Lionel 711 switches vs 6155/6156

The 711 prewar switches are good (mine are remote).  I wish Lionel had continued their production.  The modern tubular O72 series often have issues with poor point alignment and rail top alignment that cause derailments.  I gave all mine away in frustration and changed to K-Line when those became available.

If you are getting back to the hobby and purchasing new track, Lionel FasTrack switches are my recommendation.  They are performing well for me - no derailments, and no motor failures.   Current production includes Command Control so you don't have to run a bunch of wires for remote operation.   Plug and play and the best choice for a carpet central layout.  If you don't want to use all FasTrack, tubular transition pieces are available.

Other options for tubular track: K-Line SnapTrack (if you can find new) perform well but these often need a tuneup to fully insulate crossing rails (there are many How To threads on the forum).  My oldest K-Line switch motors are sluggish and repairing these is a PITA.    Ross "RossPlate" switches are excellent.  However, the DZ1000 motors need sufficient voltage (18 to 20v) to throw reliably and several of the DZ motors never worked consistently out of the box.  Fortunately, the DZ motors are easy to replace.

Thanks I appreciate it. I want to stick with tubular as the end goal is a postwar style layout. I will eventually get off the carpet. lol

Ive had a few of the K-line ones and wasnt a fan of the switch motors as they failed pretty quickly even though they were brand new. When I was doing my big layout 15 years ago I used Ross and gargraves track and loved it. But again, with my end goals being different now, wanting only Lionel tubular, I have never owned 711's and was curious about them.

I will also get O-31 switches but want to build up my O-72 switch stock first. I think I will purchase a couple of the 711's and see how I like them.

Thanks again