Since there has apparently been a nationwide shortage of Micro-Engineering On30 switches since Christmas according to Micro-Mark and Caboose Hobbies and every place I have tried to buy them from, I picked up a LITco code 83 #5 switch and decided to give a try. For my last layout, I built switches from scratch so I have a pretty good understanding of what it takes to build a PC board type switch from scratch. It was not what I would call a fun experience but they did work for the most part.

After actually installing the LITco switch this evening, all I can say is “Wow”. What a great product at an economical price. They roughly cost the same as the MicroEngineering switches and take a little longer to install but combined with handlaid track they would be impressive. Some of the effect is lost as I have combined them with Micro-Engineering flex but I bet with hand laid track they would really be beautiful.

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The above picture is after I spiked down the turnout. I made sure to adequately spike the switch around the points as the stiff .047 lever I use with the Tortoise apply quite a bit of pressure.

Wiring was fairly straightforward but it is necessary to power route the frog. I do this using the auxiliary contacts on the Tortoise machine. I also used MicroEngineering code 83 insulated rail joiners to isolate the frog. Essentially the frog runs from the points all the way through to the end of the switch.

Once I attached the track to the divergent route and finished the wiring, it was time for test run. It took approximately an hour to install the switch.

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The LITco On30 switches are very nicely made and a great value. When I build the next section of layout beyond Camp Two (shhh… don’t tell the wife), expect to see me combine these switches with hand laid track. I love the look of hand laid but could not stomach trying to build enough turnouts for the current iteration. The LITco switches very effectively solve that problem.

Update: I just received notification that Micro-Mark has finally shipped my back ordered switches.