thanks everyone for your information. oddly no one mentioned the benefits of a 1/8" drivetrain. Are there any?

The chain tool issue is, my beloved park chain tool has a nifty auto-stop feature that keeps it from pushing out the pin on a 3/32" chain. i can disconnect it, I think, and use it on 1/8", so not that big a deal. Or I'll just use my teeth rowr!

for the chain whip i think i will use the rotafixa method.

the main reason i am thinking of switching to 1/8" is that my LBS (montano velo) gave me the impression that 144 bcd rings were more available in 1/8". perhaps this is because they don't want to order track equipment in 3/32", or perhaps this is just a misperception of theirs. I know I could go mail order and buy whatever i want, but I am trying to buy local when possible, and this seemed like a good opportunity to spend some of my fixie dollars at a store that supports fixed gear. I've been bugging them a lot lately and buying nothing but little axle parts and bearings, so I think it's the least I can do (along with getting them a six-pack on a hot day, if we ever get one this year).

so, what the heck, i am changing out my drivetrain for my new wheel anyway. I think I will try 1/8" and see what I think. if it stinks I will sell the sprockets on eBay and use the chain for jewellery.

Thanks

Patrick