Thanks

I'm new to trains and just recieved a new train set (Digital Commander with E-Z Track® set Item No. 00501) the box shows a grey base track which I think means it has nichel rails.My father inlaw give me a bunch of track from his old Bachmann train set but it has a black base which I think means it has a iron rail. Can you use these two track together? I haven't open the train box yet because I'm not sure it's if it's a good beginner set. I will be going to Hobby Lobby later today and talk to them but thought I might get some answers online. Also does anyone recommend a good train book or magazine for beginners.
Thanks for any help hope to make this a long term hobby.