I see Fastrack O36 switches are in short supply.

Do you want the new command control or just the regular switches?

Just the regular is what I want and that's what appears to be out of stock.  Looks like there's plenty of command control if I was in the market for it.

The die was damaged and it is supposed to be repaired and swtiches back by April the last time I heard.

Try Graceland Hobbyland in Columbus Ohio. They HAD some last time I visited.

Frank

I needed two more O36 manual switches for my layout.  I like the appearance of the manual switches; have located all of them within easy reach on the layout; and enjoy not having to do any more wiring than necessary under the layout.  

What I did, as recently as last week, was order a FasTrack Passing Siding Expansion Set, which includes both left- and right-hand manual switches.  These sets are still available, and the entire set cost less than buying the separate components (I can always use the extra curve and straight sections from the set in the future).

As has been noted here, the individually packaged O36 switches appear to be in very short supply at this time, even from the major retailers.  I tried about a half dozen dealers, both local and online, before figuring out that the expansion set would give me what I needed.

Allan has an excellent idea about using the O36 manual switches and finding them in the passing siding set.  Unfortunately, the supply of those is drying up as well.  Wild Bill's had (last weekend) a good supply of O36 LH remote turnouts but the rest of the O36 were all command.  He had none of the manual ones and all his passing siding sets were long gone.

Another thing to consider is to go with a bigger switch like the O60 or O72.  I realize that sometimes only the O36 will fit but sometimes you can work with a bigger turnout.

If only the O36 will do, I have some slightly used O36 remote switches and might be willing to work a trade if you contact me at the e-mail in my profile.

I'd be glad to swap you some conventional O-36 switches for command models.  I'd even toss in a little kicker for the price difference.

I was also looking for some, I really do not want to purchase the command control ones, as I will be using a AIU to control my switches and have a control panel with switch controllers on it.  

I guess I will use my manual switches as a stand in till they are back in stock.

Can a newbie ask a stupid question here? What are my choices for Lionel manual switches? When I looked on ebay all I saw was 027 but this thread suggests that regular 0 gauge switches can be manual, too.

I'm planning to built my layout on my Murphy bed frame but I'm still very much in the "how I am going to do this" stage.

@BillShoff:

All I can speak to is the FasTrack.  The only switches that are purely "manual" come in O36.  They have a rather neat little switchstand that turns when the switch is thrown.  The instructions that come with the remote ones make a point of telling you that the switches can also be thrown manually by turning the lantern on the switch.  All of the FasTrack switches are non-derailing, even the manual ones.  I hope this helps.

I bought a set of 036 Remote switches from From http://www.readytorolltrains.com/

Ready to Roll in Florida a couple of weeks ago they told me they had more.

I also agree with Alan I have 5 sets of manual switches all bought as part of an expansion set.

Bill

I'm  placing both switches far out of reach so manual wouldn't be practical. 

I could put a bigger switch in one place but the other is too tight for anything larger than O36.

I may take you up on the offer.  I'm going to double check with my LHS first (the last I recall they were really proud of them $ wise) and I'll get back with you.

I don't have any command switches or I'd swap with you.

You can have either O-27 tubular switches in remote or manual; O36 Fastrack in remote or manual.  And both types of remote switches can be operated manually.  As far as I know the remote O-31 tubular switches (model 022) weren't offered in a manual version but could always be operated manually.

Now, here's a pearl that I didn't realize!  Are you sure about this?  I'm surprised they have all the motors and electronics to make them non-derailing, since that's the only real difference between the two models!

No motors at all.  It is the way the points are facing,  the locomotives wheels push the points the right way.

I guess that might work, I never thought about it that way.  I looked at the remote switches and see what you mean, they'd probably work that way with no power as well.

I have no manual switches to look at.

Atlas is similiar, the engine can push the frog so that there is no derailment.  G

I have an O36 that at don't need (manual) if you want it let me know, I'm in no need of it now.  

Brian

Yes, all FasTrack switches--remote and manual--have the non-derailing feature.

042 pair:

No longer have that need, as noted in one of my earlier posts.  I bought a FasTrack Expansion Set a week or so ago and that took care of all of my additional switch needs. 

My layout has all the track it can hold at the present time, consistent with my desire to leave ample space for scenery and accessories.  Personally, I'm not a big fan of "spaghetti bowl" layouts and really like seeing trains operate in some sort of setting or scene.

I have a Left hand O36 remote fastrack switch if someone needs one, I can part with it.

Allan

Sorry, I missed the part about buying the passing siding. Good idea...

Just trying to help.

Gilly

And I do appreciate your offer of assistance!  Thanks much!

Thanks Nick, email me what you want for it and I will take it off of your hands.