Switches? What do ya mean no manual version?

No one buys them. Now I know there are those that would but the manufactures don't like to sell ones and twosies. There just isn't a big market for them. The next time you go to a train show make note of how many manmual switches of any kind you see compaired to the automatic kind regardless of price or condition.

 

Al

How do you know there is no market for them? If they are not available, you are forced to buy electric. I have though seen people putting on a different switch machine on say, Atlas switches, and if a manual were available they are not stuck with a machine they don't like or need. I would bet that if Lionel put out a manual version of say the 72 switch they would sell, especially if you could hook up your own machine, linkage etc.. to it. I see that Ross and Gargraves offers them, I guess they think there is a market for them.  James

I have tossed all the Atlas switch machines on my layout and am adding ground throws.  Given what I model, they are more realistic, and I can easily reach them.  Had I been able to save some $$$$ by buying them without the machines but with the ground throws, I would have been a happier camper.

 

I.E. there is some market for them.

I have more than a dozen FasTrack manual switches on my two layouts.  I like the "personal-involvement" aspect of switching, and I have located all of them within easy reach (the trains run with DCS).  I have a number of remote switches, as well, and really don't play favorites.  Both types perform just fine.

Same here Allan with one more addition - I'm to **** lazy to wire all the switches up! 

A friend is building/rebuilding his layout in a manner that will allow easy access to his
switches, and all will have ground throws. I would do the same thing for sure
if I had the space to build a linear, reachable railroad.

Actually, I have more space than he does - so what's my excuse? Too much stuff.

Who is endlessly expanding their trackplan?

 

Usually the trackplan has a limited number of switches.

 

An operator will only have to buy the switches once, so the supply is kept low and the prices end up being high.

 

Andrew

Falcon Service

It's easy for me to manually activate a remote switch if desired, and I have the flexibility of also using it remotely.  I wire them all to an SC-2 so I can control them from the CAB2.  The ideal is the command/control Fastrack switches, no wiring and remote control!

here was a cheap 0-72.  but gone now by the gun.

The only time I use manual switches is when it is a purely decorative siding. Other than that, I want to be able to throw switches without getting out of my chair (until one fails that is)

Another thing about remote switches is the non-derailing feature.  Many times I depend on that working so I don't have to flip those switches.

Yep the gunrunner was fast with that last transaction, thanks.  We switched our upper 3rd line all to the fastrack manuals.  We use remotes on the lower level.  We now have all the track and switches we need so I am selling of all the extras.

Manuals obviously  would not be for everyone. Giving up the non derail feature or being able to flip switches without having to get up is a given, that's why you bought a remote. Guys like me that want to save money or want the walk around feel to their  layouts would get their choice,  but as it is we are forced to buy something we don't need. I would think this would be a very easy thing for track makers to offer. James

Have you given Ross Custom Switches a look?  The last time I checked, they offered manual switches.  Check 'em out.

 

David

I would love to take a look at Ross, but no one around here (Dallas area) has any to be seen....Fastrack is everywhere....also Atlas and Realtrax are around...unless someone knows of a place. I hate to buy track sight unseen....James

James, simply go to their web site. They are great. Don

Another Vote for Ross Switches, they are Awesome I'm building 2 into my layout now.

They are nice Rails actually spiked into Real Wood Ties.

And the Service from the people at Ross is top Notch.

 

Example: A member here was posting for help with a Ross Switch that kept derailing an engine.

Steve From Ross Sent him a New Switch and just asked that he return the old one in the box. !!! He didn't even have to ask for it.

You are not going to beat that kind of Service.

Been to the website many times, I would like to actually have one in my hand to look at before I buy, I guess I am weird that way. Have not seen any though in my area.

James

And by the way has any one had an issue with the Ross wood ties being in a humid area, Dallas gets pretty muggy in summer....my layout shed only gets ac when I am in it, same with heat in winter. Weather had any effect on the ties?

I've got four Ross switches (with manual throws) together as a double cross over in an area within easy access of my transformer.  They are easy to use and the Caboose Industry throws only cost a couple of bucks each.

 

Jim