I have not yet taken apart my newest Lionel 027 profile 42" switch. Its the one that likes to flip the direction right under the train no matter which way its going. My layout is small and manual switches would be manageable. The hobby shop I got it at had a cheap looking K-line 42" switch for $25. I have 3 of these 42" right hand switches. I’m considering:
1.Returning newest Lionel 42" ($50) and getting K-line 42" for $25.
Taking apart Lionel 42" and disabling the auto feature that changes the direction and just using it manually.
Getting a Ross Custom Switch 42"
For questions 1 & 3 is there a difference in the length of the straight and curved sections on K-line and Ross Custom Switch compared to the Lionel one I have? The Lionel 42 is next to a wall in a tight spot so changes in length can goof things up.
The Lionel and K-Line O27-profile O42 turnouts I have have the same length in the straight direction (13 3/4 inches). However, the K-Line has a 45-degree curve, whereas the Lionel is 30 degrees, the same as a normal curved O42 track section.
However, so much of my K-Lines’ curve extends beyond the turnout base that it would be easy to cut it back to 30 degrees. The curved center rail’s new chord length would be 10 1/2 inches.