Model Forum / General / Railroads / June 2004

On the switch you should see three binding posts. Attach the center wire to
the center contact. attach the other two wires to the other two posts and
try to throw the switch. If it does not work as desired, switch the two
outside wires. If it still does not work, put the center wire on one of the
other binding posts and try it that way. Make sure that power is applied to
the track when you test it.

You're correct that the Lionel turnout is powered from the track - that is
the "hot" third rail is connected to one side of each "switch machine" coil.
The turnout is controlled by connecting the other end of one or the other
coil to ground (the outside rail).  These 2 connections are 2 of the
terminals on the turnout.  The 3rd is connected to ground.  You can use a
simple jumper wire or paper clip to bridge two terminals to test which ones
operate the turnout.

Note that some Lionel controllers are lighted.  They do this by a small
current "bleed" from the 3rd rail, thru one of the switch machine coils, to
the bulb in the controller.  The bulb current is low enough not to cause the
switch machine to throw, or to overheat the coil.  Hope this helps.  Gary Q

Remember that you have to insulate the inside rail at both ends.