Large Scale Central

Aristocraft switches? an observation

General Discussion
#1

Here is a observation on Aristo craft switches that will make you go HMMMM???
The other day I posted a video. " A lazy day with the MOW crew" where the guys head out to replace a temporary LGB switch machine that was being used on a Aristo switch with a proper Aristo manual switch machine. The swap went well and all was good until the Aristo wedge plow was called on to make a sweep of the track to push aside any leaf, pine cone or twig which may have fallen. The wedge came to this switch and stopped dead in its tracks. Apon inspection the manual switch machine has a profile that is above the rail head. LGB is well below.
Why would aristo make a switch unit that doesn’t allow some Aristo equipment to drive over it??

I bought 4 switch machines off Ebay and one had the extension pieces so I used that to fix one then had to make another extension for this switch.
Is it poor planning by Aristo or do the Germans really engineer a better system?

#2

“Is it poor planning by Aristo or do the Germans really engineer a better system?”

Yes, on both counts.

IIRC way way back in my early days, that was a one of the reasons I dumped any AC turnouts I had, if the switch machine was on the inside of the curve it was OK but if i had to mount the switch machine to the outside of the curve, the overhanging pilot on my Bug Hauler would foul it.

But the main reason was that it seamed that just about everything eventually found a way to derail itself on those turnouts. The final straw being one of my Porters derailing on a turnout right at the edge of the layout, and falling to the floor, fortunately my dog’s bed cushion was right there (and unoccupied) and there was no damage, but that next weekend I began buying LGBs to replace them… never had a problem since.

#3

It certainly is well documented that Aristo switches are not as reliable as the LGB. I have seen posts about fixing them which of course is ridiculous when you have to repair something as soon as it comes out of the box new but that seems to be the way it is in our hobby what with poor quality control during the manufacturing process.

Most of my turnouts are LGB but with the current cost of the 16000 series I had a chance to buy 4 wide radius Aristo ones at a good price so snapped them up. I know they are not as good as the LGB but I figured I can stick them in somewhere unobtrusive and not frequently used.

Still it seems weird to design and build something that won’t work with other pieces from your catalog.

#4

Why would Argghhhhristo make a track and wheel gauge…that neither their track nor wheels match?
You are asking difficult questions, grasshopper.
TOC

#5

Yes, it is troubling when a manufacturer doesn’t fix known problems with their products. The Aristo switches are a good value for their cost. They could be better and most people modify them in some way depending on which model we’re talking about. Aristo has made some changes I think?

On the 10’ wide ones, I remember using a router to make the plastic frog deeper to clear taller wheel flanges. I’ve removed the micro frog switches on the #6s because people said they wouldn’t last. I haven’t installed those switches yet on my layout outside. The wides and the Ys are both working well so far.

I got an aluminum switch made by Switchcrafters and it looks great. I actually will replace the rails with stainless. I like the craftsmanship and the tie material. I think I’d contact them for more down the road. I bought a box of Aristo’s when they were on sale so I got extra. I think we get spoiled by low prices, and shocked when a company demands top dollar for a good product.

#6

One answer to why Aristo stuff is not as good as LGB is cost!

With some manual labor you can make them work very well.

If you want to put some personal effort into it, you can save money. I have never gotten “mad” at Aristo products based on how much cheaper they are.

I have been disappointed at things where I think just proper assembly could have been followed and not increase the price (a lot)… like wiring, soldering, etc.

Just cannot expect LGB quality control from products 1/2 the price.

Greg

#7

Todd,
the plow does have an adjustable blade or you could simply modify the outer edge of the blade to comply with the switch machine limitations.

A Bachmann Connie will also contact the switch machine.

When you infer that the switches have had their issues well that is true. Many reports have been written as to modifying the switches to make them more reliable. Somew years ago at the request of Aristo, I sent them an example of a modified switch to allow the company to show the Chinese manufacturer what was needed as regards new tooling. Alas, it was only the modified frog moulding that eventuated. I made several other suggestions such as modified guard rail clearances and point blades recessed into the adjacent rail. but these were not taken up. Also suggested and an example provided, was a brass cover to stop the ingress of dirt into the trough the switch throwbar operates in the trackbed. This bent piece of thin brass clipped to the track ties either side of the throwbar, being an interference fit over the ties which held the cover in place. This mod alone has solved a lot of potential problems.

Switches made in the last five years or so should have the modified frog moulding.

I have around forty wide radius stainless switches on my railroad and every switch required extensive modification. However, once modified they have performed brilliantly.

#8

Same experience as Tim, once modified, they are smoother than the #6 ones.

So, I paid a lot less, spent some personal time improving them and I’m happy with the overall results.

Greg