Personally, I like the clickity-clack track that Learning Curve^™ abandoned years ago. You can still find this used track on eBay^® and other auction sites. Track dimensions are generally the same as track currently sold by Learning Curve^™, Brio^®, and other manufacturers. Glued to the surface of wood tables, the audible clack is even more pronounced.

Some manufacturers offer unique pieces worth considering in your layout. Even

custom tracks are available from some online sources, including Mesko Toys,
www.meskotoys.com

Consider using a mitre box to trim the occasional piece of track to close small gaps and fix overlaps. These often occur around intersections and switches. Curve trimming is also necessary to ‘close’ some of the more complicated and interesting custom layouts described in this guide.

Custom Track
You may also want to create your own special track sections. Examples might include a riser that curves to the left or right, 22½° curves, gradual ramps, easement curves, crossing tracks, or a custom turntable. Rockler^® sells router bits that facilitate making custom track pieces. You could also use these bits to create 2½" straight pieces from broken straight pieces on hand – something often needed to get lengths to come out right. You can also make additional crossing tracks from standard 4" straight tracks with a router. Shown on the facing page are a handful of ideas to get you started thinking.

Source for Custom Track
If you aren't prepared to fashion your own special tracks (maple, router, router bits, band-aids) MeskoToys in Michigan offers a wide range of custom tracks in their catalog.  If you don't see what you're looking for, they also create special pieces to your specification.  Visit their web site for a list of pieces available and layout ideas - www.meskotoys.com