The four operating cars made by K-Line, then reissued by Williams by Bachmann have no sliding shoes. They all operate via remote hand held transmitter. They all operate flawlessly, with the exception of the milk car that I have. I did buy it second hand, so it may simply be a bad apple.
If operating accessories are the route you seem to be taking, as am I, tubular track is really your best option. Sorry to say that as I know you already must have most of your Gargraves track on hand. I tried K-Line Super-Snap O72 turnouts but the sliding shoes still didn't like them.
The nice thing about sectional tubular track is that it is easy to switch out a section if you want to add an operating track section. Extra wooden ties are a simple way to enhance the look of tubular track if you really can't live with those large gaps between ties. The wooden ties can be slid under existing track and held in place with either a small brad or a tiny spot of glue. I say tiny because you may want to remove ties for track alterations.
I agree there are many of us who want realism but still want action via track side accessories. I've seen layouts where Gargraves and similar type track is used interspersed with traditional tubular sections and turnouts. From experience, I have found that no layout ever remains unaltered. So for me, tubular has prooven the best route.
