Maybe a dumb question about the Tortoise option, but aren't they big and bulky? How do you mount them if you are using "open grid" style benchwork, where the track is supported by risers and plywood subroadbed that's cut only a bit wider than the roadbed itself? (If someone would post photos from a layout under construction, that would be really helpful!.)
The Forum has plenty of threads documenting issues with the DZ-1000 and DZ-2500. Atlas OEM switch machines have their own issues, and there's an Atlas circuit board needed for some applications that went out of production years ago and was never reproduced.
I know that Caboose Industries ground throws work well with Ross switches, but it's not practical to use ground throws in staging areas or anywhere else that's out of arm's reach. Sometimes I share the OP's sentiment to revert to Lionel tubular and O22s, so please keep posting and give me some hope!
