I would seek out a nice vintage piece. At 70 years old, my 45 degree cross is still the best out there.
I would agree. My layout has a vintage Lionel 45 degree crossing, has worked perfectly and seems to be made of heavier gauge steel than my MTH 90 degree crossing. The MTH seems to have a kind of switching mechanism in it, so you can determine which of the approaches are powered and which are isolated from each other. Unfortunately, this caused problems, dead spots, shorts, I had to open it up and bypass all that. Works okay now. Don't know anyone else making these for Standard Gauge at the moment.
Hhhmmm.... interesting.... as I was looking into the MTH Standard Gauge 90 a bit further, it appears they have two versions: 10-4006 and 11-99006.
From what I can see via pictures online, the MTH Tinplate Traditions 10-4006 (brand new) is readily available on eBay from dealers/sellers. And that appears to be the one that may have a switching mechanism for different power options. The box is labeled "improved electrical design". Looks like the center of the crossing can be set via a screw-driver or thin coin? 
Can't say for sure without seeing it in person.
The 11-99006 version (LCT?) that's illustrated in the catalog has a very different appearance to it. The center of the crossing looks rather simple -- perhaps more like the vintage piece of decades ago? Also appears to have a couple of black wires connected to the center rail.
Again, I'm basing these observations only from pictures online or in the most recent MTH catalogs. Haven't seen either of these "in person", although the 10-4006 pictures I've seen online are the actual product in the box, whereas the 11-99006 pics are strictly from MTH's catalog (which has been known to not have the most accurate product graphics). Guess it's time to visit a LHS to see what's really available out there.
If anyone can comment on these two 90-degree crossings... pros and cons, etc... I'd very much appreciate it. Are they REALLY different products, or is the catalog picture just misleading?
I'm planning on a figure-8 of sorts, so my needs are very simple. Trains going over the crossing will be in the same "loop" or power district, so I don't need anything too exotic in design. Simplicity is key here. 
Thanks!!!
David
