What track system?

Consider using GarGraves track with Ross switches. That combo has become something of a standard in the hi-rail community.

That's what I have been using for more than 20 years.

Atlas is also nice, and the trains are a little quieter because the rail is solid. But it is more expensive on a per foot basis, and lately availability has been a bit flaky.

Only issue with Gargraves is that I don't know how well scale wheeled items will run on it?  Isn't Gargraves a tubular track?

Its tube, but a more squared profile. More, like Super O, than 0-27.

I don't run anything near scale size flanges, to be able answer on, running on it, with those wheels.

My choice is gar graves with Ross switches. Easy to get and Ross has more variations of switches then the others. The top of the rail is flat and you should be able to run scale wheels on it and through Ross switches................Paul

I just made the switch to Gargraves track/Ross switches. Best decision I ever made. I run mostly scale stuff- it all runs great. 

I went with Fastrack because it is tough enough for my kids and grandkids to step all over it.  If I was doing a traditional layout, I'd be using Atlas track, regardless of cost.

I use RCS switches and track as well as Gargraves track, 0 problems (except operator error).

Ross track is glued and spiked to the wooden ties, Gargraves track is secured in slots cut into each tie.  I prefer the looks of the Ross track over the Gargraves track, but both have performed as expected.

Gargraves radius tracks are larger than the given radius, center-to-center:

http://www.gargraves.com/files...onal%20specs-web.pdf

Their 072 curves are 72.59" c-c.  I'm fairly sure Ross curves are true c-c (072 = 072).

Atlas is the best looking track IMO, but get out your wallet(s).

Have you undecided track system guys ever thought about buying RR Track with the hirail library? You can play with the geometries of each major system and see what will work best for your given space. It's a pretty modest investment relative to what you'll be spending in track and turnouts.

And for the love of all things good and decent please feed power on all sides of your turnouts no matter what ones you buy!

I agree, especially at the time we built our layout, i.e. all Atlas solid nickel silver, glued down on VinylBedd roadbed.

That said, had I known more about it at the time, I would have chosen MTH Scale Track.

The issue now is, nobody seems to be able purchase enough Atlas O track, nor MTH Scale Track to construct a layout. Therefor your best, and pretty much only, choice is Ross and you sure can't go wrong with their product.

I would give a nod to ScaleTrax too. Our layout was very nice and easy to build due mainly to the ease with which ScaleTrax's flex track was to  work with. We used #6 switches and 072's with no real need for any other.

To me, the lower profile and thin center blade was the deciding factor giving a more massive appearance to all of our locomotives and rolling stock.  Take a look at this week's 'Weekend Photo Fun' and see Rich Battista's photos of the UP DD35 near the top of p2 on his layout. 

ScaleTrax is much less expensive than Atlas too. Atlas is a close second in scale appearance.

Gargraves Phantom flex track, Ross Custom switches and Tortoise switch machines. Still going after 28 years on my layout. Wouldn't trade for any other system. Plus, if you damage a Ross switch it is repaired and returned to you without charge. Unbeatable and available. 

I have had good luck with Gar Graves track and switches. All track has gone up in price! Depending on how much track and switches you need will depend on how big of a budget you have, and how easy it will be to purchase the track and switches. Like I said Gar Graves Track and switches work just fine on my 16' x 10' layout. I also used cork bedding under my track. Good luck.

Ross track looks better than Gargraves as it's wood ties not plastic. Go all Ross but if you can find inventory I'd go with AtlasO

Sold all my FasTrack and bought stainless steel GarGraves (with wood ties) and Ross Switches. I have sectional curves ranging from 080-0138 and both rigid and flex 37  straight sections. It is being laid on Woodland Scenics foam road bed.

Gilly

Ross track looks better than Gargraves as it's wood ties not plastic.

Gargraves sectional track is available with your choice of wood or plastic ties.  The flex track is wood ties only.

The real question is: What track system will look best with kitty litter and/or coffee grounds sprayed with brake cleaner? Also, which track system will hold up to being doused with Simple Green? Another thing to consider is what system will work best with one power feed to the whole thing using old lamp cord found on the street.

