Switches

[Deacon Jim]

My entire narrow gauge layout is based on LGB 16050/150 turnouts. As we all know they are no longer available and likely to never be availble again. Does anyone know of a source of turnout/switches (22.5 degrees) by anyone else? I am not afraid to build them from parts, if I can get them. I do not have room for #6 switches and the tight (4 ft dia. ones) are too tight for some of my rolling stock. Help is greatly appreciated.

[EMPIRE II LINE]

 

Have you tried St Aubin or even Train World on line. Someones gotta still have some'a these tucked away I'd think....

Byron  

[altterrain]

Piko announced they will be going into the track making bizness - http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/krs/Piko%20G-Track.pdf

-Brian 

[gbbari]

Hi Jim,

Just within the past 2 weeks I found and bought 5 of these LGB R3 switches from local area hobby shops including a Hobbyworld in central Maryland and a model train shop in northern Va. In both cases I bought whatever few remaining ones they had left. Neither of these are big internet dealers.

It took a lot of hobby shop research and phone calls (thank heavens for free long distance on my cellphone plan). The prices weren't terrible - I paid about $60 to $70 apiece.  From my research all of the big internet discounters are cleaned out of LGB R3 switches; you have to search the "second tier", e.g., local hobby shops that sell for some level of retail. It is unlikely any one shop has a large stash of these but you'll never know until you search.

When I found any over the phone I immediately gave them my credit card info and completed the sale over the phone. I then drove 45 miles to one shop to pick up two switches and had the other shop in Va. ship three to me for an extra $12. 

Start calling and good luck!

 -GB

[gbbari]

Brian that Piko track has everyone buzzing across the forums. I would imagine if the track (and especially the switches and switch motors) turns out to be LGB quality or better for a reasonable price Piko will be struggling to keep supply up with sales. I saw the brochure and the track geometry and switches, crossings etc. look pretty neat, especially for those with tighter layouts who need the medium radii curves.

Then again, I wouldn't count Lewis Polk out - Aristocraft will most likely do whatever is necessary to maintain or improve his share of the market.....  Aristo still offers the largest selection of concentric radii curved sectional track in the market.

-GB

[altterrain]

Hey GB,

Not to be nosy, but I noticed you doing your purchasing in my area. Where are you located?

-Brian 

[piercedan]

Although not a perfect solution, the Aristo switch is similiar to the LGB R3, 10 foot diameter instead of 8 foot, and only a small difference in length.  I have a rail bender and cut/patch and match track whenever needed.

 

I added the EPL drive to mine and rewired the bottom with bigger wires and it has been working outdoors for more than 3 years without a problem.

 

 

[two tone]

Hi Stick with the LGB R3 if you are in US there should be plenty about look at web sites that should tell you who has supplies  Hope this helps

[EMPIRE II LINE]

I added the EPL drive to mine and rewired the bottom with bigger wires and it has been working outdoors for more than 3 years without a problem.

 

 

 

So what gauge wire did you replace them with, also did you use stranded or solid wire, and was copper what you chose or stainless wire ?

Byron