thanks john, thats one thumbs up. everyone just to be clear I know the old ones had issues. I will be buying brand new 072 and 0100 for my layout and some 042 for sidings. seems the prices are just right and I actually have 3 manual 042 switches and one 072 manual switch. these are of the new variety. I am going to get some straight track and try various configurations on a plywood scrap board and see how they perform this weekend maybe.