@Arthur P. Bloom posted:...........From memory, terminal #1 is the common connection, #2 is the lamp, and #3 is the solenoid (electro-magnet that makes the dispatchers move.)........
Looking at both a PW Repair and Operating Manual sheet, and also a 6-2324 instruction sheet (from the Lionel site), I think 2 and 3 are probably backwards. It looks like 3 is lamp and 2 is solenoid.
@Tony BNSF posted:Thanks for the replies so far! I'm using the MPC 6-2324 tower, so it's still "old school." I'm using a ZW on one line, a KW on the other (still old school.) I've got the tower lights rigged to a separate transformer, so I can turn it on/off with my other lights. I'm using an insulated track section on the line farthest from the tower, but with modern locomotives, I've really got to crank the power to get the solenoid to trigger, thus my dilemma. I'm also concerned about running the power to the tower off two different lines...will that cause a problem, especially when two trains are triggering the tower at the same time? Thanks again, and hope this gives more info!
We need info on your 3rd transformer. It's important for some of the below discussion. For the ZW and KW, "U" is common, but for many single throttle transformers, it can be a different arrangement. (not to say other units can't be used compatibly, but it's a detail that needs to be understood)
Also, while some of our discussion points above sort of imply it, are you absolutely sure you are set up with common ground wiring? Meaning are the U terminals for the KW and ZW connected together, and the transformers phased properly (assuming non-polarized plugs that you can reverse at the outlet if needed) when plugged into the wall outlet? Search "phasing transformers" on the Forum if none of this rings a bell or your answer is not an immediate "yes" to the question of whether your transformers are phased.
Once we confirm you are using common ground wiring, the issue you express concern of running power "off two different lines" is I believe eliminated. The closure of the solenoid circuit via insulated rail is the same for either line, assuming you have the common ground wiring and both transformers "U" posts are at the same potential no matter the voltage settings on any of the control handles.
Also a quick sketch of what you already have might be helpful. (which transformer terminals are hooked which rails of track, as well as what each terminal under the 2324 is hooked to, including which terminal of the 2324 is hooked to your existing insulated rail)
The part about needing to crank the power with the modern locomotives is driving me asking all of these additional questions. (I'm assuming you mean you have to turn it up enough that the engines go faster than you would like them to) The voltage on the center rail should not impact the function of the insulated rail, which is only supposed to be providing the outer rail connection as a ground point for the solenoid.
{edit: after reading Adriatic's response below, and re-reading this post, I realized I goofed. I know you said you had an insulated rail already hooked up, but you do not yet have constant voltage for the solenoid (the whole point of your post! 
). I goofed and applied a train of thought that assumed you had already set up the constant voltage, which is not the case. So I was wrong to suggest puzzlement at the too fast train when you get the tower to work properly. That does make perfect sense for the setup you currently have.}
-Dave
