Advice on track selection for a new O scale layout

[mlachap925]

I am going to begin building a new 3 rail O scale layout and I am trying to determine which track I should use for my layout.  I have mostly Lionel and Atlas diesel locomotives and rolling stock.  I am considering the following track; Atlas O 21st Century solid nickel silver, GarGraves Phantom w/wood ties and tinplated outside rails, or Lionel Fastrack.  For switches I am leaning towards Ross.  My power is all lionel both ZW and TMCC.  What are the advantages and disadvantages to each of these track selections and will I lose any functionality of any of my Lionel or Atlas diesel locomotives and rolling stock?  I am looking to create as realistic of a layout as I can using a 3 rail track system, however, I realize that it is not as true to scale as a 2 rail system.

Please let me know if I need to provide any other details.  Thanks in advance for all of your feedback.

[Anonymous]

mlachap,
There are pluses and minues to all the track systems you have listed. If you are sold on Ross Switches then I would recommend the GarGraves track that best resembles the Ross Switches. Atlas also makes very reliable switches so don't rule them out (although not nearly the selection available from Ross). I have used the Atlas track on my layout and love it (including their switches).

One thing about Nickle Silver - you lose any benefit from Magnatraction as Nickle Silver has not magnetic properties.

[Andrew Falconer]

The Atlas O Solid Rail, Sectional Track is great if you have a very clearly and cleanly defined track plan.

 The Gargraves  track and switches are there is you plan to make something very twisty and complicated where you need the flexible and more easily cuttable track.

 I decided upon Atlas O Track.

 Andrew

[lionelsuperotrack]

In addition to responses on the CTT on-line forum I would certainly recommend you review the FasTrack Yahoo Group. With almost 1300 members it is an excellent adjunct to this forum about FasTrack

Happy Holidays, Mike Spanier