I believe it is time for a re-think about switch machines. Here is my reasoning, see if you agree. For many years we have all used either manual, or electric switch machines which all have one thing in common. They force the point rails against the stock rails with considerable pressure and lock them there. One of the main reasons for this is that when running analog DC operating systems, a good electrical contact between the point and stock rail was important to smooth, reliable operation. It has been my experience that with DCC this is no longer the case. In fact, power routing switch points can cause problems. This means that the only pressure required between the point and stock rail is whatever it takes to keep your rolling stock from "picking" the points. I have been experimenting with this aspect for the last few years. I installed spring switches on a friends layout as well as my own. He has weekly operating sessions and the spring switches have worked great for over a year. We use them on the reversing loops at the ends of his mainline (mine too) The spring pressure required to hold the point rail against the stock rail is light enough that the train wheels easily push them out of the way when exiting the loop. This has proven, to my satisfaction, that DCC allows reliable operation while using very light pressure to the point rails. I feel this is going to open up many possibilities for smaller, simpler, cheaper, easier to install switch machines. Feedback?