Thank you for the quick reply and the story behind the railcrew switch machine. I get disappointed sometimes, when I see a cool MRR product, and I can't buy it right away. I've already bought about a dozen of these switch machines, and I plan to buy several dozen in the future. I will still use my Tortoises for the hidden areas, but I will use Railcrews for the rest. Kudos to you and Randy for developing such a cool product. And Thanks again for sharing the story behind it. Happy Model Railroading!
Thanks a ton guys. I understand switches better and can apply that to world train Sim 2. If I had the space I'd recreate sand patch or Clinchfield. Someday. Thanks again guys.
Good day eh. Just saw Larry Puckets video on painting 3D figures. Just thought you guys could do a line of 3D figures featuring all you hosers dressed in different railroad attire. You could all be immortalized as little model rail people. Beauty eh. (BT W I’m one of the original hosers from Dundas where Dave and Ian Thomas hail).
Just found out about these, i always wanted a switch that would change the target, quite honestly the only use I can think of a tortoise machine would be the mainline to simulate a powered motor, these look great for every other use
I thought I was watching an episode of Corner Gas. Brent Butt with the cap on. Very entertaining. I really don't want to drill those large holes in the layout, though. Good point re the stall machines with the current always on to hold the point. Have a few more Elsinor brews, eh! Cheers from Camden, NY!
So I installed one with a 12v adapter, and it works fine. But i also have an old DC power pack under my layout for signals, could these switches be wired to the DC side of that controller, or is that a bad idea?
Jordan, when someone puts you in a headlock, use your hand that is closest to the assailant (Jason), and reach up behind his back. Put your middle finger tip below his ear in the hollow spot where the jaw and skull meet. Give a firm but not too hard push. You have now given Jason something else to think about, and he WILL let go of you! Alternatively, you could reach all the way around, put your finger under the bridge of his nose, and push up and back. No more headlock! I did learn a few things on my way to a black belt in Taekwondo. Great video, BTW. I'm planning a new layout, and may use these.
I think with a full 1 Amp 12 V pulse, (12 Watts of heat makes a good small soldering iron) with only a thermal cutout to protect it from faulty overheating, you are going to be the #1 Fire risk for home layouts. Have you spoken to UL about this? I also wonder how it is possible to drill a rather large 1 and 1/8th diameter hole in an existing yard between two HO tracks at 2" spacing?
It would be great it the switch stands could be used on manually operated turnouts. Have you considered offering this option in the future? Or is it possible to adapt the actual product.
Why remove the spring? Does the switch machine not have enough power to engage the spring? I am using Peco and the new Walthers. Looks like there is enough looseness after the current is off that the point could move away from the track. How can I be fore sure I am getting the newer machine with the thermal coupler and not the older machine?
If you use the pilot hole and drill from both sides, you won't chip out the plywood as bad. Or better yet use a forstner bit, if you can find one that size. A Forstner bit will give you a smoother rounder hole. This is a very cool switch machine Jason. I saw this switch machine at the 2015 National Train Show in Portland, Oregon. I was ready to buy them then. Just out of curiousity, why did it take over two years to get them to market?
We made them in 2015, believe it or not. But then we found that they failed when abused and had no ability to recover from overheating. So we junked the whole shipment and redesigned the guts to be much more robust, the best part being the temperature switch that shuts down the machine before it is damaged.
You guys are funny to watch, but it makes the video fun to watch. Switch machines look interesting, where are they available ? we no longer have a hobby shop in our town.
I think your RailCrew Switch Machine is better and more prototypical than the Tortoise. A little more fiddly to install, but the results are great looking.
Good video of a new product. That Peco turnout looks more like a number 6, the number 8 is a lot longer. Is the C40-8M available yet? Have you considered producing the Alco FA1?
You are absolutely right - it's a #6. Whoops! The 8s are on passenger tracks, not industrial spurs. The Dash 8s are on the water from the factory right now.
Awesome I'm gonna give these a try out definitely. Frog power automatically deals with polarity? Therefore should eliminate the need for a hex frog juicer?
How about using a supercacitor power supply diode charged. Easy circuit to hack can drive several machines and also prevents burnout by limiting current.
