What are the best switches to use that would attach to 0-27 track if your running a mixture of prewar/postwar and modern era trains like MTH or Lionel? any suggestions would be appreciated.
Berk,
I have been pondering the same question, but I use O gauge (tubular). I have problems with the modern single axle pilot steamers traversing my 072’s. I’ve had more than a few suggest Gar Graves turnouts as they are adaptable to tubular. I am not sure if they are adaptable to 027, but this might be something for you to pursue also.
Good Luck,
Stack
without a doubt Ross. I had all o27 tubular with lionel switches. the switches were rough and not reliable. I slowly aquired a group from ebay when I could find them at a good price. usually $20 or $25 without motors. if you need them right away I suspect you will pay a bit more.
As for the switches, they are precision built and operate smooth as silk. the company is there with help if you need. even at list price they are a bargain when you compare them to new lionel which are probably more $ and no where near the level of detail and precision. they are almost the same height as o27 tubular and matr right up with adapter pins. I didn’t shim mine and have no problems. the shim would be about a 2 business card thickness if you needed to. hope that helped[:D]
Ross. I hear nothing but praises on those switches.
The Ross switches are the best, period. They match the profile of O-27 perfectly and can be shimmed for O-31. There are adapter pins for Atlas. A ross switch can be thrown just by gently blowing on the switch points. They can cost more, but these are quality products.
I’m going to use gargraves track and ross switches on my next layout. They get great reviews and when you actually see one in person you will know it is the right choice! I’ve used Lionel O27 switches which were modern and just okay. I’ve got some 022 PW switches which are better than those, but not as nice as the ross ones I’ve seen.
Does Ross make a turnout that works with 027 radius? I see 031s, but not sure about the 027s.
Good question - I don’t see an o27 curve either, but they mate up with the track I’ve been told without shimming. You might need to cut some pieces of track to bring the curve to the switch and widen your layout a bit…