Lionel 445 Switch Tower

Right. Light on constantly. Movement of the train should trigger the action of the "man going out and down the stairs."

Easiest method is use an insulated track section. The wiring is as follows: 1 and 3 posts to power and common. The 2 post wire should go to the insulated side of the track piece.

Have had mine set up this way for years and works every time.

Brent, in addition to the advice above, here’s my two cents. From your description, it sounds like you have the wiring crossed up. Here are the wiring instructions for reference :