A topic that has truly been beaten to death...when budget is an issue, buy GG. If not, buy Ross. Here's a variation of the question: What about USED GG versus USED Ross? Maybe you don't buy used track or turnouts. If so, bully for you! But I do (or did--I have all I need at this point). It's useful to know that in the late 90's or early 2K's, GG changed all off its' switch tooling and the geometry of GG switches changed significantly. So you have to watch for this--there is LOTS of REALLY OLD GG track and turnouts out there. Better to avoid the older stuff if possible. But even then, It usually takes just a few minutes of filing/bending/tweaking to bring even the oldest stuff up to spec. If you email GG, they will link you to a chart that shows the exact dimensions of all their turnouts before and after the retooling.
Then, with USED GG or Ross switches, what switch machines are you using? I have seen bargain Ross turnouts on eBay and elsewhere where the seller did not seem to realize that a 2500 switch machine was worth more than a 1K --or even NO--switch machine. So be alert--bargains are out there.
When I was buying, I watchd for USED CURVED Ross switches 054-072 and up with 2500 machines. And you would be surprised at the low prices I paid...but you have to be patient.
Always try to buy USED stuff from TRUSTED sellers--or with buyer protection from eBay or PayPal. Sometimes they just RRRRIIIPPPPED up the track, used a stock photo and then they send you junk with loose rails and even pieces missing. MAKE SURE you can return it with THEM paying the return postage.
Big dealers sometimes have overstocks that they "liquidate" on eBay as USED when it is brand new but the box had been opened. Big bargains can be had. But you have to be watching constantly to latch onto them.
Most turnouts on my layout (still abuildin') are used Ross, all picked up in one sale, in boxes with 2500 switch machines for $25 each. Most of them had never been used. I don't expect to see a find like that again. Dumb luck.
Don
