good track bad track which track?

Unless you are trying to achieve a Hi-Rail layout and plan on running postwar trains, go with the traditional tubular Lionel track. You can still purchase 0 gauge 072 turnouts as well as 072 curves at good prices.

If you wish to incorporate a realistic setting, Atlas, (which I use) can get a little salty. If I were to build my layout today, It would probably cost around 30-40% more than when I started 8 years ago. I like the Atlas track because of its solid (conductivity) and flat rail (traction for grades with locos with traction tires) I believe magna-traction will not work with the Nickel Silver track but will work with the Stainless Steel track.

If you are running postwar, you will encounter dead spots on turnouts due to spacing on postwar power rollers.

If you go with GG, check the spacing with their longest turnout.

Hopefully others will chime in with other track(s) used on their layouts.

Cesar

If money is the driver, Ross switches and GG flex may not be a practical option, although I am very happy with my choice to use both of them. Z stuff makes a relay that works with the switch machines to help with power control or dead spots through the longer turnouts. I'm not sure how they work in conventional, but maybe someone here has experience with them in conventional.  

MTH ScaleTrax is another option.  Take a look at one of Rich Battista's videos, or see some of his photos on this forum, and you'll see what can be achieved with that track system.

Gregj, do your Ross switches have dead spots?

Your trackwork is the most important factor in the long term enjoyment of your layout.  Without good track and switches, you'll have lots of frustration and a lot less fun.

In my opinion, this is the WORST place to cheap out in building a layout.  Over the years, we've seen many discussions about the reliability of the various brands and the general consensus is that Ross switches are the most reliable and require little or no tweaking.  Scaletrax is the best looking, but the switches often require tweaking for reliable operation.  If that doesn't scare you, then Scaletrax is an excellent alternative, although the selection of switches is not as great as Ross.  Atlas switches have had a couple issues over the years, but they have mostly been solved.  Some tweaking is required for some Atlas switches and the variety is somewhere between Ross and MTH.

Allowing price to determine your choice of track systems is a big mistake.  The difference in cost between the different systems is often less than the cost of one or two scale steam engines.  My theory on trackwork is, DO IT ONCE AND DO IT RIGHT, you'll never regret it.

Yes on my number 10's my E6 Atlantic and my friends K-4 would slightly hesitate through at slower speeds. The Z stuff relays have solved that problem after I finally figured out how to wire them. The E6, my shortest loco cruises right through now.

MTH ScaleTrax is another option.  Take a look at one of Rich Battista's videos, or see some of his photos on this forum, and you'll see what can be achieved with that track system.

I also use MTH Scaletrax as well and really like it. Has been on the layout since 2003 and works great. Best looking 3R track out there.

I had used Atlas on my first layout if I were to do another 3 rail layout I would use Scaletrax, looks great and the flex track flex's alot easier than Atlas O's.

Check out Rich Battista's layout as well as Al's there, they are both fantastic layouts.

http://www.toytrainsontracks.com/ and http://home.earthlink.net/~csxal/

I definitely should not have overlooked CSX Al's layout when it comes to effective use of ScaleTrax.  Another of the truly splendid layouts we are treated to regularly on this forum.

Like the others note, you have some choices.  I selected Atlas, I use some sectional track, some flex track and all atlas switches.  From my experience, the switches work fine, it seems some of the earlier problems were resolved.  I really like the look of the Atlas system.  Additionally there are interlocking tabs on the ties at the ends, so the only point of connection is not the actual track joiner clips, although they are the electrical connection, and the selection of switches is pretty good.

That being said, my second choice would be Scale track form MTH, despite the limited selection of switches, it also look pretty good (tie spacing looks off to me) but there are some great layouts (Rich B and CSX Al's as noted above are great references) that use it and look super.

For me, gargraves just doesn't look right, the ties are too large.

These are just my opinions, and I am no expert.  

I do agree with Pat, the investment in track, regardless of what you select, is likely less that one or two large engines, and it is the basis of your layout.  Despite having a large layout (approx50' by 38') the cost of the atlas track and switches is less than a few engines. for me it was worth it.

Good luck in your search.

GARGRAVES IS GOOD TRCK, DONT BE AFRAID TO USE IT,  IT IS BETTER THAN LIONEL TARCK.  THE SWITCHES IN GARGRAVES ARE ALSO.

Greg, now I get it, you are powering the lead in rails, with the relays, not the center rails, I looked on the DZ site and their diagram shows powering the center rail. I want to buy #7.5s for crossovers but was worried about dead spots as I have no problems with my atlas 072, but can see how that would be a good mod for them too with certain engines.

I use MTH scaletrax. It is the best looking track...to my eyes at least. Switches are better on the wallet, the most expensive switch can be had for $50 with switch motor.

(see justrains.com or jasonstrainshop.com)

The downside is the cost of track. I use their 30" flex and it $8/section. I have been substituting some GG track in my staging area and the hidden areas of my layout to save some money. I put my scaletrax on scenic express roadbed and it matched up really nice to GG without roadbed.

Thanks for everyones reply and will take a look at Atlas and MTH scale trax. 

I was reading an article about the Choo Choo Barn in Pennsylvania, the layout there was built up with GG tracks and has been in use for 50 years.  Seems like a good advertisement for GG.

opticsguy,

I have had GG track with Ross switches down for 15 years.  No repairs have been needed, no problems experienced.  Have used TMCC, LEGACY and DCS.

Mike