I do not have a permanent layout yet. I am using lionel fast track and would like to switch. Is the gar grave and atlas track meant for permanent layouts or can it be use on temporary?
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I am not real familiar with Gargraves. I don't think the Gargraves flex track would be suitable for a temp layout, but the sectional probably would be.
I use Atlas track and before making a more permanent layout last year I used it for temp layouts for about 2-3 years. The rail joiners may loosen up after repeated use, but you can tighten them with pliers. May have to push the joints together once in a while as well, after repeated use, but it stays together fairly well. May not be quite as good as Fastrack for temp layouts, but quite adequate.
I had it on a make shift table with a bunch of plywood layers that were kind of tilted and quite uneven. On carpet or a flat level surface I think it would work much better, but have never tried it on either one. My temp layouts were pretty cobbled together, Rube Goldberg would have been pleased with them. 
Before I built my bench work, I put my Atlas O on the carpet. worked great. It even sunk into the carpet & I had ballasted track!
Originally Posted by Bagelman:
... Is the gar grave and atlas track meant for permanent layouts or can it be use on temporary?
I suppose anything is possible. However, when I think of either of these track systems, I'm inclined to think "permanent" layout -- for electrical continuity reasons. If you're goal is to build a "carpet central" layout -- or even a constantly changing layout on a plywood surface, then stick with a track system with a built-in roadbed like Fastrack.
David
