Manufacturer: Garich Light Transport, 6101 Glenwood Drive, Huntington Beach, CA 92647. Price: Switchstand: $16.95 each or six for $90.00 suggested list. Rail adapter: $7.00 per pair suggested list.

The stand is 3 3/4 inches tall. The base measures 1 1/2 inches wide by 3/4-inch deep. The target has a diameter of one inch. The workmanship is very neat and the switchstand appears handmade.

The target staff extends through the base to an adjustable 1/16-inch diameter brass rod "hook" with a 90-degree bend. Connect a linkage between the "hook" and the turnout throw rod (the piece connecting the sharp point rails where the tracks begin to diverge), lift the lever on the switch stand, turn it a quarter circle, lock down the lever, and you're in business. Brass pins stop the lever from rotating and slots allow it to lock in place. Operation is simple, realistic, and positive.

The base has four holes for spikes or brads. You should mount the stand on ties at least 1/4-inch high so the linkage can clear the ground. Real turnouts usually have long ties on either side of the throw rod, unlike LGB turnouts. The ties extend far enough to clear rolling stock, with the switchstand at the end.

If you want to add an illuminated lantern at the top of the target staff, Garich made the staff hollow. Just run a wire through it to power a light bulb.

Technically, the size of the stand would make it most suitable to 1:20.3 (15mm/foot) scale but that really misses the point. Garich has produced a good looking piece of working hardware suitable for any large scale application, indoors or out. It could even function as a desk ornament. It is an excellent product.

When Rich Garich sent the rail adapter for evaluation his note read, "Is this the cat's meow?"

Yes, Rich, it is.

For anyone planning to butt Garich Light Transport code 250 rail against LGB (or compatible) code 332 rail, the adapter is indispensable. It allows a perfect and effortless transition between the two sizes and keeps each joint in perfect alignment, eliminating the possibility of a derailment. What is more, the head of Garich's rail is within a fraction of the exact size of LGB's, so when wheels pass across the joint you'll never know the difference.

The adapter itself is machined brass. It consists of two pieces, each a mirror-image of the other. Two stainless steel Allen head screws hold them together. On each side, above the screws, is a hole to allow moisture to escape. On each end is a slot; one to accept the base of the code 332 rail, the other, with a higher slot, for the code 250. When the two rail sections butt together the joint will be tighter than many code 332 to 332 joints.

You will need two adapters (one for each rail) at every spot where the different track sizes meet. Our sample was a superb and beautiful example of top quality machining and flawless function.--RR