what brand flex track code 83 of course and switches do you use? what brand has the holes in the ties already ? me im thinking walthers swithces and not sure on flex track?
You’re probably thinking of the Atlas stuff.
Everything, I guess mostly Atlas flex track, but Atlas, Roco, Rivarossi, Peco, MicroEngineering, and Walthers turnouts. Sometimes it just depends upon what the LHS has in stock.
Atlas has holes in the ties in the standard one - two - one pattern, but they aren’t put clear through the top of the tie. You cannot see them from the top unless you “punch” them out. That way if one (like me) uses glue to put the track down, they don’t have to fill a bunch of holes in to look nice.
I like Walthers / Shinohara and Micro Engineering. I prize the realistic look and the ME stuff looks best to my eye. Speaking switches, I also prize reliability and robust electrical design which is why I don’t use other cheaper brands (check all the threads on Atlas switches lately). I use Walthers for everything that is not available from ME. I use Peco code 100 switches and Atlas Flex in staging. Very reliable. Be sure to get DCC friendly turnouts even if you are not going DCC. They are wired for better electrical continuity. Walthers and ME more expensive than other stuff, but remember that you get what you pay for and you can always buy the high quality stuff at a discount. One other factor to consider: There never seems to be enough time (or money) to do it right the first time but there always seems to be lots of time (and more money) to do it over after things didn’t work out so well. Take your time, buy a couple of different swtich brands and decide for yourself. My two cents.
I am using strictly Peco Code 83 insulfrog. I have used Atlas Code 83 and these are good also. I prefer Peco because when the turnout is thrown, it is spring loaded and the switch points stay in place. Atlas turnouts slide side to side if they don’t have some sort of manual turnout or electrical turnout control attached to them.