Hey everyone, it works!
Funny, funny, funny.
Here's what I found;
Upon taking that 1/4 section down I found a build up of fine metal powder underneath on the cross-section of track. I had delicately drilled the holes out a bit bigger to accommodate the screws. I think it was enough to complete the circuit and pop the circuit breaker.
It's working so I'm going with that theory . . . though I haven't screwed the track down yet.
Thanks again for the help.
Chris
P.S.
How do I hook up vintage Marx light towers to power? Can it go directly to the track? Snap on clips?