Another (Novice) Track Plan Question

PJB:  That is a good question!  I guess the answer depends on several factors, like: what kind of track you have (Lionel Fastrack, old-stye tubular, etc.); how well-fastened down the track is; and how hard it will be to take apart some of the layout to insert insulated sections exactly where you need them.  If this track is really going to be a BUGGER to disassemble later on, you could take a "compromise approach" and place two or three insulated sections in spots you consider most suitable for future placement of the related accessory(s). 

What kind of track......if you are using Atlas, Ross, Gargraves or Scaletrax it's no problem......an insulated rail can be placed anywhere.

I suspect that in a beginners layout you'll be using Fastrack, Realtrax or tubular......then it's hard to do.   May I suggest building in some insulated tracks at various locations.  A time consuming way would be to alter the track by isolating the outside rails from each other. Short of that, I'm blocking on what else could be done. Sorry.....I guess I'm not much help.

Peter

Guess I should have mentioned the type of rail!  It'll be either GarGraves or more likely Atlas O.  It will be secured to vinyl trackbed, and that will be secured to Homasote roadbed. 

I understand that I can simply use my Dremel to cut a gap in the tracks wherever.  And, this may be the best way to proceed, but perhaps out of ignorance, this is what I was hoping to avoid.  Using the Dremel on glued down, ballasted trackbed in my (novice) mind means I’d be getting into cutting into the finished product.  This leaves room for error, as the “control” aspect is now missing (I could be cutting free-hand, perhaps cutting into the trackbed or making angled/non-perpendicular cuts) and I’d be trying to stuff non-conductive material in those gaps.  I was hoping to avoid this opportunity for error and I assume non-conductive material between inserted into set track gaps wouldn’t be as “neat” looking as when done while the track is still being laid?  

Peter