Switch availability issues...... Anyone have any advice?

Hello.

You pretty much answered you own question if you are not stuck on Atlas track.

Gargraves flex track and ROSS switches. Give Steve a call....I am sure he has everything you need in stock. His switches are bullet proof. They are the only thing I use on my layouts.

Donald

Hi!! I'm having the same problem. My layout area is roughly 44x17,so we're very similar.

I've been recommended to Signature Switch co. This companies switches look really nice though I've never owned one. If you type Signature Switch Co. in your address bar,it will bring this company up & you can see their work & prices. In my opinion,Atlas turnouts are way TOO HIGHLY priced. I think Caboose Stop Hobbies sells them for $70 & Norm was selling them for $65.99. but on ebay,used switches went for the same price as new. I think Atlas is headed for another 2-4 year shortage. I have their Trainman Series cars on order that were supposed to be here last fall & I'm still waiting. 

If I continue in O Scale,I think I will try Signature Switch as I need a large amount of #5 Rights. This company didn't make #5's,#6 was their lowest number,but I was told they would make #5's by request.

What era & 'road are you planning to model? I model modern CSX & the lines that make up that system.

Hope this helps.

Al Hummel

In my opinion, Atlas makes many good things but I don't like their turnouts.  If your are doing 2 rail, OscaleTurnouts and Signatureswitchco are two good alternatives.  I have used both with Atlas flex track with no issues.

Old Pullman has been taken over by a new owner.    Their stuff is good too.

Another approach is the make your own. I did and it was one of the best O scale choices I made. Here is a picture of the first few number fives I made. I used fixtures from Fast Tracks. Just Google them.

This barren scene became this very satisfying image with some time and effort. Frankly I wonder why more 2 Railers don't take the time and effort to give such methods a try rather than always trying to buy ready made stuff at elevated prices. I used fixtures made by Fast Tracks. Just Google them or handlaid track to get to there.  I think my average cost per switch was approximately $20 dollars based on the quantity I built.

Bob

flanger posted:

Another approach is the make your own. I did and it was one of the best O scale choices I made. Here is a picture of the first few number fives I made. I used fixtures from Fast Tracks. Just Google them.

This barren scene became this very satisfying image with some time and effort. Frankly I wonder why more 2 Railers don't take the time and effort to give such methods a try rather than always trying to buy ready made stuff at elevated prices. I used fixtures made by Fast Tracks. Just Google them or handlaid track to get to there.  I think my average cost per switch was approximately $20 dollars based on the quantity I built.

Bob

 

 

and... what was the average time per switch?  The OP builds these layouts for customers. There is a time element involved in cost.

BTW - Nice work on the switch complex!

Call Scale Model Supplies in St Paul, MN,  he has a selection of Atlas O 2 rail. I'm not sure if he will have what you need but he may

Moonman posted:

flanger posted:

Another approach is the make your own. I did and it was one of the best O scale choices I made. Here is a picture of the first few number fives I made. I used fixtures from Fast Tracks. Just Google them.

This barren scene became this very satisfying image with some time and effort. Frankly I wonder why more 2 Railers don't take the time and effort to give such methods a try rather than always trying to buy ready made stuff at elevated prices. I used fixtures made by Fast Tracks. Just Google them or handlaid track to get to there.  I think my average cost per switch was approximately $20 dollars based on the quantity I built.

Bob

 

 

and... what was the average time per switch?  The OP builds these layouts for customers. There is a time element involved in cost.

BTW - Nice work on the switch complex!

I think a little less than two hours once I got familiar with the process. Probably not what a for hire layout builder has in mind, but it is an alternative nevertheless. Thank you.

Bob

Simpler than Fast Tracks (handlaidtrack.com) more complex than Atlas/Lenz readymade is Right-O-way .  

It takes me about 45 minutes to complete a turnout made from Right-O-Way components.  No filing, all

rails are 'blunt cut'.  I just use frogs, guard rails, points and throw bars so the finished turnouts look like

Flanger's photos above (nice work, by the way).

