If cost is a factor, then I would go with the tubular track. The cost of the more realistic looking switches and track, stops me in my tracks (no joke). It's a toy no matter how much you want to "model". Try to get the nicest, shiniest (most shiny) track you can get. Sometimes you can get some pretty good deals on nice track. Avoid the older stuff from postwar cause it is usually harder to solder to and has a darker grey color to it, IMHO. I like the older Lionel and Kline track that had 6 ties on 072 curves, 5 ties on 054 curves, 4 ties on 042 and 3 ties on the 031 curves. Made them easy to spot at a glance. Use the 40 inch straights whenever you can. All of the straight track can easily be cut to length using a homemade 2x4 piece of wood with slots in it and a hacksaw. Email me and I can show you some pics. Curves generally have to be cut holding them in your hand. Put it down over astroturf carpet and you have a sound deadening agent and automatic grass. Get the cheapest astroturf carpet you can, cause the good stuff won't let the track sit down as good. Solder the power wires under the track every four or five feet, drill a hole through the carpet and plywood to drop the wires down underneath and you are good to go.
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