Insulated FasTrack Question

[Anonymous]

I understand how to use metal and fiber pins on older track styles. Is there a similar method to be used on Lionel FasTrack?

[brianel027]

I've seen the FasTrack, but haven't really inspected real closely other than just a quick look at it. From preliminary reviews, the rails are inserted into the molded roadbed with folded tabs holding the rails into the roadbed. There are also bars making electrical connection between the two outer rails. One might assume that the possibility exists to cut these bars and thus make your own insulated rail section.
The Lionel 2003 catalog does list an insulated track section, so I would say it's safe to assume the insulated rail is as you mention, with some kind of insulated pin. I know the switch track are now showing up at retailers, so I can also assume we shall soon see a review of them in Classic Toy Trains or OGR. Hopefully the extra time between the initial release of the FasTrack and the turnouts now has given Lionel the time to perfect them so we don't hear of the problems and complaints like with the redesigned '0' gauge switches from a few years ago. With all the emphasis on the new FasTrack and the competition from others, I'm sure Lionel wants the FasTrack to work better than expected and thus be a big hit with modelers.
I personally am sticking with '027' track, but who knows... should they introduct the curves in a smaller radius (currently 36 inches, but 40 including the roadbed) I could consider taking a second look. But I think it's unlikely they would make a tigher curve, especially with the pu***owards scale sized cars and engines that need the larger curve. I'm not really wild about the large size of the roadbed either (sure limits what can be done in a small space), but I must say Lionel's FasTrack looks much much better than the MTH RealTrack. I'm sure that's what Lionel wants to hear too.
brianel, Agent 027

[Anonymous]

Santa brought 2 boxed packs of insulated Fastrack to our house, but we haven't tried them yet. It seems to be 2-5" sections that are insulated, along with a standard straight section that goes between them; in effect, 2 extra straight sections.
My understanding is that you just pop in the 2 insulated sections, put the standard section between them, and hook up your accessory as normal.
Santa accidentally left the price tag on; about 9 bucks.
I'm sure if you check out Lionel's Fastrack section on their home page, it will give you better info than I have.