What is the best track and switches for my new shelf layout?

[Anonymous]

I'm beginning to plan for a new shelf layout that will be built around a 40' by 13' basement. I run mainly MTH steam/diesel engines and have some two-rail brass (Sunset/3rd Rail) freight cars that I will want to pull. I want the layout to be as realistic as possible (no old Lionel/K-Line tubular). So far, I am considering Gargraves and Atlas track/switches. My questions are: Does the added cost of Atlas track and switches justify its purchase? (Atlas track appears to be almost double the price of Gargraves). Or, is it worth the added cost of Atlas if you want the best operation for both two and three rail on its flat top track? Also, I am concerned about the footprint size of the Atlas switches. Since my layout will be on a shelf, I can opt for the smaller footprint of manual switches (i.e. Gargraves). Or, is it possible to easily undermount Atlas switches? Any comments and suggestions would be most welcomed!

[FJ and G]

I don't know the answer but I'll bring this to the top.

My own suggestion would be to pick the track you like (GG and Atlas are both excellent as they have a wide variety of stuff and flex track to bend around the shelf).

Any switch can be modified to work under a table.

[3railguy]

Both Atlas and Gargraves are excellent track. Atlas assembles easier than Gargraves which you have to form curves with. However for a least complex layout, Gargraves isn't too difficult to form and assemble. Gargraves switches aren't as good as Atlas. However, Ross makes the best switches for use with Gargraves.(better than Atlas or Gargraves) but they are the most expensive. Bottom Line; depending on your proportion of switches verses track, Gragraves/Ross may be cheaper or more expensive than Atlas track and switches. Being a shelf layout, sounds like it won't be a complex layout so Gargraves/Ross is probably the cheaper and better way to go.

[Buckeye Riveter]

I use MTH RailTrax and it works fine for my purpose, but if I had to do it again, I think I would choose ATLAS. I have looked at both track types. Held them both in my hands and really like the ATLAS.

I might be wrong, but I think the height of the ATLAS track is less than the Gargraves, which means you will save on ballast. As to ballast I really like the ground rubber ballast from Scenic Express.

Also, I want to [#welcome] you to the CTT forum. Make sure you take photos of your progress so that we can see what you are doing with your trains.

[johnnyc]

I'm using Atlas track and switches . The track is excellent , the switches need improvement . One minor drawback is that none of my local retailers carry Atlas track , although using the software did allow me to make a list of exactly what I needed all in one order.
So keep in mind availablity when deciding .
johnnyc