Will I be happy with manual switches or will I regret them down the road? Cost is a factor. Not planning a large layout.
Although I do not have them, I have heard nothing but good things about them. They have a built in feature that keeps the train from derailing when approaching the switch when the it is turned to the opposite position. I believe it work very well. Depending on how close they’ll be to you operating position it may get tiresome to walk over and change direct.
Thanks MartyE,
I assume that a manual switch can not be converted to an automatic at a later time.
“I assume that a manual switch can not be converted to an automatic at a later time.”
Not easily. The entire mechanism for the remote’s is housed inside the switch . The manual units use a pivot point spring for “non derail” feature. Both switches are nice and well made. If you really want to remote capability, buy the remote switches. BTW, these have a very nice retro look controller that I hope will be available for seperate sale at some point.
That I do not know. The remote switches seem to follow the same design so I would think that would be a call by Lionel if they offer after market upgrades. As of now they do not offer the parts to make manual switches remote.
If you can come up with the extra ca***hen get the remote switches. You’ll be glad you did. I know that I was glad I did.
I have both, I use the manual ones for reverse loops where I would never need to throw the switch. The manual switch non-derail feature uses the weight of the leading wheels to throw the switch and it usually works well, I did have some issues with a little 2-8-0 steamer that wouldn’t pu***he rails over and would derail. I had to tighten up the spring on the front truck of the engine and add weight.
The remote switch non-derail feature is activated electrically and works every time without a hitch. IMO if I am spending X $ for something, why not add a little more to it and get the better. Go for the remotes.
I have a small layout and I’m using the FasTrack manual switches. No problems whatsoever. A couple of them are located along straight stretches of track and one is used for a spur off a curve (so normal “mainline” travel is through the curved section). I’ve had no problems with any of the switches. All are within easy reach, so I didn’t really need the remote control switches.
i would highly recommend the remote switches. When you run the trains you will be happier that you don’t have to move around every time you want to change routes. It will be worth the extra few bucks you spend.
Tom S
Well the one thing I would add as a newbie is that the manual switches I have seem to work very well, every time, regardless of speed, weight or direction. I would like to have all remote switches…but there really is a cost issue here.
When I can get the manual switches for around $20 each and the remote switches are more than twice as much at $50 each…I’ll take the manual switches for now.
Since I’m just beginning and don’t have a permanent layout yet, having the manual switches allows me to experiment with more choices for the money. Eventually, I’ll probably start to add remote switches to the layout when it becomes more permanent and use the manual ones for returns and seldom used routes.
So, my vote is for the manual switches first and then you can always upgrade later. There is just too much of a discrepancy in the prices right now.
Thanks to all. I think I will save up for the remote switches.
John
http://www.trainexpress.com/ Has the O36 for $42. Hit the link go to product lines, O and O27 Guage, Scroll down and hit the Lionel Logo, and look for FasTrack on the left side. You will need to call to order.