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Best Turnouts (Switches) for Hidden Track

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  • Member since
    April 2002
  • From: US
  • 6 posts
Best Turnouts (Switches) for Hidden Track
Posted by tunatx on Thursday, July 17, 2003 7:00 PM
What does everyone recommend as the most reliable turnouts (switches) for hidden trackage. Looks not important as the track is hidden. I'm really most interested in 072 and above. I've used Lionel, Gargraves, Atlas with similar results - no clear winner. What's your experience been? Thanks!
  • Member since
    April 2002
  • From: US
  • 6 posts
Best Turnouts (Switches) for Hidden Track
Posted by tunatx on Thursday, July 17, 2003 7:00 PM
What does everyone recommend as the most reliable turnouts (switches) for hidden trackage. Looks not important as the track is hidden. I'm really most interested in 072 and above. I've used Lionel, Gargraves, Atlas with similar results - no clear winner. What's your experience been? Thanks!
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 19, 2003 10:15 PM
I had talked with several people at hobby shops about the best track to use and most recommended Atlas. It's sturdy, the appearence is good, and it conducts electricty better than the tubelar track, and available at most stores. It's not too difficult to cut either.

I had some hidden track on a previous layout and it was always a test of nerves getting a train through switches. The big question was always where is the train. My track ran behind a backdrop so I could reach over the top to rerail a car, but it was always a pain to do. I rigged some mirrors over the track at about a 45 degree angle so I could see what was happening behind the backdrop, but everything you see in a mirror is reversed---the farest track away was now the closest.

I'd stay away from too much hidden track unless you have very easy access.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, July 19, 2003 10:15 PM
I had talked with several people at hobby shops about the best track to use and most recommended Atlas. It's sturdy, the appearence is good, and it conducts electricty better than the tubelar track, and available at most stores. It's not too difficult to cut either.

I had some hidden track on a previous layout and it was always a test of nerves getting a train through switches. The big question was always where is the train. My track ran behind a backdrop so I could reach over the top to rerail a car, but it was always a pain to do. I rigged some mirrors over the track at about a 45 degree angle so I could see what was happening behind the backdrop, but everything you see in a mirror is reversed---the farest track away was now the closest.

I'd stay away from too much hidden track unless you have very easy access.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 20, 2003 8:53 PM
I have two hidden switches and they work every time.

Before I started my current layout I tested everything that was available and RealTrax was the hands down winner in the switch department.

RealTrax is available as O-72 and MTH will have O-82 track soon. This means that switches will follow.

*** Teal
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 20, 2003 8:53 PM
I have two hidden switches and they work every time.

Before I started my current layout I tested everything that was available and RealTrax was the hands down winner in the switch department.

RealTrax is available as O-72 and MTH will have O-82 track soon. This means that switches will follow.

*** Teal
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 27, 2003 9:03 AM
I would recomend Ross switches with DZ-1000 controllers. Very reliable and smooth for great tracking.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, July 27, 2003 9:03 AM
I would recomend Ross switches with DZ-1000 controllers. Very reliable and smooth for great tracking.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:17 PM
I would also suggest Ross Turnouts. I have three hidden turnouts and as with all the turnouts on my layout, they too are Ross. I use NJI switch motors with them and have them wired for non-derailing. I have never have a problem with them in 8 years of running. John
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:17 PM
I would also suggest Ross Turnouts. I have three hidden turnouts and as with all the turnouts on my layout, they too are Ross. I use NJI switch motors with them and have them wired for non-derailing. I have never have a problem with them in 8 years of running. John

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