short answer please- after having MTH/Lionel track problems, I don't want the MTH switches EITHER??

If Ross makes a switch you need, they have a superb reputation and customer service.

http://www.rossswitches.com/

Might also look at Gargraves as well.

http://www.gargraves.com/

Ross Standard Gauge switches have been discussed many times here on the forum, do a search and read some of the older threads. The Ross does not come in 42" regular diameter like the original Lionel and newer MTH switches do (of course everyone should be contacting Ross and asking them to make them). But they do come in a wide radius 72" diameter version. This is by far the best SG switch ever made. You can get some ideas on how to build a simple railway using different diameter curved tracks in this thread:

https://ogrforum.com/t...51#49015626713277451

The Ross does use a DC powered LGB switch machine and some think this is the end of the world... I do not. I like the low-profile of the machine plus the power for the throws is plenty and throws are crisp. The switch utilizes tinplate rail (which they get from USA Track) with a movable frog design. This ensures that the train never transverses a gap in the rail.

Hope this helps,

ARNO

The only MTH switches I have experience with are the 72" and it has been a very, very bad experience. No need to go into details. The 42" switch is a copy of an old Lionel switch. I have been told these are much better than the 72's but I cannot confirm or deny from personal experience. 

It's really no trouble to set up a separate DC power supply for the Ross switch motors. All you need is a cheap, used HO power pack or something like it. Run a couple of wires and you're in business. Personally, I will never, ever install another MTH or Lionel Standard Gauge switch, and if somebody wants me to install one on his layout or a club layout, too bad - somebody else can install it. 

Look at the STD track,  you don't want the center rail staked , just bent over,  if they are staked,  its going to short, all of mine did,

Go for Ross SG switches--great product.

Ross don't got no stinkin' 42 switches. I'm working on limited real estate. Will try MTH 

I'm surprised Ross has not come out with a 42" standard gauge switch. I think it would be a big seller.

Carey

There is an abundant supply of good original 42" switches with a proven reliability factor. Not expensive either.

Steve

I agree. Another big seller, I believe, would be a truly tinplate-compatible O-gauge switch. Prewar tinplate trains won't run through the Rossplate switches without derailing.

Carey, if your only option is 42", I'd suggest looking for some original Lionel prewar switches. Back in the day when we used those, they never gave us a problem.

Should you decide to use Ross switches, one of the easiest ways to control them is to use a Piko switch controller normally used with G scale trains.  This Piko controller is specifically designed to operate up to four LGB switch motors like the ones used on Ross switches.  You hookup either an AC or DC power source to its power input terminals and the controller automatically converts it to the precise DC power required to operate the LGB switch motors.   It's surface-mounted and has a clean almost art-deco design. 

Bob Nelson

Carey TeaRose posted:

Ross don't got no stinkin' 42 switches. I'm working on limited real estate. Will try MTH 

The switches do not have to exactly match the radius of the curve that you are using.

The Ross O72 switches have a 22.5° section of a curve. The USA O42 are 45° sectional curve. If you connect the track switch to switch it will work out. If not, you will have to cut a curve in half.

The length of the Thru on the switch (14.64") may not match the length of a straight section. You can do the same, create a cut track to fit the length of straight needed.

All engines like O72 switches. Listen to the comments of the experienced STD gauge runners. Use the Ross O72.

Ms Carey,

Good for you! My larger Std Gauge layouts 12' X 20' used no switches on it's four loops for almost 15 years. What a joy it was to have no switch problems. My smaller 10' X 12' Std Gauge layout utilized switches only because all were within easy reach. Due to health problems everything is now in storage.