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We run our trains for 6 hours every Saturday and Sunday in the summer and we have automatic switching from one track to another. We originally had Lionel tubular with Lionel switches and we did not have any issues. We then changed to Gargrave track and switches and we have had nothing but issues. The most common issue is the switch does not throw completely about 10% of the time. Changing voltage has not helped. Secondly the switch motors do not last. The Atlas switch motors work on coils similar to the old Lionel switched so we want to try them. We did convert one switch to NJ switch machine with great success but they are getting hard to find.

For switch motors, consider using Tortoise with a slightly stiffer wire. or Z-stuff.  Atlas has it's limitations, very distinct limitations.

 

Switching to GG track was a good move.  GG switches...well you may have shot your self in the foot. 

 

Going on to use Atlas switch motors is shooting the other foot.  IMO, Replace the GG turnouts with powered Ross turnouts and all is well.  Sell the GG switches a.s.a.p.

 

GG track and Ross turnouts are a 3 rail defacto standard.

 

I am not familiar with Gargraves switches, which switch machines do you have on them now? It looks like they are available with DZ-1000 switch machines which I think is a pretty good switch machine. I only have one on an Atlas switch, but I have been impressed with it so far. All my others are Atlas switches and switch machines. I had to use the DZ-1000 due to limited space, the Atlas machine wouldn't fit. I have not had any problems with new Atlas switch machines. I have had problems with some I purchased used and had to replace them.

 

The Atlas switch machine may be difficult to attach to another brand of switch because of the way the throw bar linkage connects. There is a small, round plastic piece that fits in to a matching hole on the throw bar. There is also a clip on the Atlas machine that slides into a socket on the switch at the linkage connection, that could be removed if need be though.  

OK, to start with let me say that for over 25 years now i've been running Gargraves track with a mix of Ross, Curtis, used and new Gargraves turnouts. While Ross are the the Rolls Royce of O gauge turnouts, they also have a price to match. Personally i think Gargraves turnouts have gotten a bad rap (sort of like fruit cake ). Anyone with a keen eye and half a lick of mechanical ability can make these perform flawlessly if they aren't already.

 

Now to switch machines. I've tried them all: DZ-1000, Atlas, Totoise, and various twin coil machines. Burned out both a DZ-1000 and an Atlas one in one evening (not the same evening!!LOL) Threw them in the parts box rather then send back on warranty. They wouldn't handle the constant non-derailing. Tortoise is great, but in my situation i would have had to re-wire over 30 turnouts and rebuild my entire control panel plus rewire some signals that were part of the system all at once. Plus even at dealer cost that would have been a lot of $ outlay all at once. I have found that the twin coil machines are pretty reliable although sometimes can be finicky to get them adjusted right. Also they vary in quality. It seems with the late NJI production the quality went away before the name went on. My favorites are the old Tenshodo ones when i can find them at train shows and at old hobby shops. A fair price for them is $4-$6 when you can find them.

 

A few days ago someone here had a bunch of them (NJI & Tenshodo) listed here on the For Sale section.

 

jackson

The piece shown in the directions comes with the new Atlas switch machine when purchased separately. I didn't know what it was until this thread got me to read the directions again. I have a few (maybe 4-5, I'll get a count) I will just mail to you if you email me your address, I won't need them as I use Atlas switches and they link differently. My email is in my profile.

 

I would imagine you could purchase them from Atlas as well, for the remaining ones you need. They are very helpful with parts at Atlas.

Last edited by rtr12

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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