Isolating a section of already-ballasted track?

[RobertInOntario]

I've done this with an Atlas saw. It is possible, just putzy. Since you want to avoid cutting both tracks you have to make careful short back-and-forth strokes. It takes a while...sort of requires the patience of a prisoner making a quiet jail break by sawing through the bars when the guard isn't watching.

Thanks, I think I know what you mean, especially re the short strokes and not wanting to cut up the adjacent track or other parts of the layout. I'll have to wait until I'm in the right mood & am well rested, etc.!