Layout Track Ideas

Fisherdoc, welcome back to the hobby.  Many of us still like GarGraves Phantom track, but use Ross Custom Switches which are fully compatible.  They are more expensive than the GarGraves switches, but definitely better.  I still have some of the cork you mentioned and am using it up, but Woodland Scenics and others have foam roadbed that many modelers like.  I haven't tried it.

You are correct about FasTrak and MTH's counterpart RealTrax.  They are noisy because of the empty space underneath.  The value of using them is for setup on a carpet at Christmas or on a carpeted table.  The track stays in place for a temporary setup and you have less chance of getting carpet fibers in the engine mechanism.

I'm sure others will chime in more comments,

We're using MTH RealTrax largely because we started with one of their starter sets as a birthday present for my little man and it morphed into our permanent layout...noise hasn't been an issue for us...we have a sandwich of 1/2" plywood, then 1/2" homasote board topped with 2" of foam (the DOW blue stuff) for cutting in grading, water features, etc.  Biggest problem we're having with this track is lining up the rails properly both vertically and horizontally in some areas, particularly around switches, to get trains to run smoothly and avoid derailments at the switches...they don't always align well on their own...still don't have that where I'm happy with it but we have way too much time/money invested to change now and don't give up easily.

Atlas and Atlas/Ross are systems that many use.  Both Ross and Gargraves are made in the USA so there usually aren't any availability issues.  People will say that Atlas is expensive but so are the other systems.  Always look for sales and discount hobby shops for the best price.  You may be able to get a volume discount if you order a lot; sometimes you can get it drop shipped directly from the manufacturer.  Watch out for used track especially the original Atlas releases.

I use Atlas track but am considering using some Ross specialty switches, 3-way , curves switches, and #4s, which Atlas lacks.

Jan

First congrats on a new layout, you will be kept fun busy 

I use Gargraves flex (bend and cut to what I need) and have use cork and rubber but like the cork a little better than the rubber. Ross switches seem to be very good.

GG track, Ross switches,  Homasote over 1/2" or 3/4" decking pretty much the most popular.

Atlas kind of $$$$$, limited configuration switches and not always in stock due in part to China source.

GG and Ross both made in America.

You are spot-on about FasTrack being noisy. I started with FasTrack and switched over to GarGraves. For roadbed I used Woodland Scenics O Scale Track-Bed.