Atlas track and switches, and if I were to start over I would still use Atlas track and switches.

Looks like Norfolk Southern may have tested Simple Green. Doesn't look good even on 1:1 scale....

They used way too much weathering.

Wow Will you're all over...2 rail...H.O.....

I had gone with Atlas with my 3 rail layout and I would again.  Right now getting Atlas or Scaletrax is a bit of a job but still I enjoyed Atlas's product.  That is my pref.  but Ross/Gargraves is a good choice as well.  Ross offers a huge selection of turnouts also which is a plus as it opens things up operationally. 

I have Fasttrack with all curves and switches at 0-72.  Works for me.

OK but, the original poster is inquiring about 3-Rail SCALE track systems, and in my opinion there is nothing "SCALE" about the appearance of Fasttrack.

I use Gargraves track with Ross switches.

I use Gargraves track and really love the result!!! 

Willbacker45,

   I use FasTrack because it accommodates all my different trains, including old and new Tin Plate, and has great Command Control switches, operated from the Cab2 of my Legacy.  As one of the other members said, it is almost child proof when put up correctly.  I do use some RealTrax on the innermost oval of my Christmas layouts,

but prefer the FasTracks.

PCRR/Dave

You will need an excellent assortment of switches and that puts the spotlight on Ross.  Buying GG track will allow you to afford all the special switches you will need.

IMO, it is the best overall package for three rail considering cost, availability, utilization & performance.

Dealers may tell you otherwise in part due to the lower profit margin in the hand crafted specialty Ross turnouts.

Norm, when were you in my basement?

I use scaletrax. It requires more time and patience then GG/Ross but is easier to bend and re-bend the flex track. Switches work very well(I have had some sparking/shorting issues when running Older Lionel Standard O cars). Switches used to be cheaper than ross but know they are about the same. Overall I think the best looking track.

I agree with vbkostur, that MTH ScaleTrax is probable the most realistic looking product, especially after it is weathered and properly ballasted for a 3RS layout. The down-side is, the availability of it.

Dave,  Did you read Will's original post where he asked what track was best for 3 Rail SCALE ?

Fastrack is a good product but obviously has no place on a 3RS layout. Neither does Realtrax.

Have no idea why you posted anything about Fastrack on this thread...

I think it's great when the self appointed Forum Police assert their assumed authority.  I use FasTrack also and it fills my needs.  Those that want to talk about scale, please explain that extra rail down the center.  Remember these are toys you are talking about.

I found my lamp chord in the basement, is that ok?

If all that is on the layout, you may want to look into one of these.

Here is an old thread(short) that had some good side by side photos of them.

And the OPs final decision, and why. Hope its helps

https://ogrforum.com/t...vs-atlas-availabilty

My layout has MTH Real Trax exclusively. I preferred Gargraves track, but custom switches are way too expensive for my budget.

Atlas track

Oh I know...and 3 rail scale is a fine avenue to pursue.  I'm glad to see your around still...long time no talkie.. 

The Scaletrax flex is a dream to work with...it flex's VERY easily.  Some don't like the tie spacing but I think once ballasted and weathered that "issue" disappears...just look at Rich Battista's layout or CSX Al's and so on.  The only turn off is the limited selection of turnouts....Atlas being only slightly better in that department with their offerings... #5's and 7.5's...O-72,O-63,O-54 and so on.  Ross makes some darn good turnouts and they have a huge selection to choose from...some don't care for the larger ties but they make a good product and they are very reliable.  Keep us posted on what you're doing.

Yes, my preference also, but try to purchase enough of it to build a layout today.

I agree with Norm Charbonneau wholeheartedly.  Acquire a computer based track planning system, either RRT or SCARM (which is a free download), and see what track system works with available (even if not readily) components to meet your plan needs.

I have attached a copy of two SCARM files that represent a passenger terminal throat I've been designing which only seems to work using Atlas track, unless you want to start cutting Ross switches and crossings.  However, once you cut them, their resale value will be very small.

Without this program, I probably would have followed this forum's trend and started buying Ross switches as they became available.  But why go through the cut and fit hassle if another system works out of the box?

Good luck,

Chuck