@Hp289 posted:< snip > This question seemed more appropriate here, and I wanted to be respectful of the forums guidelines so I'm posting it here. I am definitely going with Ross switches for all the reasons you already know, but reliability being #1. BUT, if his switches are so good, why do I not read about all these magnificent layouts being built with Ross TRACK? Outside of Atlas solid rail, most of what I read is Ross switch/GARGRAVES track. Why mix Ross/GG instead of just Ross/Ross if his stuff is such high quality??? It appears to be close in $ for the track. Thank you for the comments from those of you with first hand knowledge!
My last layout was all Ross sectional track and switches except for a few 37" Gargraves track just because those long straights fit the track plan better. I had an O-54 inner loop and O-64 outer loop. The quality of the Ross track was excellent just as it was with the Ross switches. In 12 years of layout operation, I had only one derailment when a lightweight Lionel freight car jumped a switch on its own, sort of like a string-line situation. I'd say track quality had a large role in that record.
One thing you may not be aware of with Ross track is the "Ross Roadbed" product they offer which fits their sectional track and switches as well as some others like Gargraves uncoupling tracks. The track fits into that roadbed so that only one half of the tie shows, providing a very realistic appearance, especially after ballasting. (I spraypainted the Roadbed prior to installation since it was going to be awhile until I got around to ballasting.)
Here are a few photos of my last layout with all the track embedded in the Ross Roadbed.
I hope this info is helpful.