Is it possible to get RailCrew to work in N scale? Or can you get an N scale version, Or are they planning to have N scale Rail Crew Switch Machines? I am very interested.
thanks for the video I find the tortoise switch machines a pain to install under the track .This looks much easier. Im going to try one . P S ill use the right size bit
Great show, eh! I would also be interested in using these with N scale. Could you guys test them with perhaps Atlas or ME code 55 switches? (I think the Peco ones are beefy enough to not be an issue...) So other than that it's just a matter of getting the switch stands and targets made for N scale size? (Brass etching would be sooooo hard to adapt *eyeroll*) Thanks for the info on what looks like a really cool product, eh! - A-Train
Switch machines are in stock and available to order through dealers or on our website. We're temporarily out of stock of the uncouplers at the moment, but hope to have a restock later this year.
you think dave ! you should watch sparky107107 video's i thin he did need some where the coal mine will be sitting .i alway wondered how you get coal from your wall. for me i would tell everyone it's skittles mine Ron from 2448 toyman and peter from pc rail 8748 would believe you would be mine skittles. what are we going to do with you sparky jennifer white train bug
While it's designed for HO, we've heard of people modifying them for N. You may want to check with Rails of Sheffield for availability, but other shops may carry them as well.
ruclips.net/video/-s7bqJLZXbQ/видео.html The French bit is in the middle.
6 лет назад
+rapidotrains J'avais pas bien tout compris dans ce segment au milieu justement. J'espérais en apprendre plus sur cette crosse de hockey, est-ce qu'il va y avoir un modèle en HO?
Well I was just thinking about the machine itself and not using the switch stand. I would have to fabricate or find something similar that could be used for the switch stand. Very nice idea for a switch machine!!
Yearz'n years ago, somebody published an article on making working N switchstands from small hypodermic needles (insulin size, perhaps?). The needle holding tip made a good base, and he ran a fine wire up the shortened needle to a target. It was generic looking, but the price was right. Don't know if anyone perhaps has that on the 'net now.
I wold look to Thingsverse and see if someone has a 3D printed model of what you need. That will be the up and coming tool for model rail roaders. Good video
Here's the web site: rapidotrains.com/switch-machine-with-operating-switchstand/ It's about the same price - $19.17 each if you buy a 12-pack. Dealers may sell for less.
Thanks for your thoughts. Having a rotating target on the switch stand is such a high level of realism that it is worthwhile to many people to install them.
Got a screw for a Pullman car truck attachment screw? Very rare it'll make me build something. A for the want of a screw. The big hobby store excursion dont have hardly anything for trains and 70 miles away. I wish I could sell trains but with no parts still dont help. Of the three cars I bought for 9 bucks they are new, one is a special car like a presidential car with red fringe on the back awning and gold painted handrails. What with cabooses they cost as much or more than some trains. When I was last in trains I bought boxcars for 2 bucks for a kit. How do you start a train store? Sell trains for ya. Eh?
The only problem I see with this is the wires coming off the back of the switches from their soldered position are easily broken off! The wires should have been a thicker gauge or attached with a different connection. I have already gone thru two switches already! Seems very cheaply made,as compared to other products from Rapido. I would’ve expected better quality!
The switch machine operates too fast and too hard and I'm afraid of what it will do to my stock rails over time. The power going to the switch machine could cause a fire. The design does not allow for the switches to operate closely together. You also need special tools to install it. There are better switch machine on the market for less that operate prototypically. I'm disappointed with it.
Hi Tim! It's really not that hard. We've had them in service on Randy's layout for four years with no issues. The power cannot cause a fire, unless there is something very wrong with your power supply. The model shuts down if it gets hot. You can indeed install switches close together if you plan in advance. We feel the benefit of having operating switch targets outweighs the extra work needed to install one of these and the fast motion. You obviously feel differently. If you are interested in trying one, please contact us through our web site - rapidotrains.com/contact-us/ - and we will send you one so you can see for yourself. -Jason
And, what is the cost ? I don't know about you, but if my commercial Atlas, Shino, or Peco, Lambert, Walthers switches are $15 to $40 (usually the curved Shinos), I can't see paying [what?], $20 more per switch...And speaking of Peco, I don't know why they made the head block ties wider than the cross ties.. Plus, to me Pecos look British prototype and Atlas are very US prototype. In case anyone doesn't already know, the HO Customline Atlas TOs have a metal frog which can be powered. They come with a black coating on the frogs which rubs right off (I believe it protects the frog from corroding if sitting on the store shelf a long time. If you install Atlas switches correctly they work just as well as Peco, the only diff is Peco has that spring action. But check this: The guys here removed the spring on their Peco. Why ? Because the spring will work against any motorization. IE. Peco's spring is great for finger flipping the points, but has to go anyway if they're motorized. Take away that spring and they're just a jiggly as Atlases.. For me Atlas looks more American, too. Finally: A cool thing you can do with Atlas is to buy a small bottle of chrome enamel paint and paint the 4 brown insulators around the frog, and rust up the guard rails. And the head blocks are the correct size to boot.
