So I am in the final planning stages of my 1st O gauge switching layout. It is a small shelf layout to test concepts before embarking on a multi-level 24'x24' around the room boondoggle. Here is one view of the track plan:
and as a schematic: 
Of course any criticism of the track plan is welcome. Red is Gargraves flex track, Yellow is RCS, Green is Gargraves turnouts, and White is Atlas Uncouplers. The tightest radius is 31 heading down to the "dock". I anticipate 40ft rolling stock and small switching locomotives. (I have a 0-31 semi-permanent display layout that I have confirmed operations on). It will support both TMCC and DCS control.
The meat of the question is, why would I choose Atlas over Gargraves and RCS. Assuming MSRP Atlas is about 70% more expensive than the Gargraves/RCS option. Here is the parts list for the Atlas Option:
| Layout Design | Shelf Layout | |||||||||
| Segment | No. | Manufacturer Part# | Description | Scale | Manufacturer | Pcs. | On Hand | Req. | Unit | Extended |
| 6015 | 1.25" | O | Atlas | 5 | 0 | 5 | 14.75 | 73.75 | ||
| 6025 | RT #5 | O | Atlas | 5 | 0 | 5 | 144.95 | 724.75 | ||
| 6045 | O‑45 | O | Atlas | 23 | 0 | 23 | 9.25 | 212.75 | ||
| 6046 | O‑45 1/4 | O | Atlas | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4.69 | 4.69 | ||
| 6050 | 10" | O | Atlas | 22 | 0 | 22 | 7.75 | 170.50 | ||
| 6051 | 4.5" | O | Atlas | 7 | 0 | 7 | 6.95 | 48.65 | ||
| 6052 | 1.75" | O | Atlas | 8 | 0 | 8 | 4.19 | 33.50 | ||
| 6053 | 5.5" | O | Atlas | 9 | 0 | 9 | 6.95 | 62.55 | ||
| 6056 | 40" Flex/Wood | O | Atlas | 13 | 0 | 13 | 29.50 | 383.50 | ||
| 6058 | 40" | O | Atlas | 9 | 0 | 9 | 29.50 | 265.50 | ||
| 6060 | O‑54 | O | Atlas | 1 | 0 | 1 | 7.75 | 7.75 | ||
| 6066 | O‑36 | O | Atlas | 4 | 0 | 4 | 7.75 | 31.00 | ||
| 6070 | LT O‑54 | O | Atlas | 3 | 0 | 3 | 116.95 | 350.85 | ||
| 6071 | RT O‑54 | O | Atlas | 2 | 0 | 2 | 116.95 | 233.90 | ||
| 6075 | LT O‑36 | O | Atlas | 1 | 0 | 1 | 116.95 | 116.95 | ||
| 6085 | LT O‑45 | O | Atlas | 1 | 0 | 1 | 116.95 | 116.95 | ||
| 6086 | RT O‑45 | O | Atlas | 3 | 0 | 3 | 116.95 | 350.85 | ||
| Total | 3,188.39 | |||||||||
Here is my Gargraves/RCS BOM:
| Segment | No. | Manufacturer Part# | Description | Scale | Manufacturer | Pcs. | On Hand | Req. | Unit | Extended |
| Phase 1 | 101 | Flex/Wood | O | GarGraves | 13 | 0 | 13 | 10.95 | 142.35 | |
| Phase 1 | 113 | RH O‑42 | O | GarGraves | 1 | 0 | 1 | 49.95 | 49.95 | |
| Phase 1 | 114 | LH O‑42 | O | GarGraves | 1 | 0 | 1 | 49.95 | 49.95 | |
| Phase 1 | 200 | RH #4 | O | Ross Custom Switches | 3 | 0 | 3 | 74.95 | 224.85 | |
| Phase 1 | 6059 | Uncoupling Track | O | Atlas | 3 | 0 | 3 | 24.25 | 72.75 | |
| Phase 2 | 101 | Flex/Wood | O | GarGraves | 12 | 0 | 12 | 10.95 | 131.40 | |
| Phase 2 | 113 | RH O‑42 | O | GarGraves | 2 | 0 | 2 | 49.95 | 99.90 | |
| Phase 2 | 114 | LH O‑42 | O | GarGraves | 1 | 0 | 1 | 49.95 | 49.95 | |
| Phase 2 | 200 | RH #4 | O | Ross Custom Switches | 2 | 0 | 2 | 74.95 | 149.90 | |
| Phase 2 | 201 | LH #4 | O | Ross Custom Switches | 1 | 0 | 1 | 74.95 | 74.95 | |
| Phase 2 | 6059 | Uncoupling Track | O | Atlas | 12 | 0 | 12 | 24.25 | 291.00 | |
| Phase 3 | 101 | Flex/Wood | O | GarGraves | 12 | 0 | 12 | 10.95 | 131.40 | |
| Phase 3 | 170M | 4‑way YS | O | Ross Custom Switches | 1 | 0 | 1 | 299.95 | 299.95 | |
| Phase 3 | 200 | RH #4 | O | Ross Custom Switches | 1 | 0 | 1 | 74.95 | 74.95 | |
| Phase 3 | 201 | LH #4 | O | Ross Custom Switches | 1 | 0 | 1 | 74.95 | 74.95 | |
| Phase 3 | 6059 | 1.75" UT | O | Atlas | 8 | 0 | 8 | 24.25 | 194.00 | |
| Phase 3 | TR35 | TR35 | O | Ross Custom Switches | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8.99 | 8.99 | |
| Total | 2,121.19 |
And it doesn't help the Atlas price case given that I have about $250.00 worth og Gargraves O42 switches on hand.
Thoughts?
