In the past three weeks I have had another issue with an older Gargraves switch I have, the switch is starting to come apart at the frog area and one of the rails looks like it got cut with a hacksaw blade after 7 or 8 years of having it, it is an 042 Gargaves switch.
Ross Custom switches cost more but they are worth the extra money in my opinion.
Lee Fritz
MtrmnMike52 I'm the treasurer for a small RR club in Virginia, and we're in the process of constructing an O Gauge modular layout. We'll be laying track soon, using a bunch of Gargraves track that I picked up at a garage-sale, and we will have two sets of crossovers between the two lines. I'm asking for opinions about two products that we are considering. One is the Gargraves O100, the other is the Ross Standard; all of the turnouts will have manual ground throws. Does anyone have any experience with either or both, and if so, could you relate your experiences, preferences, etc? We expect to run long equipment, so I presume that the Ross will be able to handle that(?). According to their websites, the manual Gargraves with stainless rails is about $51, including the ground throw, while the Ross is about $65, without a ground throw. Gargraves' shipping prices are also a little cheaper. As I'm trying to save what little treasury we have, the Gargraves seems like a logical choice. However, I purchased some of their O42 turnouts a few years ago and was greatly disappointed with their inability to keep trains from not derailing. I switched to the Ross equivalent and had no problems. Thanks for your advice.
I'm the treasurer for a small RR club in Virginia, and we're in the process of constructing an O Gauge modular layout. We'll be laying track soon, using a bunch of Gargraves track that I picked up at a garage-sale, and we will have two sets of crossovers between the two lines. I'm asking for opinions about two products that we are considering. One is the Gargraves O100, the other is the Ross Standard; all of the turnouts will have manual ground throws. Does anyone have any experience with either or both, and if so, could you relate your experiences, preferences, etc? We expect to run long equipment, so I presume that the Ross will be able to handle that(?).
According to their websites, the manual Gargraves with stainless rails is about $51, including the ground throw, while the Ross is about $65, without a ground throw. Gargraves' shipping prices are also a little cheaper. As I'm trying to save what little treasury we have, the Gargraves seems like a logical choice. However, I purchased some of their O42 turnouts a few years ago and was greatly disappointed with their inability to keep trains from not derailing. I switched to the Ross equivalent and had no problems.
Thanks for your advice.
That's a book, all color photos, available at www.ronsbooks.com. Part of the extensive Morning Sun 'In Color' series.
MtrmnMike52 You'll probably be interested in this. Got a message today from Ron's Books: new Morning Sun titles, including "Reading Company Power In Color, Part 1" by Robert L. Davis, Jr.
You'll probably be interested in this. Got a message today from Ron's Books: new Morning Sun titles, including "Reading Company Power In Color, Part 1" by Robert L. Davis, Jr.
Is that a DVD or book? I am more interested in DVD's then books. Also can you provide me with a website or how to contact the company?
Thanks. I'll be going to a Greenberg show in Chantilly, VA next weekend to do some more research from any club displayers and/or some dealers. As the price difference will be about $20 per, I'd like to save whatever we have...but I think we'll be willing to spend more for the quality.
Yes, I meant the Gargraves...very disappointed. Judging by the photos on their site, the O42 appears to be the only one designed like that. I replaced them with the Ross O42.
goto Ebay. goto O scale trains. Type Ross and you will get switches and there track and some Lionel Betsy Ross passenger cars. this may be your best option there is even 3 DZ1000 switch motors there at present.
One more thing if your doing this for a club I personally wouldn't go cheap on switches as paying for the better quality is worth all the headaches you avoid
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
Are you talking about Gargraves or Ross switches in 042? I have bought 4 Ross 042 switches and love their construction way better then Gargraves. Sure Ross costs a few dollars more but the Ross switch is worth it!
My issue with the O42 switch was with the frog. The O100 appears to have a different frog construction.
The other thing about Gargraves switches is they have plastic frog areas and plastic rail from the frog on one side of the outside rail, so you only have metal rails on one outside rail and the center rail. Ross have all metal rails from the frog area and no plastic rail after the frog like Gargraves has. I am comparing 042 size switches with Gargraves and Ross. Also Ross has their rails stapled into place while Gargraves glues their rails into place on certain models.
Not sure about the 0100 size switches by Gargraves.
Lee
Thanks to you and Lee for your replies, both of which are very helpful. Hoping to hear from others with their experience with Gargraves O100 switches.
Some have also had problems with Gargraves switches if they are not completely flat. now there track I love but switches as Lee said are Ross, I have learned from experince.
Bottom line you get what you pay for.
I have been in O gauge trains for many years and Ross Custom switches are worth the money you spend for them. Ross switches work best with MTH engines, Gargraves switches cause problems with MTH steam engines. Also some of my Gargraves switches are showing signs of stress or starting to break down at the switch points.
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