You seem to be making an argument against switch machines in general, and there is nothing wrong with that. Our switch machines are about the same price as a Tortoise. If you can afford a Tortoise, you can afford ours. Peco Code 83 tracks are North American designs.
what 'special tools'?? ...a 1-1/8 inch hole-saw?, a drill?? I've installed 6 - 3 of them VERY close together on my FIRST-TIME EVER layout and I've seen real switch mechanisms at work and I've yet to see a model product that come even close to the precision of scale and function (other than the 'snappy' action) of the RAIL-CREW product. Oh yes, I also use ONLY Micro Engineering track and turnouts and ONLY code 88 wheels on all my rolling stock. ...AND I've had my trains ZIP through my turnouts at an UN-prototypical speed of 130mph without incident - ever. Being a 'polite Canuck' I'm SORRY, but for me, these switch machines are NUMBER ONE!!!
When rapido does no editing at all on there videos and its still hilarious
Comedy transcends post-production!
@@rapidotrains Rapido Rewatching There Old Videos: WHAT WERE WE THINKING?
Got my way here after the TVO documentary "Employable Me". You guys (and the gal of course) are great.
Thanks!
Thank you for the quick reply and the story behind the railcrew switch machine. I get disappointed sometimes, when I see a cool MRR product, and I can't buy it right away. I've already bought about a dozen of these switch machines, and I plan to buy several dozen in the future. I will still use my Tortoises for the hidden areas, but I will use Railcrews for the rest. Kudos to you and Randy for developing such a cool product. And Thanks again for sharing the story behind it. Happy Model Railroading!
Thanks a ton guys. I understand switches better and can apply that to world train Sim 2. If I had the space I'd recreate sand patch or Clinchfield. Someday. Thanks again guys.
Glad it helped!
I was thinking about trying these before I seen this, now I'm confident that these are what I want.
Awesome!
G’day, just found your channel, I have joined you and will follow your journey from down here in New Zealand…………..cheers Mark
I liked this video as soon as I heard "We want to be number two!". You guys make awesome videos.
Good day eh. Just saw Larry Puckets video on painting 3D figures. Just thought you guys could do a line of 3D figures featuring all you hosers dressed in different railroad attire. You could all be immortalized as little model rail people. Beauty eh. (BT W I’m one of the original hosers from Dundas where Dave and Ian Thomas hail).
Maybe one day!
Awesome layout guys would love to see more videos of this being built.
We will show more as it progresses. More info here: facebook.com/KingstonSub/
Whoa !!! That is one TALL helix.
Now I have a bizarre desire to watch "Strange Brew" again.
Just found out about these, i always wanted a switch that would change the target, quite honestly the only use I can think of a tortoise machine would be the mainline to simulate a powered motor, these look great for every other use
Hope you enjoy them!
Excellent video as always guys. Jason is just plain funny. Cant wait for the SW1200RS next year.
A great product. Also, a great video--the McKenzie Brothers do model railroading. Got to go run my trains, hoseheads.
Thanks!
So cool! I had a neighbour who had a switch stand on his lawn for his house #. He had worked for CN & VIA.
Appreciate the Friendly Giant shout-out.
I thought I was watching an episode of Corner Gas. Brent Butt with the cap on. Very entertaining. I really don't want to drill those large holes in the layout, though. Good point re the stall machines with the current always on to hold the point. Have a few more Elsinor brews, eh! Cheers from Camden, NY!
Glad you liked it, eh?
@@rapidotrains Definitely! That's aboot right...
So I installed one with a 12v adapter, and it works fine. But i also have an old DC power pack under my layout for signals, could these switches be wired to the DC side of that controller, or is that a bad idea?
Man you guys need to offer these in O scale!
People have used them in On30, but O scale proper would be a challenge...
