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That’s like asking what car you should buy, everyone has their preference. 😉

GarGraves with Ross switches gets a lot of support, mostly because of cost and availability. Ross arguably makes the best switches and has the largest variety. My problems with GG are the shortest straight track is over 6” and they don’t offer partial curved tracks, so there can be a lot of cutting involved depending on the design.

Atlas is arguably the quietest because it is solid rail. It has the largest variety of straights and partial curves. Their switches used to be problematic, but that was resolved years ago, though Ross still has more options. Atlas is also the most expensive as far as retail price goes, so you have to shop around for good prices.

ScaleTrax is arguably the nicest looking with their thin black center rail that almost disappears. It’s also solid rail, so it’s quiet too. Availability has always been a problem and no telling what’s going to happen with MTH products with Mike retiring next year.

FasTrack has a wide variety of track it you want something with plastic roadbed. It’s arguably the noisiest.

Tubular is inexpensive, but options are limited.

I'm with Jan, given the uncertain future of MTH track, that's one that I wouldn't pick.  I know it has it's fans, but that won't help if you can't find the pieces you need.  I'm building my new layout with Gargraves track and Ross switches.  For the O72 loop, I'm using Ross sectional curves, for the wider curves I'm going with flex track.

I like Atlas track, but I'm no fan of the Atlas switches.

@SIRT posted:

MTH thin center blade ScaleTrax if you can find it. G.G. is in the same situation right now. Waiting on a new production run soon for one more #114. No much out there these days.

Oh goodness no.  My layout is Scaletrax.  It may look good but it's not easy to work with.  Sections don't always mate or align well.   It can also warp over time making joints even worse. Connections can be difficult.  Switch sizes are limited and with MTH going out of business you'd be investing in something obsolete.

I have some engines where the pickup rollers get stuck in the switches and derail.  I had to install these foam spacers.

I have other switches where some freight car flanges touch the center rail as they diverge.  I had to paint them with liquid electrical tape.

Look at these terrible joints.  The brass tabs move over time and you lose connection forcing you to either pull up track or solder joints.

And this problem was not fun to diagnose and fix either...

Stick with one of your other choices.  Stay away from Scaletrax.

Have Fun!

Ron

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I have a Lionel Fastrack layout that I am currently redesigning to use Gargraves and Ross. I found learning what I wanted by purchasing a sample of Gargraves flex and Ross switches, it is so much smoother and quieter than Fastrack. If you have a dremel, Gargraves suggests a cutting wheel on their site that works flawlessly. Cutting and fitting track is definitely new to me, but I think I’m working my way up the learning curve. 

I also found that using Gargraves and Ross is much more satisfying to me because you have to do more than just connect track. It allows me to kind of scratch that creative itch I have when building my layout. 

I've used Atlas O on two layouts for more than twenty years. I like the look of the flat-topped solid nickel-silver rails and believe they are most favorable relative to engine tracking, electrical contact, and traction tire wear.  I also prefer the plastic tie supporting structure and use cork roadbed to mount the track. The O-72 and O-54 switches on my older layout and the O-54s on my newer layout have been trouble-free, as has the track. Atlas O may be more expensive but compared to my investments in time, expense and long-term usage on the layouts, I consider the extra expense worthwhile. Just my opinion and personal preference. You can also rely on the advice of others who have posted here and recommended other brands.

MELGAR

@Ron045 posted:

Oh goodness no.  My layout is Scaletrax.  It may look good but it's not easy to work with.  Sections don't always mate or align well.   It can also warp over time making joints even worse. Connections can be difficult.  Switch sizes are limited and with MTH going out of business you'd be investing in something obsolete. I have some engines where the pickup rollers get stuck in the switches and derail.  I had to install these foam spacers. I have other switches where some freight car flanges touch the center rail as they diverge.  I had to paint them with liquid electrical tape.

Good info. for the average guy.

A little different in my case...

I solder the MTH Scale Trax flex to G.G. manual switches and Atlas O 036 curves, no problems for me. I don't build layouts like the mainstream. I cut off the ends on all three tracks. I also have acquired everything to complete the next one. I've never has any issues with operating the later G.G. built manual switches. Guess I like a challenge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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