Main Line or Passing/Spur. No visitor in twenty years has been confused, not one car has split the switch. John in Lansing, ILL
