Using Unitrack #4s for staging throat

[GimpLizard]

I maybe too late with this, but I'd also cast my vote for Atlas Code 80 remote switches. For these reasons; 1) Cost. 2) Reliability. 3) Ease of replacing switch machines if one goes bad. The only potential down-side is the unpowered frogs.

[loyalton]

1) If cost is an issue, you can always buy used. 2) The tune-up is not always necessary but recommended for the Kato switch. Out-of-gauge Atlas switches are harder to fix because there may be multiple areas that need fixing; the latest run of these are better if not free of that problem. Operationally, Kato switches that are not badly ballasted (not a concern here) don't hang. 3) Considering the fragile look, Kato built-in switch machines are robust and don't go mysteriously bad on their own.

[alhoop]

I have 5 Kato #6's and 2 double crossovers - all work flawlessly - not so the two Kato #4's I have. One is a
shelf queen, the other works at times. If you look at how the #4 is constructed you'll understand why
they are problematic - swaging can't be good for reliable contact.

Al