Lionel & Gargraves track switches

To mate Gargraves switches to Lionel tubular track, you will need to use the Gargraves mating pin #801, as shown in the FAQ section of the Gargraves website. 

Mating the GG switches to Lionel track will be easy. With adapter pins, and in some cases shims to compensate for height differences, it's easy to mix brands of track and switches.   You're going to find that not all trains and switches are compatible. I contacted Gargraves 2 years ago when I started designing my track plan, and they told me their switches wouldn't work for the trains I'm running (prewar tinplate for the most part). While I was disappointed, I also appreciated their honesty as I was prepared to spend a significant amount of money on switches. 

With that said, the most important thing to consider when shopping for switches is what trains you are running. If you're running post-war or modern trains, you'll have more options. If you're running older prewar tinplate, you will have fewer options but there are still options out there that will work. 

look at Ross O gauge tinplate switches. They would be the best bet to run with tubular O-gauge track

• So many turnouts,so little agreement...Most agree that Ross switches (turnouts to some) are smoothest and worth the cash outlay, if you have it to spare, but most of us get by with less. Lionel 022 (31 inch radius) or their 72 inch radius switches have been a reliable buy for the most part.
• Lionel FasTrack makes a few differing radius' such as 36. 48, 54 and 72 inch, K-line made 2 or 3 radius including a 42-inch switch to match Lionel O tubular, etc.
• I have a few Gargraves sitting around that I want to install in a yard that's as yet only in my mind, but I don't have machines for them to throw the points. It will be worth it, tho because they're #6 switches, which have a minimal curve and should give some nice close yard tracks, if my switchers don't get caught on the frogs, which can be a Gargraves downside.

I have used Lionel tubular track with Gargraves & Ross switches. With either track switch you need the adapter pins to go from Lionel track to the other brand of track switch. The adapter pins work with both Gargraves and Ross track as their track dimensions at the track pin area are the same. I have found that most of my Gargraves 042 curves are a bit larger in diameter then Ross curves.

I prefer the Ross switches as they let me run all my MTH engines through them without problems.

Gargraves switches work with most Lionel and Williams engines. I have some Gargraves switches that are close to 9 years old and have a problem with one of them, the rail is lifting out of place and I am using it for a siding until I either repair it or replace it.

Lee Fritz

If you have cars or locomotives with slider shoes please keep in mind ONLY Lionel switches will both allow them to pass as well as NOT trigger them.