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Are Gargraves manual switches inherently self-tending? I would need the 42" radius switches.
My track plans call for a dog bone with a reverse loop at each end. I do not need remote control to throw the switches. I just need the switch to be self-tending when the train approaches opposite the point after traversing the loop.
Are there any caveats? Would it be dependent on speed - too fast or two slow? Would small, lightweight, 4-wheel tinplate cars leading into the switch, ahead of the engine, be able to move the points w/o derailing?
I've been testing Marx O-34 switches and planned to mate them with Gargraves track. I added a rail to the curve route to avoid derailing - a common fix. But I'm having two problems: (1) Using track power to throw the switch has been problematic: not reliable and/or fast enough - even after through maintenance with Teflon dry lube; and (2) The light tinplate cars get a bumpy ride and derail often enough even with the switch in the proper position.
Any insight would be appreciated.
My track plans call for a dog bone with a reverse loop at each end. I do not need remote control to throw the switches. I just need the switch to be self-tending when the train approaches opposite the point after traversing the loop.
Are there any caveats? Would it be dependent on speed - too fast or two slow? Would small, lightweight, 4-wheel tinplate cars leading into the switch, ahead of the engine, be able to move the points w/o derailing?
I've been testing Marx O-34 switches and planned to mate them with Gargraves track. I added a rail to the curve route to avoid derailing - a common fix. But I'm having two problems: (1) Using track power to throw the switch has been problematic: not reliable and/or fast enough - even after through maintenance with Teflon dry lube; and (2) The light tinplate cars get a bumpy ride and derail often enough even with the switch in the proper position.
Any insight would be appreciated.