Thanks for all the helpful information. I've set the 180 power supply up using the cable adapters that allow you to plug into the end of the power supply plug a that converts the end to two pigtails after crimping terminal lugs on each lead. I'm not using the Lionel lock on at all. I don't even have a Lionel direct lock on so I'm using a MTH terminal block to connect to the track or I could just wire directly to a track pigtail wrapping each with electrical tape, or use shrink wrap over a solderless connector on each end.
mokemike