My home layout and the G&O garden railroad all run on Atlas track. I chose Atlas because I think it is the most prototypical looking track available. The ties, etc., on the other brands are too large and the spacing isn't correct. Atlas track is also rugged. You can stand on it and it won't break. It is not affected by weather. This is important for an outdoor O gauge 3-rail layout.
I would use Atlas again if I was starting over. I have found that the there is a lot of Atlas track and probably other brands on the used market at trains shows, etc. Purchasing used track is much less expensive than buying new. Used track is often in great shape. Look at the used track market if you want to reduce your costs.
The reason there is so much used track available is that many of us, myself included, are arriving at an age where we can no longer maintain or run a layout. You will see posts on this and other forums all the time about layouts being torn down. The track and switches are going to the local train show.
Good luck whatever your choice is. Happy Model Railroading, NH Joe
