Have you thought of going with Gargraves switches? They just need adapter pins to mate to O gauge tubular track, also they are low profile so that almost all of your locos and rolling stock won't hit the switch or switch housing like the 027 size 042 switch by Lionel.
Unless Gargraves has changed the way they do business you will have to order the switch through your local hobby shop.
Lee F.
Even with Ross Switches you will need adapter pins to mate to tubular Lionel. I don't like Lionel tubular switches and Fastrac costs way too much!!!
I picked up a few ross switches from ebay for about half the price of new. they were like new and work great with my lionel tubular tracks. just pick up the adapter pins and make sure you insert them in the correct orientation so the two tracks line up properly.
I have couple of DZ 2500 switch machines but they are giving me problems (too much electronics inside). the DZ 1000's are much more reliable, but don't have the turtle mode.
Yeah, i got the matting pins and the DZ-1000 machine which i will be using with a Lionel ASC so i can control them via Cab1.
Is it hard to get the ross switch to line up right with the tubular track??? I will be running on the floor (just for the holidays) and plan to use zip ties or something to secure the switch to the lionel track.
^^^ I live in an apartment, so i have to do a full breakdown every year. No room to store anything big like that. M y wife is already mad that every year there are more and more train boxes taking up valuable closet space, but i refuse to put my trains in a garage or storage where they may come in contact with moistute.
When i get a house i have plans for a permanent 11x5 holiday layout, that i will most likely store in the garage durring the offseason.. suspended from the ceiling. I cant wait for the day i can begin building it!
Gargraves switches line up just as they are to tubular track but require shimming underneath to mate to Lionel 031 track or similar(no shimms for 027 track), I used popsycle sticks as they are easy to get a hold of, go to a craft store if you don't have any, may need to paint the popsycle sticks to blend in with your layout.
Not sure about the height of Ross switches, however Ross uses the same track pins as Gargraves.
I use Gargraves track a lot and I know that 027 track mates right up to Gargraves with just adapter pins. Gargraves track needs to be shimmed underneath as it is slightly smaller in height than O gauge track, this keeps down play in the track and prevents derailments.
jmsiv, you have your info turned around!!!! Unless you are using Marx 027 track.
Hi Lee. I think I have it correct. I have in my hand a brand new piece of Lionel O27 track which measures 13/32 in height and a brand new piece of gargraves that measures 7/16. as measured by a starrett caliper. they are close but the GG is higher
jmsiv wrote: Hi Lee. I think I have it correct. I have in my hand a brand new piece of Lionel O27 track which measures 13/32 in height and a brand new piece of gargraves that measures 7/16. as measured by a starrett caliper. they are close but the GG is higher
Unless Lionel has retooled the 027 track this year, Gargraves just needs adapter pins to work with 027 track and the height is so close it don't matter!! I am using 027 and Gargraves track for my upper level passenger run.
hi Lee, I have the same setup, only 1/32 space. I don't put anything in the space either.
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