After spending more time then I care to mention and every trick all of you have kindly suggested, I have given up on my old style K-Line O27 42" radius switches - I have removed the front pieces of my Williams GG1’s - Put electrical tape on the de-couplers - put tape on parts of the switches - etc… etc… etc… They still spark, de-couple and sometimes de-rail
Tomorrow they are coming up and I am using two basic loops for the holidays
Are the above switches (6-12080) decent?? or known to have problems?? Not for this year but maybe next…
Thanks ! (and man I tell ya… I have wanted a O gauge layout with switches since I was a kid…)
Well, you’re not gonna’ like this answer… but those are the re-branded “O” Gauge versions of the K-Line O-27 profile switches you already have and are nearly identical in construction and are identical in operation excepting the “O” profile of the rails. Most folks report quite trouble free operation with them.
The good news is that the higher rails might be what you need, but for best operation you will want to use all “O” track coming into the switches.
I am in the process of setting up 6 of your K-Line O-27 / 42" type switches on the Christmas layout, I use 6-8 each year and find I can run just about anything except the large-gear steamers(Marx, etc.) through them.
Rob
Mine are the older models with the big switch boxes - Must just be the GG’s - I have had two goals since I was a kid - O Gauge GG’s and switches - Well at least the GG’s look great!
You interested in 5 more of those K-Lines?? 2 are brand new in the box - 2 hardly used - 1 a little used but operates smoothly [:)]
I’m a little top heavy in those right now - I use about half of what I have.
Put 'em on eBay and you will get a handsome return. They are selling well.
Rob
What year are the Lionel switches from? My Greenberg’s pocket price guide of 2006 don’t list them so they must be new.
I use GarGraves switches and have almost no problems with them and what will go throuight the switches. Try GarGraves or Ross switches as they seem to be better quality for the long run.
Lee F.
They are new. 2006 or 2007 catalog(s).
Rob