easiest track system for automatic blocks

[lionel2986]

Hello,

I have a few different type of track systems, and would like to thin my collection to one system. I have always loved automatic blocks. Sitting back and relaxing while watching three trains run on a single loop with automatic blocks and not crashing into each other is something I enjoy.

My favorite track is 0-27 with the low profile rails. This is my favorite because it was the first track that my father purchased for me when I was four, so the nastolgic element is there. I also like the gargrav track which looks the best in my opinion. I also think it will be easier for automatic blocks because the two outside rails are already insulated. 

Finally, I have O track with the black high profile track. Of the three, this is probably my least favorite, but I find it to be the most reliable. 

 

A track system I don't have much of, is the fasttrak. I feel this might be the quickest and easiet track to setup, but I might have to cut the metal tabs under each section to insulate both outside rails for automatic blocking.

Is there a way to setup automatic blocking without insulating the outside rail on 0-27 track? I found this to be a huge pain, as I have to losen all the track ties and insert insulating tape. Sometimes, this doesnt work and I have to figure out which track tie is contacting the outside rail. It takes alot of time to do this with  my favorite 0-27 track. I think fasttrak would be easiest since the balast is already there, and I would just have to cut the metal joining the outside rails beneath the roadbed. Any ideas or suggestions?

Finally, I would love to use 022 switches on whichever track I decide to go with. They are my favorite. I have used 022 switches on my 027 just fine. I raise the 027 track with a foam roadbed, and they are level with the 022 switches. 

 

Thanks

[ADCX Rob]

lionel2986

Is there a way to setup automatic blocking without insulating the outside rail on 0-27 track? I found this to be a huge pain,

O-27 is easy... especially compared to FasTrack, which is very expensive, and while it can be done, is much more difficult to make insulated and isolated rails/blocks with. You can buy the special sections, for a considerable premium!

When working with O-27. never use tape, it almost always fails. Use insulators from damaged/discarded sections or make your own from Fish Paper stock available many places online.

[ADCX Rob]

lionel2986

I think fasttrak would be easiest since the balast is already there, and I would just have to cut the metal joining the outside rails beneath the roadbed

This is the easiest part of FasTrack - no cutting needed - you just remove the bar from each section you want to insulate.

Everything beyond that is much more difficult. If you actualy want to remove pins(which is one strategy), the track must be disassembled. If you want to keep the pins(which is OK too), you have to cut/notch the rails in adjoining transition sections for each block for the insulated/isolated sections to work properly.

[servoguy]

To make rail insulators, I use gasket paper I buy at an auto parts store. It is very tough and cheap.

[Lionel 027]

I do something similar, but instead of removing the bars I cut them with a cutoff wheel in a Dremel tool. That way there is no disassembly involved, and restoring the track takes only a drop of solder!