My g/f lives about 4 hours away from your CA HQ in Cornwall..... I think moving up there will benefit my layout nicely :D
Jordan, when someone puts you in a headlock, use your hand that is closest to the assailant (Jason), and reach up behind his back. Put your middle finger tip below his ear in the hollow spot where the jaw and skull meet. Give a firm but not too hard push. You have now given Jason something else to think about, and he WILL let go of you! Alternatively, you could reach all the way around, put your finger under the bridge of his nose, and push up and back. No more headlock! I did learn a few things on my way to a black belt in Taekwondo. Great video, BTW. I'm planning a new layout, and may use these.
It's a good thing Jordan never reads these comments..... -Jason :D
I think with a full 1 Amp 12 V pulse, (12 Watts of heat makes a good small soldering iron) with only a thermal cutout to protect it from faulty overheating, you are going to be the #1 Fire risk for home layouts. Have you spoken to UL about this?
I also wonder how it is possible to drill a rather large 1 and 1/8th diameter hole in an existing yard between two HO tracks at 2" spacing?
Doug and Bob McKenzie would be proud of these two hosers, eh!
It would be great it the switch stands could be used on manually operated turnouts. Have you considered offering this option in the future? Or is it possible to adapt the actual product.
Why remove the spring? Does the switch machine not have enough power to engage the spring? I am using Peco and the new Walthers. Looks like there is enough looseness after the current is off that the point could move away from the track. How can I be fore sure I am getting the newer machine with the thermal coupler and not the older machine?
"Smooth Movement" Loving this. :)
My track is on 1 inch foam on top of plywood. How do you secure the switch machine in that instance?
If you use the pilot hole and drill from both sides, you won't chip out the plywood as bad. Or better yet use a forstner bit, if you can find one that size. A Forstner bit will give you a smoother rounder hole. This is a very cool switch machine Jason. I saw this switch machine at the 2015 National Train Show in Portland, Oregon. I was ready to buy them then. Just out of curiousity, why did it take over two years to get them to market?
We made them in 2015, believe it or not. But then we found that they failed when abused and had no ability to recover from overheating. So we junked the whole shipment and redesigned the guts to be much more robust, the best part being the temperature switch that shuts down the machine before it is damaged.
So with the correct size hole made, is the switch machine simply a press tight fit or it is secured from the bottom?
Surley there's more capable hosts working at Rapido, then you two!
😂
You guys are funny to watch, but it makes the video fun to watch. Switch machines look interesting, where are they available ? we no longer have a hobby shop in our town.
You can order them online from any train store or direct from us if buying in packs of six: rapidotrains.com/switch-machine/
I think your RailCrew Switch Machine is better and more prototypical than the Tortoise. A little more fiddly to install, but the results are great looking.
Thanks! Unlike just about every other switch machine, this one actually moves the points the same way a real one does.
For those of us modeling "the other railway", will you be making the switchstand bits more suited toCP?
If these do well, certainly!
G Day Mate .....for next time I watch from Australia .....
You Canadians are hysterical
Good video of a new product. That Peco turnout looks more like a number 6, the number 8 is a lot longer. Is the C40-8M available yet? Have you considered producing the Alco FA1?
You are absolutely right - it's a #6. Whoops! The 8s are on passenger tracks, not industrial spurs. The Dash 8s are on the water from the factory right now.
rapidotrains Thanks for your reply.
Great video. What kind of DCC accessory decoder is ideally suited for this switch machine? Electrically is it equivalent to an Atlas snap switch?
Awesome I'm gonna give these a try out definitely. Frog power automatically deals with polarity? Therefore should eliminate the need for a hex frog juicer?
Correct - no frog juicer is needed. The frog polarity is switched by the machine. Same as Tortoise and many other brands of switch machine.
rapidotrains awesome thanks!
Will this work with atlas switches?
Absolutely.
I am part of the club who makes these and we use them on are layout in crew I believe there are uncoupling magnets available to
Ken, What do you use for armatures for your big deciduous trees?
How about using a supercacitor power supply diode charged. Easy circuit to hack can drive several machines and also prevents burnout by limiting current.
Do those machines have a means of indicating position?
Is it possible to get RailCrew to work in N scale? Or can you get an N scale version, Or are they planning to have N scale Rail Crew Switch Machines? I am very interested.
thanks for the video I find the tortoise switch machines a pain to install under the track .This looks much easier. Im going to try one . P S ill use the right size bit
Great show, eh! I would also be interested in using these with N scale. Could you guys test them with perhaps Atlas or ME code 55 switches? (I think the Peco ones are beefy enough to not be an issue...)
