I have an older Lionel CW80 from my original O-Gauge train set that I got in 2004 or so. The transformer's track power outputs have always worked well. However, when I tried to hook up a Fastrack remote switch to the aux power outputs on the CW80, I ran into a weird issue. The switch works perfectly with both track power and aux power modes. However, when I tried to run a train on the track, for some reason, the power to the switch was also going to the track and the train was getting power too. I did a bit of testing, and figured out that there's a wiring problem in my CW80. I think that the aux power connection is connected somehow to the track power output and the aux and track ground outputs are not connected like they should be (I think). Now, I have heard that some older CW80s had some problems with the aux power/aux ground ports being wired incorrectly. Has anyone else had this issue?
I want to get this problem fixed, but I need some help. I am not an expert in electricity. If anyone has any tips or tricks so that I might be able to get the CW80 fixed by myself, let me know. A wiring diagram of the transformer's electronics would be great. Thanks.
If I can't do it myself, I have a local train store that I can take the transformer to and get it fixed there.
Note you may have MULTIPLE problems
#1 certain early CW80 transformers are built and designed with the RED POSTS COMMON. Again, these early design series of the CW80 cannot be used easily in aux power and track power situations where we normally expect BLACK Posts to be common. Sure, you could wire it "backwards" use red post as common to outside rail, and black to center rail and accessory hot. This then reverses the bell and whistle function.
#2 Fastrack switches were and still are sometimes manufactured with the aux power in terminal swapped with the 3rd rail wiring to the track. Again, factory, there is a jumper installed that connects what should be the aux power to 3rd rail so the switch borrows track power, however, when assembling the switches, they ordered the terminals incorrectly compared to the labels.
You are going to have to break out a meter and check.
#1 with nothing connected to the transformer- and not powered- check the red posts and black posts for continuity. Determine which is common on the CW80 you are using.
#2 Check your fastrack switches for continuity to 3rd rail between the terminal labeled aux and the other one "track jumper". Being honest, you probably should go through them and perform all the "bulletproofing" inspections and modifications long term.
Highly suggest you follow the standard multi point "bulletproofing" modifications and inspection on any fastrack switch before installing.
As seen here https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...1#163461606334295091
and here https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...8#162053334063720688
Your problem could be caused by either the folded tab electrical connections causing intermittent ground connection and that can cause spurious anti-derailing triggering. The other known thing is the metal back plate can press up into the terminal area and make contact to the terminal solder joints and cause a similar problem of the weight of the crossing engine pressing down on the switch into the table.
Folded tabs- recommend soldering all of these type of connections
