Removing Pins from Fastrack O-36 Switches

I used the 1 3/8 track pieces which have removable jumpers

Hi CJACK,

Unfortunately my design would not lend itself to adding these sections of track. 

Thank you for the feedback.

Just cut the next piece of track beyond the pin. Then you have a modified piece of track instead the more expensive switch.

I agree with John H, better to cut the adjoining track piece, than alter the switch. The retains the value and functionality of the switch, while giving you the block control that you need.

I have over 40 fastrack switches on my layout, and all the block separation is done within the short piece that comes with each switch, by removing the jumper, or by cutting the center rail on the adjoining track pieces.

Yes, just cut a slot in the center rail of a regular 10"(or any straight or curve track for that matter) section.  You can either run a jumper underneath to restore it if needed, or do what I do and put a mini toggle embedded in the roadbed with the lever just sticking out to switch it between isolated/not isolated at will.

Here is a great tutorial for building such a section, although they use a factory slotted piece, you can use any piece after cutting the slot as desired with a Dremel cutoff tool.

The joiner piece that comes with the track is what should be used.  Unless you cut the roadbed off of another piece of track you have to use the 1 3/8 joiner piece that comes with the track anyway.

Thanks for posting

Thanks for all posts.  This is very helpful!

Ken,

These are O-36 Switches. They only come with a quarter curve section anyway, so he may not even have any 1 3/8" sections. No roadbed needs to be cut.

OaklandOGauge posted:

Hi CJACK,

Unfortunately my design would not lend itself to adding these sections of track. 

Thank you for the feedback.

OK. I had one of those and just took a dremel cutoff wheel to the center rail of the track before the switch.