So other than that it's just a matter of getting the switch stands and targets made for N scale size? (Brass etching would be sooooo hard to adapt *eyeroll*)
Thanks for the info on what looks like a really cool product, eh!
- A-Train
We will do some N scale testing.
Can u guys design the Siemens Charger in all schemes. (Regular Amtrak Scheme,Amtrak Cascades scheme,and Amtrak California scheme.)
Bob and Doug McKenzie with model trains.....lol. great vid guys. now take off eh.
Excellent
Did you guy's stop making this item? there is a page not found error when using the provided link
Sorry! We'll update the link. We make them and have them in stock now.
Big Question June 28 2021 are you still making these
Switch machines are in stock and available to order through dealers or on our website. We're temporarily out of stock of the uncouplers at the moment, but hope to have a restock later this year.
Thanks for the info , going to use them as part of my steel mill
they look like the fit into more places. where as a tortoise might not fit.. I might need a couple of them Number Two switch machines
you think dave ! you should watch sparky107107 video's i thin he did need some where the coal mine will be sitting .i alway wondered how you get coal from your wall. for me i would tell everyone it's skittles mine Ron from 2448 toyman and peter from pc rail 8748 would believe you would be mine skittles.
what are we going to do with you sparky
jennifer white train bug
Hi! Hey i was wondering what was the purpose of switch stands versus the ground level switch throws in railroading? Thanks!
Ground level throws are more common in yards where the equipment is moving slowly.
@@rapidotrains thanks you guys for your reply!
Is there any reason these cannot be used with n scale, when not using the switch stand, is there a supplerin the UK, cheers Toony
While it's designed for HO, we've heard of people modifying them for N. You may want to check with Rails of Sheffield for availability, but other shops may carry them as well.
Need one of these for a project. Do you have a preferred supplier please? Great stuff.
You can order these from any good model train store.
Was this filmed yesterday
There's always a strong emphasis on there being French instructions with every Rapido product. But where are the French VIDEOS?
ruclips.net/video/-s7bqJLZXbQ/видео.html The French bit is in the middle.
+rapidotrains J'avais pas bien tout compris dans ce segment au milieu justement. J'espérais en apprendre plus sur cette crosse de hockey, est-ce qu'il va y avoir un modèle en HO?
What headbluck should I use on Atlas switch.
When you get the switch machine you just choose the one that is the best fit for you.
Can these be adapted for N-Scale?
We've never tested it but it seems possible! The problem is the switch stand itself would be very large...
Well I was just thinking about the machine itself and not using the switch stand. I would have to fabricate or find something similar that could be used for the switch stand. Very nice idea for a switch machine!!
Beat me to the question.
Yearz'n years ago, somebody published an article on making working N switchstands from small hypodermic needles (insulin size, perhaps?). The needle holding tip made a good base, and he ran a fine wire up the shortened needle to a target. It was generic looking, but the price was right. Don't know if anyone perhaps has that on the 'net now.
I wold look to Thingsverse and see if someone has a 3D printed model of what you need. That will be the up and coming tool for model rail roaders. Good video
Shouldn't a momentary SPDT be "(on)-off-(on)"?
Yes - what did we say in the video?
You said momentary, but the text at 3:29 says "on-off-on".
I know it's nitpicking so, sorry about that. Great video!
real Cool stuff
can you make the new go transit cab cars?
W.O.W.
👍
Well done but make a video showing how to cut your fingers apart after you glue them together.
Looks great!!! what's the price compared to the tortoise about the same or cheaper???? anyone???
Here's the web site: rapidotrains.com/switch-machine-with-operating-switchstand/ It's about the same price - $19.17 each if you buy a 12-pack. Dealers may sell for less.
Does this also work for atlas code 83 track?
Yes, Jason is using Code 83 for his switches.
My thoughts on the switch machine, it looks cool and operates nicely, but that’s too much work and patience just to change the trains direction!
Thanks for your thoughts. Having a rotating target on the switch stand is such a high level of realism that it is worthwhile to many people to install them.
Ok I understand now , to add realism
why use a swatch to control, instead automatic. If control by hand don't need electricity
You can't always reach a turnout to control by hand. And you need to switch the polarity.
