In the less technologically complex postwar era, the two most popular ways to activate such trackside devices from Lionel as grade crossing lights and block signals were the nos. 145C, 153C, and 1045C contactors (devices that used a train passing over the contactor to power a circuit) and the insulated track section.
Over time, the 153C could become a bit unreliable – but the insulated track section virtually never failed. And since the gizmo was basically a modification of something you already owned (a piece of track), it saved a few pennies by your not needing to buy anything else. This technique will work with any brand of standard, postwar-style tubular track. And the great news is, that even in these heady 21st-century times, it still works!
I’ve been able to purchase the fiber insulators from my parts distributor along with the insulating pins. Good article.It does take a bit of patience and dexterity, though. I’ve made several of these sections in O since they are difficult to find.