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Dimastep, Don't forget Micro Engineering. They make great looking and operating swtiches that are DCC friendly. They also have a metal frog. Switches in general (My own skewed opinions): Peco's New code 83 look great, have metal frogs (electrofrog version) and operate well. My main complaint is grossly oversized throwbar ties.... Walthers Shinohara: Operate well (not as well as Peco, in my book, but well enough that I have them on my layout and they don't give me problems) They have frogs that are rails joined together, so I guess you would say they are metal. These use oversize throwbars and the tie detail is a bit heavy in places. The points are attached to throwbar with oversize rivets that are noticeable. You will probably have to use some of these because these guys are the only widely distributed makers of curved switches and some wyes. Older Shinohara use grossly oversize ties and spike detail. Atlas Customline: I have some but don't use them because I think the detail is not up to par with other brands. They have a solder lug on the frog the is noticeable and the point rails have a metal plate under each one where they join the fixed rails.....The frog is cast metal (or stamped) and is oversize. Probably my bias is showing a bit here, I think they would work and could be made to look good, I just don't like em'.....Older Atlas are not worth considering if you want an even semi-realistic looking railroad. Mico Engineering: I think these switches look the best far and away. Both in detail and in railhead shape and size. The throwbar is not oversize and they give you some castings and parts to build a switch stand with each switch. They operate very relaibly. Frogs are cast metal. Railway Engineering and B. K. Enterprises: The are closer to handlaying than the other switches discussed. I have used the type that are assembled and you spike on ties that you glue down. They look good and operate very well. Much more work than the others. I messed up the first one I did and had to relay it. Metal frogs. Central Valley switch kits: Didn't like the points arrangement on these and thus didn't use them. They look great, points seemed flimsy....frog is metal rails joined together. I'm sure that most of the brands will look quite good when ballasted and weathered/painted. I'm just throwing out my observations. I went out and bought one of almost everything to try and make a decision based mainly on looks and operation. One can find deals on most of these brands. The Peco are listing quite high at around $30.00 (discount $22.00) each for a number 6, code 83 in HO. Other brands are a bit cheaper for the same swtich and can be had in the $10-15 discounted price range....
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