I like EZ track.
I’m using Atlas flextrack with Peco & Shinohara switches.
Gordon
Favorite based on WHAT?
I’ll be using Atlas Code 100 flex on mains with possibly their code 83 on secondary trackage, and Peco turnouts on the new layout.
Atlas no doubt about it .
Peco - mainly because all the other brands mentioned are tricky to find in the UK!
I too am fond of Peco track–I use Peco code 100 “Setrack” switches for my urban/trolley layout because they are the sharpest, shortest switches I can find–ideal for urban settings. They’re certainly easier to find than Richard Orr trolley turnouts, and since I’m running two-rail (since I run diesels and freight trains over the same track) the Peco turnouts are a good middle ground. The fact that Peco switches don’t require a switch machine is an added bonus. Since much of my layout will be street trackage the oversized Code 100 stuff will be largely buried–the chapter on street track in Kalmbach’s “Building City Scenery” describes how to do this and recommends the Peco rail as well.
Now if only I could find Pola 8" radius curved track…
I use Atlast flextrack and crossings for the most part because they’re easy to find and cheap.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder… of course… for my 2 cents, I like the realistic appearance of Micro Engineering track. However, kudo’s to Atlas for what I think may be the best geometry in their new #6 switches (not their Custom Line stuff). Atlas track is easier to get smooth curves, but that is a one time effort, while the sight of the larger than natural spike heads lasts for years and years.
Luckily my aging eye(s) don’t seem behold as much as they used to! 8^D
For absolute reliability over the years, HANDLAID is the way to go, particularly for turnouts. Also, it often is the ony way to get the rail size and turnout geometry you want.
I see people going to great extemes to modify commercial turnouts to fix electrical and mechanical problems when they could hand lay it in less time and much lower cost.
Handlaying is NOT all that hard, and several articles have been published over the years, especially the one in MR by Tony Koester about 10 years ago. I don’t fully agree with the methods used in his or other articles, but they are a great help. If you want to try Handlaying, find someone who is doing it so it will be easier for you to learn and resolve problems.
That said, in hidden tracks and in limited access areas, I use commercial products so if a problem comes up, the defective track component can be removed and replaced relatively easily in the confined space. I do use Atlas, although some tune up of the turnouts is required to improve their reliability.
While this is an HO discussion, it applies to most scales.
Rich Laube,
Trenton NJ
I use Central Valley tie strips with code 70 railcraft rail spiked down for the main line and code 55 for the sidings.
haven’t started really yet, but i know i’ll be buying Atlas for sure.