question on O-31 turnouts

[ldabigdawg]

It appears that their are three different versions of O guage O-31 switches from Lionel. there re the ones with model numbers 6-5132 / 6-5133. models 6-23010 / 6-23011 and the models 6-14062 / 6-14063. Besides being made in different years, what are the differences? know the 23010 /23011 have the little extension pieces. Which ones perform the best?do they all have the exact same footprint and can be used interchangeably? thanks for the help.

[Chris F]

AFAIK, the 5232/33, 14062/63, and PW O22 switches are essentially the same.

The 23010/11 turnouts, introduced in 1995, were an attempt to increase the versatility of the turnouts - the extensions allowed various track spacing. However, there were many reports of problems with these turnouts, and Lionel discontinued them after 1999.

[ldabigdawg]

Thanks Chris,
So I guess I should steer clear of the 23010 / 23011 versions. that is a shame, I like the idea of having the closer track spacing with a siding.