Gargraves switches.....

These switches usually need tweaking.  The bar connected to the throw may be rubbing the bottom of the rail.  Worst case remove them completely and remount  (not too tight) with brads.  RICH

  I have a layout with 20 remote controlled Gargraves switches. They were all purchased new approximately three years ago. The layout is used quite frequently and I have had no problem whatsoever with the Gargraves switches.  I have been very very pleased with the Gargraves switches.

Jim

First, the turnouts work-but the issue is the cradles are “sprung”, because the levers were not properly installed-or because they is a manufacturing issue-this has caused the sides of the plastic cradle to not be straight.

Also, I have added manual throws to other turnouts. One I believe is a Ross that I got on a “track deal.”

The issue is the flaring of the lever cradle, not the actual operation of the turnout itself.

david1 posted:

You may spend hundreds of dollars on locomotives, don't cheap out on the track.

Dave

I agree; and this applies to any scale...

Mark in Oregon 

Certainly Gargraves is not a cheap out. They’ve been great for this hobby for many successful years. I have Ross and yes, I’ve had to tweak them from time to time. 

I use a mix of Ross and Gargraves. I use Ross if I can afford it. But I don't hesitate to use Gargraves. I have a test track workbench where I set up every switch before it goes on the layout. I like tinkering with them anyway so it kind of adds to the fun. But I have never installed a manual ground throw! Seems like an odd thing to say but I always use switch machines--and I don't discriminate. I use tortice, Z stuff 2500 or 1000 and even old Pacific Fast Mail "snappers"--whatever is on hand gets used. I'm sorry you're having problems. But my experience doesn't map to yours at all.

Don

O Gauge Jim posted:

  I have a layout with 20 remote controlled Gargraves switches. They were all purchased new approximately three years ago. The layout is used quite frequently and I have had no problem whatsoever with the Gargraves switches. I know Ross has a very good reputation but I have been very very pleased with the Gargraves switches.

Jim

 

 

What if one needs 3 switches, and not 2?

I like and use both GG and Ross; most of my GG switches are so old (the 0-100 variety) that they pre-date GG offering powered switches; they had no ground throws included, either. I had to attach RIX switch machines to all of them, by way of homemade (as i was installing, as each was "custom") springs, all requiring adjustment and tweaking (I think I was probably actually twerking, considering some of the required positions), pretty much standing on my head. This was after I soldered (ow! ow!) all 3 leads to each switch machine (2 dozen?) in pretty much the same body positions. These units have worked quite well, with little required maintenance, since 1990 or so. Any time I hear complaints about modern switches, I just roll my eyes.

I am adding a bit to my layout as we speak; I needed 3 new switches so I investigated Ross and GG, as my layout is a GG/Ross/Curtis/ROW one. I bought GG with the DZ1000 machines (so easy...so blasted easy...) because the Ross 0-72's had a larger/longer footprint and would have required cutting. The price (from Nicholas Smith) was a bonus.

Both companies are great resources, and seem to understand durability, availability and compatibility; I have a Ross yard set - beautiful. I never even consider trackage not of the GG/Ross/Curtis/ROW format (which means that something bad is going to happen...)

I use them both. My Gargraves are also pretty old. The only issue I had was with the frogs not being deep enough for the flanges and lifting the tire off the rail. Easy fix with a dremel. I also use Tortoise switch machines. Never a problem moving the points or keeping them closed. Forget those whimpy Atlas or DZ switch machines. 

Pete

Best to use Gargraves track and Ross Custom Switches. The small additional cost of the Ross switches is well worth it. 

OK...I have had to heavily edit and delete posts here because the discussion went from what the OP intended to a discussion about one manufacturer vs another...not appropriate in this particular thread topic.  Then two of you decided to discuss literary and historical "stuff"....not appropriate for this forum nor does it follow our TOS.