Right now I'm using gargraves and atlas track. In my opinion Atlas track assembles better and is well made. But I like the look of the gargraves track and switchers. Which do you prefer and why???
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Between Gargraves and Atlas, I prefer Atlas --tie spacing is more realistic and the track is quieter because of the solid rail. The flex yields smoother curves, but will fight you if you're bending anything sharper than about 50" radius (O-100) unless you run it through a rail bender. Fortunately, Atlas offers curved sections all the way up to 54" radius (O-108)
For turnouts, nothing beats Ross. They're smoother and the Ross-Ready turnouts have much more solid wiring than Atlas turnouts, plus there's a greater variety to suit various needs. To join them to Atlas track isn't difficult. You have to cut the stringers at the ends and slide the end ties back to join them to Atlas track using regular Atlas joiners. This is better than the Atlas/Gargraves adapter pins.
Atlas. I like the look of Atlas the best, and as you say it is well made and assembles very well. And as AGHRMatt said, it is solid nickel silver rail and extremely quiet! Unlike Matt I will be using their switches as well. I know Ross is the best, but I want to try Atlas and see for myself. I like the idea of all matching components (also old and set in my ways I guess). I have read many posts here about Atlas switches and many users have had very little if any trouble with them. Others were not so fortunate.
I will also eventually be using Atlas signal system, although somewhat pricey, I was very impressed by that as well. Other systems seem to be similarly priced.
I have also contacted Atlas about their switches via email and they replied very quickly and were very helpful. The person I contacted first could not answer all my questions, so a few hours later I got a reply from one of the designers of the track products. He provided great detail in his explanations. I was very impressed to say the least!
When I was in 3 rail I chose the Atlas product. Now the tie spacing is very good, and as Matt said the flex track will fight you tooth and nail if you get to tight on the radius, but on larger curves it is not bad. I did also use their switches and while some have had very bad experiences with them I did not..not one problem. But I am only 1 of out of many who have used their products, so I would get as much feedback as you can. If I were to do it again in 3 rail I would use MTH's Scaletrax.
I like the Gargraves/Ross combo.
