Having spent the last year actively building a 12 x 25 layout on 3 levels, and having experimented with most all of the track types my track of choice is Gargraves. You can purchase directly from them and they are very helpful. My reasons are as follows:
1 - I find it the easiest to work with. I do however prefer fixed curves to flex track.
2. Very realistic looking although not necessarily the most realistic, but best look for the price.
3. Magetraction works better on it then other brands.
4. Excellent support from manufacturer.
5. Lots of track options.
6. Very available.
7. Near my home in Dundee, NY
8. Access to the company owners mike and tom
9. Company has many years of experience.
10. Compatable with lots of other track types. I connect both Atlas and O27 Lionel to it since I had some of each already.
11. Easy to cut with chopsaw or Dremmel.
12. Use with Gargraves or Ross switches.
If I were using pre ballasted track I would probably use Lionel Fast track, but I think self ballasting looks a lot better, Plus adapting custom sizes might be harder with Fast Track, although I have not tried that. Perhaps some input from the group on cutting Fast Track would be helpful.
13. I like how the pins make it easier to connect rather then sliding connectors ovee the outside. I also have found Atlas more frustrating to join.
14 Lionel tubular is a good old standard but I had to add extra ties to make it look better.
15. You drill your own holes in Gargraves which is a plus or a minus depending on how you look at it. I dont mind pre-drilling the track for the screws. They will supply some perfect screws for the job.
