I have assembled a couple of the CV turnouts and also have a few of the tie strips. I have been modeling for quite a number of years, and that includes hand laying some track.
The CV tie strips do seem to be a good system which allows for more detailed track of different types. (Mainline, branch line, sidings, etc, each with a different look and tie spacing.) However, it is not for beginners, and it is not a fast track laying system. You will also have to have good, straight, and smooth roadbed. With flextrack, you can get away with some slop because the rails tend to hold it all together until it is ballasted. But with the CV tie strips, the roadbed has to be almost perfect so the tie strips are straight and level when you add the rail.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
Recently after a lot of deliberation, I have decided to use Jack Parker's (Central Valley Railroad supply) tie strip and both code 70 and 83 rail. Jack touted this system as being pretty good, and from past performance of CV, my confidence is high. Has anyone used this system? Can you give me any ins and outs with this material? it looks really nice.
RIch