Andy, I am currently attempting to build my own switches using Fast Tracks. I have switches I built, an Old Pullman switch, a scratchbuilt switch built by Gordon Whitlock, Atlas switches and two switches by Brad. In every switch I have except the Brad Strong switches if you move a truck slowly across the frog the wheel will dip into the frog. His switches are by far the best out of everything I own in my opinion. Please note I do not have any switches by “O Scale Turnouts”. I have heard good things about them but don’t have an opinion.
What I was wondering since the Gordon Whitlock switch came off of a functioning layout does it matter if the wheel dips into frog? I would prefer it didn’t because the trains will run much better without that very slight hiccup. I wonder if this happens on the prototype? Or does the weight of a prototype boxcar not allow it to happen?
I actually like building switches but it does eat up a lot of my spare time which isn’t that much. So I looked online to see what switches cost these days. I was shocked at the Atlas price tag of $124/$135. When I bought mine they $49. I know a lot of 2 rail guys dislike Atlas switches but I think they are okay. I once had a small switching layout and other than one of them that was shorted I had no issues. But then I checked the Signature Switch (Brad’s) website. The same size (roughly) switch was only $84 and it is a much better Switch! I immediately ordered 2 #6 switches. I think $84 is an extremely reasonable price for a switch of this quality in today’s O scale.
Anyway, you won’t be sorry with Brad’s switches. They are well worth the money.
