Turnouts

[zigg72md]

I am in the process of collecting track for my first real layout. My first problem is what track to use... In order to answer that I need to know which turnouts(or switches) are non-derailing, or how hard would it be to rig up a switch throw. I would like to use the less expensive tubular track but I can't seem to find a turnout that says it's non-derailing for tubular track. Does such a thing exist? How can I tell if a turnout is or is not non-derailing. Thank you for your time.

[richhotrain]

zigg72md

I am in the process of collecting track for my first real layout. My first problem is what track to use... In order to answer that I need to know which turnouts(or switches) are non-derailing, or how hard would it be to rig up a switch throw. I would like to use the less expensive tubular track but I can't seem to find a turnout that says it's non-derailing for tubular track. Does such a thing exist? How can I tell if a turnout is or is not non-derailing. Thank you for your time.

O gauge or S gauge, Lionel or American Flyer?

[zigg72md]

O gauge Lionel

[Roger Bielen]

With Lionel tubular, and Fastrack, a turnout that was not non-derailing would be the exception.

[phillyreading]

With Lionel & K-Line and MTH; their switches should be non-derailing in O gauge.

Gargraves and Ross switches can be set-up to be non-derailing but are not that way from the factory. They have remote control from the factory and show you how to make them non-derailing.

Don't know about Atlas's new track & how their switches are or the older Marx brand switches.

Lee F.

[servoguy]

All of the O-31 turnouts since WWII are non-derailing: 022, 711 and any of the new ones. However, there is a problem with the newer versions of the 022 and 711 (O-72) turnouts. There is a sliding switch inside the turnouts that was made from silver plated brass in the PW units. This sliding switch is made from the copper on a printed circuit board. It has a short life. There is a post about how to fix it. I am using a lot of 022 turnouts, and after fixing them, they are bullet proof. Check a post "022 & 711 switch electrical pblms". I wrote a long post on all the things that need to be done to these switches to make them work reliably. For O-27 track, the 1122 switches are all non-derailing. However, they run off of track power and do not have a way to use a fixed voltage. Bob Nelson has posted his method for adding a fixed voltage to these switches. If you are planning on using these switches, I suggest you find his post. Bruce Baker

[servoguy]

BTW, you can buy track and switches cheaper at a swap meet than at a train store. I am buying 022 switches complete for $7.50 and track for 50 cents to $1. I recommend you go through the 022 switches and make all the modifications I recommend because if you do, they should work for the next 50 years. Bruce Baker

[Taranwanderer]

X2 on Bruce's suggestions on modifications. I replaced my balky Super-O switches in my layout with 022s, did (most of!) Bruce's mods, and they work great. I took some reworking of the existing track, since Super-O is 36" diameter and 022s and 31", but it works well now.

[zigg72md]

Thanks for all the help. I'll keep an eye out for swap meets.

[laz 57]

ZIGG,

  If you are planning to run switchers, small engines with pick ups spaced close together, go with the low profile K-line switches.  I had bought 0-42 tublar switches and was running my new Legacy CNW switcher and it would stall on the Lionel switches.  I replaced them with the K-line switches and had NO PROBLEMs with these switches.  Aslo the lower profile allows some engines the clearance on turns.  Hope this helps?

laz57

[marxalot]

I have several different styles from over the years and I do not believe Marx turnouts were non-derailing.