3rail 2 posted:

Hello.

You pretty much answered you own question if you are not stuck on Atlas track.

Gargraves flex track and ROSS switches. Give Steve a call....I am sure he has everything you need in stock. His switches are bullet proof. They are the only thing I use on my layouts.

Donald

I didn't know Ross makes 2-rail switches

Does anyone know who the new owner of Old Pullman is? Their stuff looked nice but never have had 1.

Al Hummel

flanger posted:

Another approach is the make your own. I did and it was one of the best O scale choices I made. Here is a picture of the first few number fives I made. I used fixtures from Fast Tracks. .....

Beautiful work, Bob!

Hand laying track and switches on my small layouts has always appealed to me.

EBT Jim posted:

3rail 2 posted:

Hello.

You pretty much answered you own question if you are not stuck on Atlas track.

Gargraves flex track and ROSS switches. Give Steve a call....I am sure he has everything you need in stock. His switches are bullet proof. They are the only thing I use on my layouts.

Donald

I didn't know Ross makes 2-rail switches

Just spoke with Steve .... they still don't. Not for scale wheels. I wish they would start.

I might be mistaken.   I thought there had been some posts about somebody buying Old Pullman for the estate.    It might be that I was thinking of Jay Criswell and "Right-o-Way"    

There are plenty of Atlas #5s on EBAY right now, though pricey. You can negotiate a better price if you are buying several from one store. I needed 10 7.5s last year and lurked on EBAY until a seller came along wanting to ditch the switches.

Whoah guys, Thank you SOOOO much! Seriously this is a fantastic list of options.  It looks like I have some calls to make! 

flanger posted:

Another approach is the make your own. I did and it was one of the best O scale choices I made. Here is a picture of the first few number fives I made. I used fixtures from Fast Tracks. Just Google them.

This barren scene became this very satisfying image with some time and effort. Frankly I wonder why more 2 Railers don't take the time and effort to give such methods a try rather than always trying to buy ready made stuff at elevated prices. I used fixtures made by Fast Tracks. Just Google them or handlaid track to get to there.  I think my average cost per switch was approximately $20 dollars based on the quantity I built. 

Bob

FLANGER,  If I had the time, I'd be all over this.  I love building complex track geometry and Hand laid stuff just looks better. Hopefully I'll get some time someday to hand lay a project but I have a feeling it will be some time.   

I use Marcway turnouts from England they are rail  soldered to copper ties I admit I'm not to fussy on looks with track as long as the trains run good that's all I care about.

But I admit if flanger lived here in West Australia he would be my best mate that track is the best of the best, outstanding.

Thank you Neville (ROO) for your kind words. Trust me when I say I always admire your workmanship whenever you post here or elsewhere...I wish you did live a lot closer to me I'd come operate with you and your mates.

Bob

I wish ROO lived close to me too!! Your trackwork is great as is all your work. I always enjoy your posts.

I enjoy the gentlemen on here,great advise,articles,etc. Fantastic inspiration. Keep up the great work.

Al Hummel

Thanks Al and Bob

Bob I thought it was your work but wasn't sure with all these odd names we call ourselves!

So MODELRAILROADBENCHWORK has anyone helped you out while we have been having this little chat on the side.

Neville. AKA Roo.

Roo posted:

Thanks Bob

Bob I thought it was your work but wasn't sure with all these odd names we call ourselves!

Neville. AKA Roo.

Yes it's me Nev...odd name and all...and I want a taste of those fancy lunch sandwiches you make for operating day...

Bob.

I was going away today (Thursday) but the weather has turned for the worse not much fun walking in the forest with the rain belting down and branches dropping everywhere! It's wintertime!!

So drop in tomorrow (Friday) we are having a running session! Lunch is provided. If you can't make it I will try and post some photos on a new thread.

I have plans for attending the O Scale Nationals event Friday. I'm hoping to bump into Scacey.

Bob