Best way to isolate Fastrack "siding"

@lionelflyer posted:

My Fastrack layout has a section that can be used as a holding siding.  I want to isolate it so I can hold a train there.  I'm not that familiar with Fastrack.  With regular tinplate or Gargraves track, I would just put in an insulating pin on both ends of the siding and add an on/off switch with a wire soldered to the center rail.  I'm not sure insulating pins are available to do this with Fastrack.  Would the simplest way to do this be just cutting the center rail with a dremel or is there a better way to do this.

Thanks for any advice.

A dremmel cut will work.  I have done that but Lionel also sells a small section of track with the ability to isolate the center rail.

6-12060 FASTRACK BLOCK SECTION

Here is a shot of track where I cut the center rail in the red circle.  Works fine.

If the switch to your holding siding includes small 1-3/8" extension pieces, those pieces have a break in the middle rail and a jumper on the underside to remove for isolation.

This thread has more info.

Lionel also has this little insulated section.  Can't find a part number.  This piece is different from the 1 3/8" fitter section 6-12073 which does not have a break in the center rail.  Click for larger image.

6-12073 Straight Track 1 3/8"  ;   6-12074 Straight Track 1 3/8" w/o Roadbed

@TedW posted:

Lionel also has this little insulated section.  Can't find a part number.  Click for larger image.

I think it's this number...

6-12073

Includes electrically isolated center rail option for power blocks.

Even though the online Lionel Product picture doesn't show it as a block the description does.

GRJ posted this idea awhile ago.  I did the same thing and it works well.

https://ogrforum.com/...2#159660139245449962

Led light tells you if siding is on or off.

John

Thanks guys,

It looks like there is no short section coming out of the turnout so I will probably just cut with a dremel and solder in a wire on the center section.  The layout has a lot of scenery installed already so I don't want to pull up track if I can avoid it.

@lionelflyer posted:

...so I will probably just cut with a dremel and solder in a wire on the center section.

This is how I do it... just use a handy full 10" section and make the cuts / connections.

Every 1 3/8” Fastrack piece has the isolation gap, regardless of roadbed configuration. I have one at every siding entry and run a switched wire to the .110” spade connector to power the siding.