With most lines of track (in all scales for that matter), flex track is significantly less expensive than sectional track. But not so with Atlas 3-rail. The cost per linear foot is the same. I use Altas track and turnouts in my layout. I would not have used it if I had to pay new prices. It would have run about $4000. I lucked into fire sale prices on used track at a local club. It needed a good cleaning and some of the turnouts needed repair, but I was paying 25 cents on the dollar.
The problems and the fixes for the older Atlas turnouts are well documented on the forum. I ran power leads to all sections of center rails rather than rely on the inadequate jumper wires. My only regret is using flextrack on some of my curves. Atlas flex track is a bear to bend and it is difficult to avoid kinks on the curves. You can't pre-bend it like Gargraves. I used the usual techniques of extra track screws near the joint and I even made slotted wood blocks to help man-handle the track. I did ok with most, and they are all functional, but a few joints on O-72 curves bug me when I see them. Once I lay ballast and more scenery, I will forget about them. My do-over would be to use their sectional track for curves. You can lay it 5 times more quickly.
We used Gargraves on our club layout. Even though Gargraves ties are huge, it is remarkable how the combination of ballasting and a normal low angle view of the track makes for a very pleasing scale appearance.
Bob
