Recommended 3rd party crossover

[koraldon]

Hi,

I have expanded my track collection with TrixBrix S32 and R56 tracks, and I like them a lot, as they are injection molded and a good value (as well as international shipping)

However, when I looked at Trixbrix switches, I think they are 3d-printed and not injection molded?

Which manufacturer do you recommend for cross-overs / switches, as Lego's own switches are pretty limited?

Thanks,

Daniel

[Narissis]

BrickTracks for injection-molded PF switches.

FX Track for injection-molded 9V switches (presently out of stock but new units are in production so give it a month or two).

Note that these are larger-radius switches, but for crossovers that's what you want as the overall size of the crossover is smaller than with first-party switches since you don't need awkward geometry or a parallel intermediary track.

For switches identical in geometry to Lego's own, the only injection-molded options may be AliExpress bootlegs.

For exotic switch geometries, 3D printed is the only option for now.

Edited June 29, 2024 by Narissis

[and_ampersand_and]

I have a number of trixbrix 3-d printed switches and they are fine quality wise. You have to be a little careful with them as they feel more fragile, but I haven't yet had any break. I still vastly prefer injection molded switches when that is an option (i.e. BrickTracks R104 switches vs Trixbrix R104 switches) but you can't beat the vast variaty of switches that Trixbrix is able to provide via 3-d printing.

Edited June 30, 2024 by and_ampersand_and

[zephyr1934]

3 hours ago, and_ampersand_and said:

I have a number of trixbrix 3-d printed switches and they are fine quality wise. You have to be a little careful with them as they feel more fragile, but I haven't yet had any break. I still vastly prefer injection molded switches when that is an option (i.e. BrickTracks R104 switches vs Trixbrix R104 switches) but you can't beat the vast variaty of switches that Trixbrix is able to provide via 3-d printing.

Well put and I concur. Going a little further, trixbrix switches come in in parts that click together. Some of the connections are tight, others benefit from gluing. The range of geometries is amazing, I really like the R104 double slip switches and the R40 yard switches for compact leads (not prototypical geometry, but it allows you to fit a yard in the shortest possible space.

 

Bonus points, I just discovered that many (but not all) trixbrix switches actually have three positions: straight with spring, diverging with spring, and diverging locked no-spring. I assume the latter is for when your mainline takes the diverge and you don't want a car to "pick the switch" and try to go straight.

[CaL]

Hi, I can only confirm what was written about TrixBrix. Fine quality for 3D printing and vast choice of geometries. Where economical, they even have replaced/supplemented there 3D printed track pieces by injection moulded versions (e.g. their double straights). A good video about their products “in action” you can see here:  

 

 

 

[Feuer Zug]

I haven't had any issues over the past 7 years running TrixBrix switches. They've held up well at home and at shows. My double crossovers get the most work, followed up by the curved switches. I will say placing a few plates on them to lock in the segments does wonders for keeping them properly configured.

[koraldon]

Thanks for all the feedback - TrixBrix crossovers it is :)

Now just need to decide between the R40 and the R104 crossover ;)

[ILoveSeatron]

I know of a site called 4dbrix that makes a lot of 3D printed train tracks. They have a lot of options for switches. They also have monorail tracks and some 4 stud wide tracks.