How do you scenic around this switch machine?
It's quite easy, actually. You just scenic around it like any other switch stand. Just don't get any scenery glue or plaster into the moving parts.
Easily said. Hope about a supplimentery video show details.
We'll get there eventually.
theres a mouse in my beer eh
Is there any way to slow the switch down?
Unfortunately no.
Beauty
You Canadians make a goods product eh
Got a screw for a Pullman car truck attachment screw? Very rare it'll make me build something. A for the want of a screw. The big hobby store excursion dont have hardly anything for trains and 70 miles away. I wish I could sell trains but with no parts still dont help. Of the three cars I bought for 9 bucks they are new, one is a special car like a presidential car with red fringe on the back awning and gold painted handrails. What with cabooses they cost as much or more than some trains. When I was last in trains I bought boxcars for 2 bucks for a kit. How do you start a train store? Sell trains for ya. Eh?
The only problem I see with this is the wires coming off the back of the switches from their soldered position are easily broken off! The wires should have been a thicker gauge or attached with a different connection. I have already gone thru two switches already! Seems very cheaply made,as compared to other products from Rapido. I would’ve expected better quality!
Is pot legal in CANADA??
Great idea pitty not for N Scale
5:04 quit lying down on the job you two.
I want this, eh.
you can not afford them remember you a poor farmer dave
Jason make Conway Scenic RR Trains
We have made RDCs and FP9As in Conway Scenic. Please contact them directly.
It is “Gid day” if you are trying to sound Aussie
just too much Canadian going on here.
We are too Canadian. Except for the four Americans and the Chinese people.
The switch machine operates too fast and too hard and I'm afraid of what it will do to my stock rails over time. The power going to the switch machine could cause a fire. The design does not allow for the switches to operate closely together. You also need special tools to install it. There are better switch machine on the market for less that operate prototypically. I'm disappointed with it.
Hi Tim! It's really not that hard. We've had them in service on Randy's layout for four years with no issues. The power cannot cause a fire, unless there is something very wrong with your power supply. The model shuts down if it gets hot. You can indeed install switches close together if you plan in advance. We feel the benefit of having operating switch targets outweighs the extra work needed to install one of these and the fast motion. You obviously feel differently. If you are interested in trying one, please contact us through our web site - rapidotrains.com/contact-us/ - and we will send you one so you can see for yourself. -Jason
And, what is the cost ? I don't know about you, but if my commercial Atlas, Shino, or Peco, Lambert, Walthers switches are $15 to $40 (usually the curved Shinos), I can't see paying [what?], $20 more per switch...And speaking of Peco, I don't know why they made the head block ties wider than the cross ties.. Plus, to me Pecos look British prototype and Atlas are very US prototype. In case anyone doesn't already know, the HO Customline Atlas TOs have a metal frog which can be powered. They come with a black coating on the frogs which rubs right off (I believe it protects the frog from corroding if sitting on the store shelf a long time. If you install Atlas switches correctly they work just as well as Peco, the only diff is Peco has that spring action. But check this: The guys here removed the spring on their Peco. Why ? Because the spring will work against any motorization. IE. Peco's spring is great for finger flipping the points, but has to go anyway if they're motorized. Take away that spring and they're just a jiggly as Atlases.. For me Atlas looks more American, too. Finally: A cool thing you can do with Atlas is to buy a small bottle of chrome enamel paint and paint the 4 brown insulators around the frog, and rust up the guard rails. And the head blocks are the correct size to boot.
You seem to be making an argument against switch machines in general, and there is nothing wrong with that. Our switch machines are about the same price as a Tortoise. If you can afford a Tortoise, you can afford ours. Peco Code 83 tracks are North American designs.
what 'special tools'?? ...a 1-1/8 inch hole-saw?, a drill?? I've installed 6 - 3 of them VERY close together on my FIRST-TIME EVER layout and I've seen real switch mechanisms at work and I've yet to see a model product that come even close to the precision of scale and function (other than the 'snappy' action) of the RAIL-CREW product. Oh yes, I also use ONLY Micro Engineering track and turnouts and ONLY code 88 wheels on all my rolling stock. ...AND I've had my trains ZIP through my turnouts at an UN-prototypical speed of 130mph without incident - ever. Being a 'polite Canuck' I'm SORRY, but for me, these switch machines are NUMBER ONE!!!