quote:
thanks everyone! I think I will go MTH as this seems to be everyones favorite choice for looks and after some research the prices seem lower than Atlas.
I was going to post earlier but held back, but then this afternoon I was double headding two 3rd Rail Santa Fe 2-10-2's backing through some #5's and a #5 double slip starting to relax and really enjoying the action. Then one of the #5's quits passing the current through and everything dies. I fix the switch, replacing the I don't know what gauge wire underneath and resume watching the engines glide through the switches. Then the engines die again and I see smoke coming from under the center rail of another #5. I wonder if Atlas ever had to deal with any fire issues.
I've had an email into Steve Horvath since the 16th and have had no reply. I'd like to get the new layout to where I can ballast it and not have to worry about tearing it up to replace a switch.
Trevize if you look at this, the double slip worked fine with the 3rd Rail engines (thanks to 3rd Rail steam engines having 3 pickup rollers). The only negative thing I can say so far about the double slip is that 2 rail wheel sets have a hard time with the switch, which is probably why Atlas didn't offer a double slip in 2 rail track.
My feeling about MTH track is that it looks great when ballasted in the pictures I've seen. MTH catalog pictures are not complementary to the track. I think Hot Waters remarks express the same conclusions I've reached. I especially like the center rail.
With regard to Gargraves and Ross, I have used the track, never had a problem with Ross switches. I also ended up buying Ross track because I didn't like the lack of spike detail on Gargraves, but it is more costly that way. This is probably the most reliable way to go and I probably would have done well to have stayed with these products.
I'm still open to loving my Atlas, I just need to get a handle on how to deal with the issues.