0-72 Switches with Gargraves

[lckiii]

 

I am currently getting my first exposure to Gargrave laying out two ovals of mainline track on my temporary attic layout.  In the future I plan to expand the layout to include yards etc. 

I decided on Gargraves largely due ot the lower relatvie cost compared to purchasing several more circle fo 0-72 Lionel track.  

I do have several O-72 and O-22 switches I want to re-use in the future.  Other than the height difference, is there a reason not to use Lionel switches with Gargraves?

 

Would I be better off using Ross swithces on the mainline and the yard feeder and then my Lionel switches in the Yard where I planned to use my lionel tubular track anyways? 

 

Thanks 

[magicman710]

 

Other than the height difference, is there a reason not to use Lionel switches with Gargraves?

 

Thanks 

 

Though I have no experience with GG and dont really know much about it, a good reason not to use 072 lionel switches is because are very prone to problems. Derailing, warped bases and such. GG does make some good quality switches, but if you have already used your 072's and they work fine with you, then you should use them.

 

Grayson

[mpzpw3]

I used Gargraves track and Lionel O22 switches on my upper loop, and have had no problems. Using cork or foam roadbed under the Gargraves, and not using it under the switches, they line up perfectly. I'm sure Ross switches are better than the Lionel one's, but I haven't had any problems so far.

[lckiii]

 

Using cork was the plan.  It is so cool to lay down 3 feet of track at a time!

 

I am using round toothpicks broken in two and then split lengthwise as a subsitute for fiber pins.  

(Could I be any cheaper!!!) 

[dbaker48]

I wouldn't think you will have any problem.  I have done the same thing with 031 switches, and it worked fine.  I am currently building a new layout which is using 072, however I don't have the switches.  I am going to use Ross switches since I will be purchasing switches anyway, and they are more aesthitically compatible (IMO) and offer more configurations.

Good luck, and have fun! 

[phillyreading]

Lionel switches should have no problems being used with Gargraves track, however the modern Lionel switches may act up because they are not as good quality as Gargraves switches, and with Gargraves all you do is take the switch machine out if it goes bad and not the whole switch like Lionel, no track removal with Gargraves just to change a switch machine.

Gargraves track company makes adapter pins to go to 027 and 031 tubular track, 027 is the same height as Gargraves track so no shimming needed, 031 will need to be shimmed.  Also Gargraves track is more flexible than other track is if you get the flexible straight track in 37.25 inch sections.

A tip about fastening Gargraves track, use 9/64th drill bit for the holes in the track as 1/8 inch tends to be just a tad too big and may split wood ties.

Lee F.