Gargrave Switches

[Anonymous]

Does anyone use these switches? How well do they operate?

[Big_Boy_4005]

I have never liked them. I'm not sure if they have improved their design since I last looked. The complaints were that sliding shoes would get caught. Ross and Curits both make really nice switches that are a perfect match to Gargraves track. That's what I use.

[GregM]

I have several Gargrave O-42 switches with DZ switch motors. I only had a problem with one of them. The center rail was too high and the engines would make a '"thump" sound and bounce a little when traversing this switch in one direction. I also have a couple Ross O-42 switches and they are nice but they do cost a lot more. If you can afford it, get Ross. If money is an issue. then the Gargraves may be satisfactory. Buy a couple and give them a test and then decide.

[poppyl]

I agree with the comment on the GG "O-42" turnouts (which I believe actually measure closer to a 45" radius) about their quality. I've had to "repair" several of them to correct derailment and shorting problems. I've switched to Ross for the smaller radii turnouts. The GG 72 and 100 turnouts don't seem to have the problems. They handle high speed operation well and I'm not seeing any unusual wear.

[tschmidt]

I have not used the Gargrave switches but I do have Ross and they are great. The new ones now come with the new 2500 switch machine. From what I can see they are smaller and easier to hook up. I would highly recommend them.

Tom

[Anonymous]

As regards the Gargraves and Ross switches, we use the Ross on the club layout and they eat accessory slide shoes. Yes you can put pins bent down in the ends of the guard and power rails and this helps some but they still eat the shoes. An additional problem is that sometimes the acessory shoe will slip over one of the center rail addons and accetivate the car or uncouple it. We are still trying to come up with a fix.

[Anonymous]

With apologies to the Gargraves trackage Corp. which makes many fine products, I cannot recommend their O-42 switches, based on frustrating personal experience. I have not tried their larger switches. My next turnouts will be purchased from Ross.