NEW LAYOUT HELP

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

i’m new to the forum and need some suggestions please.
Starting a new layout soon, and currently have all lionel PW switches.
have PW 0-27, and some new TMCC. question i have is what switches work best. I’m debating over gargraves or atlas O.Can anybody here offer any advice
as to the preformance of these swithces. Any help would be appreciated

Lenny

2

Is “PW” prewar or postwar?

3

I Lenny,

Welcome to the CTT forum

My layout is all 027 and I prefer to use the K-line ‘Low Profile’ 027 switches over the Lionel 027 switches.

Some of the advantages to the K-line is

  1. Low profile so you can run larger engines and longer cars
  2. switches can be powered from fix voltage instead of track voltage
  3. both the switch and the controller have lights
  4. NO bussing noise if a car stops on them.

    click on the pic to enlarge it.

As for track, Gargraves is much less costly than Atlas. Also the gargraves will work with Magne-Traction.

Hope this helps
tom

4

Wecome LENNY[#welcome][#welcome],
As SPANKYBIRD says the K=Line switches are better because if you are running passenger cars with the Lionel switches they will derail. Also williams GP38 can’t make that turn because of the high profile. Otherwise if your just running starter sets you should be ok.
Laz57

5

Has anyone used the K-Line O72 switches?

6

Based on input from this forum I just purchased 5 all new K-line swithes for my 027 layout. I LOVE THESE SWITCHES OVER THE LIONEL 027 Switches because I am running all off a dedicated transformer. Once in a while one of the switches does not turn green after swithing to straight through. A few taps and it does. Perhaps I should send it back? Otherwise I highly recomend them.

Advantages: Low Profile, 027 curve mates with 027 track. Dashed line on controller wire and switch makes wiring location VERY easy. Constant voltage tap. Good instructions.

Disadvantages: Must be sure to use controller marked RH with RH switch (No big deal) and LH with LH. Very short “stripped” lead (so I had to strip some more) on ends of controller wire.

Jim H.

7

[#welcome] Lenny

It seems that everyone who is starting a new layout, someday asks questions about benchwork, so in advance here is some info: