Lionel Fastrack block sections

[survivor]

yep!!! you're right,i stand corrected

[lionelsoni]

I noticed a mention of "spade connectors".  If that was a reference to the type of connector on Fastrack, that's not what Lionel uses.  The Fastrack connectors are Fastons.  This is a Faston:

And this is a spade:

[arkady]

Yes.  I actually used one of the 1/4 length O-36 curved sections when I did the mod linked above.  I just sliced it with a dremel (a hacksaw would actually leave a smaller gap I think)...

You are correct.  I did the same thing with a straight section, to create an electrically isolated spur.  The hacksaw leaves a small, neat gap (assuming it's used carefully).

[SantaFe158]

Yes.  I actually used one of the 1/4 length O-36 curved sections when I did the mod linked above.  I just sliced it with a dremel (a hacksaw would actually leave a smaller gap I think), cleaned it up a bit and put the rail back in place (didn't want to cut into the roadbed so I removed the rail).  Since the 1/4 section didn't have the connector things on the bottom, I had to solder a wire to the inside of the rail and I had to drill a hole in the roadbed to run it to the switch out the bottom.

[survivor]

just looking at my fastrack underside...i see all the provisions for adding spade connectors....so in effect,i COULD actually use my dremel with a cutoff wheel and slice a gap in the third rail to make my own 'block section' and wire accordingly?  just curios ,thanks

[SantaFe158]

The modification posted here is also very useful.  I made one section and bought enough parts to make another.  You can really wire a switch into that wire already on the block section to turn track power on and off.  Just cut it in the middle and put a simple on off switch in, either sticking the switch out the side of the ballast, or run it to a layout control panel (requires more wire).

http://www.jcstudiosinc.com/BlogShowThread?id=685&categoryId=461

[ADCX Rob]

Because Fastrack sections must be partially disassembled to remove pins, Lionel avoided that issue by making the isolation point in the middle of the section.  Pulling the wire that connects the two sections of center rail on the track is equivalent to pulling a pin on tubular track to make a block.  The wiring is the same(with the wire off, you have to power each side of the gap independently, typically through a toggle switch or switches though Lionel shows separate power supplies).

[KEVINK22]

Hi All,

 I am curious to know, for any of you that use the Lionel Fastrack track system can you explain to me how the block sections work. I mean i know with the tubular track in order to get the block to work from a toggle switch you have to wire it from the section of track to be blocked and the switch; but i don't see how the same is to apply with the fastrack version. I mean what is the deal with the wire underneath? What are you supposed to do with it, although i understand it can be removed; but i am kind of stuck. Any help or facts about it would be much appreciated. Thanks!