I am planning a shelf/ceiling layout and am trying to figure out what track to use. I guess I'll start by listing my goals for the layout, as I think they may be relevant. I am not set on a layout yet, but my bench work will consist of a 4-5" shelf encircling a 12x20' room. I am not decided on corner radius as it will depend on the track used. I want to run modern inter-modal equipment as a long unit train behind 2-3 modern diesels. I also want to run a commuter train and some mixed oil, auto rack, lumber, etc cars. I want at least one long passing siding and a shorter staging track for the commuter train. I would like to be able to easily change up the track plan without much bother or mess (this will be in a finished living area).
I was originally planning to use true track just so it would be modular, but it appears that it is not possible to set up a parallel siding (2" centers) with true track switches even though it is possible with atlas snap switches. Unitrack seems to offer this ability and comes in larger radii, but is more expensive, and I have yet to see it in a hobby shop. I could use flex track, but then I loose the modular aspect and am stuck with it, but it is much cheaper. What would you guys do? Is there a way to temporarily fasten flextrack that is reliable? Also, I want it to look nice without all the ballasting.
Second if I use flex track, should I buy atlas or is there something else that costs the same or better that isn't so springy?
I was originally planning to use true track just so it would be modular, but it appears that it is not possible to set up a parallel siding (2" centers) with true track switches even though it is possible with atlas snap switches. Unitrack seems to offer this ability and comes in larger radii, but is more expensive, and I have yet to see it in a hobby shop. I could use flex track, but then I loose the modular aspect and am stuck with it, but it is much cheaper. What would you guys do? Is there a way to temporarily fasten flextrack that is reliable? Also, I want it to look nice without all the ballasting.
Second if I use flex track, should I buy atlas or is there something else that costs the same or better that isn't so springy?