Opinions on Ross switches anyone?

[thor]

I've been very taken by that full page ad in OGR showing a Ross switch yard set. I called and asked for a brochure as they apparently make sectional track too.

Has anyone got any information or opinions on these products? Are they robust? I like the appearance of that black center rail but I notied that the blades appeared to be soldered to the sliding bar on the switch which could be a problem.

I've got an oval of FasTrack and one switch and about an oval of tubular so I'm not really committed - yet. However the idea of being able to buy a ready made yard is very appealing but I'm not so sure about the remote operation side of things. I prefer the Lionel remote control switch levers for their 50's appearance and that they look more like the real thing, well, sort of!

Email me if you have something to say that you don't want public. Thankyou

[Roger Bielen]

Thor - I've had the Ross switches on my layout for a few years now and haven't had any operational problems. They are well made and you pay the price. I have a double crossover, dbl. curve, and 4 track yard unit in addition to the standard switches,

The yard unit and crossover are nice in that they take a lot less room than individual switches.

If you'll be using a number of different switches and don't want to purchase them all in one shot it is worth buying a set of drawing for their line and make copies to cut out and staple to your layout and install the switches later when you buy them.

[thor]

Thats a good idea Roger, thanks! I havent seen any pricing but I figured they'd be expensive, usually if the ad doesnt show the price it means that in my experience!

[MartyE]

I've rolled through my Ross switches forwards and backwards in the switched and through positions at a good clip of speed and never had a derailment. I could never do that with the Lionel switches.

[Anonymous]

These are the probably the best ready made swithes out there. You can actually move the switch points by blowing on them (before you attach a ground throw/switch machine). They track looks great, spikes and real wood ties, no steel webbing showing between ties. Mates with Gargraves and can be adapted to Atlas.

[Anonymous]

So what im wondering now is, has anyone made a layout using all Ross track and switches? I really can't wait to buy a few pieces of Ross track so I can see for myself how well they really do, since unfortunately there are no local Ross dealers in my area. Since Ross do make sectional track at least I wont have to worry about trying to bend them to differennt curves like you have to do with some of the GG track.

[CB&Q]

[:p] I've been using ross track and switches for 10 years these are the cadillacs of track and switches would'nt think of using anything else they perform flawlessly never had a derailment due to a switch malfunction if you have post war trains they designed them to work with the old slide shoe cars as well others look good but each manufacturer works only with a limited use with others. most don't care about performance only cost you get what you pay for thats what my dad said and hes right buy cheap and thats the quality you get. only my opinion but I'm sure others will agree ross track components will be going strong 50 years from now.

[cheech]

ross switches are excellent!. since everyone has praised them, i should alert you that ross uses Zstuff to operate the switches, all sold separately. the newer sw machines are fantastic but pricey. They have a great item that works off of the command base to create a data bus line so the control of the switches is real easy ....ONCE YOU GET IT ALL WIRED.....

I have combined some of the ross switches with GG switches (they are cheaper) but equally fine operating items. I have 54 in my layout, including wye's and double crossovers etc etc...all via TMCC....

it takes a while to come together but worth every penny..oops dollar

if you are going to buy them, price shop on ebay. you will find some of the auth dealers who will sell you ross sw below what ross charges, but shipping is negotiable. AM Hobbies is one that comes to mind. but do SHOP before you buy

ralph

[Anonymous]

Ross switches; I agree that the new switches look good and work fine with conventional trains. But! We have a club layout with all Ross switches and after three years of running they are beginning to show ware, especally in the point area. Also our experience shows that about 80% of the old slide shoes will not run through the switches properly. We use the Z1000 Switch machine and have a problem with some of them not switching all the way.

[Anonymous]

"they are beginning to show ware, especally in the point area"

The points or the frog? The frog's are replaceable.

[Anonymous]

Points, The point where the moving rails contact the non moving rails. The point rails are getting worn down at the tip and thined out.

[Anonymous]

Is this on all of the switches or just the ones with erratic DZ-1000's? If the points are alligned properly, there should be little wear. If the switch motor isn't opening/closing the way it should and the points are being slammed by the passing train that's a different story. I'd recommend contacting Ross about this. I've never hear/seen of this behavior before.

[luther_stanton]

Has anyone seen any problems getting smaller locomotives through Ross switches due to close pick up roller spacing especially on # turnouts?

I have been a little disappointed in the Atlas #5 high speed turns outs because of this.

[Anonymous]

"Has anyone seen any problems getting smaller locomotives through Ross switches due to close pick up roller spacing especially on # turnouts?"


I'll have to check my copy of the current issue of CTT , they interviewed the folks at Ross. Roller spacing was discussed in the interview.