Continuous track power

See if the powermaster switch is in "CMD" or command position. It should be in "conv" or conventional position.

Use fresh batteries in the remote. Follow the directions to reset the PM-1 to "TR-1" in case that was changed inadvertently.

Once you get the PM to respond to the CAB-1, also following the manual, set the stall voltage to zero volts, and the momentum to "L" low.

Did you not say that without any addressing there was power to the track?  Do you know what the voltage is from the hot (center rail) and neutral ( could be either or both outside rails depending how you wired your layout. I believe that a powerhouse put out a fixed 18 volts. If you are reading that you are in Command mode and you would most likely have a TMCC signal running on the neutral rail(s). That being said is your command base wire attached to the nuetral rail(s)?  If so you definitely would (assuming the command base is powered) have a TMCC signal on the nuetral rail (s). So if your Powermaster is switched to Conventional your locomotive would be confused as to how it should run. 

I am just noodling this as I go along here. Maybe I am wrong some place and if so I am sure those following this thread will educate me. But I do think you need to remove the wire from the command base so there is no TMCC signal to the locomotive for it to think it is to run conventional.