LIONEL 350 TRANSFER TABLE HELP!!

Hi Jeff, This is an excellent write up! People aren’t usually this descriptive. If you just power the accessory on, what happens when you press either of the left/right buttons? Does a situation change if there is or isn’t a locomotive on the table? It sounds like it could be a problem with the wiring or controller left/right buttons. Maybe the original insulation on the wiring is getting brittle? Maybe the table itself where the center rail is shorting, but only actively shorts when power is applied (left/right buttons pressed).

Thanks for reply, the wiring is very flexible. It was stored in correct temperature. With or without a locomotive on transfer table, the operation still works as it should. The table goes up/down just fine. But, cannot go left/right when button is pushed on the other 3 sidings. The main siding it works closest to the edge of my table platform.  Yes, it only shorts when the left/right button is pushed on any location the transfer table is at. Here are some pictures.  Maybe I have one too many lockons.

@Lioneljeff

Can you turn over the moving table and get a picture of the underside.  I am curious to see the three wheels that run on the powered rails of the table bases.

I also notice you tied the main table and extension table together with a wire jumper.  Were you not getting a good "ground" to the extension?  They'll tie themselves together when connected, and also by the outer rails attached to the track.

I have both an original#350 and the modern version and would love to help.  I just want to see the underside, as I may have some ideas, but don't want to put them in your head before I can see...

Yes, I had a bad ground there. Where the extension attached to the main table section. I have three 027 pins in there to join them. But, my train platform is not very flat. I will get pictures of under the moving table. I have two #350 transfer tables on my layout. The other one has no extension added. I hope that one is right too. It works better, but fear the lockons are in the wrong place. What are the Fibre pins for?? I am a bit confused where you put Fibre pins on the tracks. Let me know. Will post pictures tonight. Thanks, Jeff.

Forgive me for asking, but if the up-down buttons move to another track, what is right-left for?

@John H posted:

Forgive me for asking, but if the up-down buttons move to another track, what is right-left for?

Powers the center rail.

Thanks Marty. I have never seen one work.

I have 2 that work. Just needs fine tuning. I even know how to fix them. I have wiring diagrams and such for the motor and wiring under the transfer table itself. Living in NY, where Lionel trains were started, you've never seen a classic lionel #350 transfer table. Only cost me about $500 for 2 of them, plus $70 for the extension. Adds excitement to the layout and possibilities. Investment in happiness!!

With Marty's explanation, it sure sounds like the center track is wired wrong or not insulated.

Center track or center rail on main line? Explain center track more clearly.