Base 3 no track signal

Sounds like you’ve covered everything, if you know the locomotive worked with the base-1 and now you have it completely unhooked and the Base-3 hooked up with the black wire to the outside rail sounds like there could be an issue.

First I’d look at where you have the base-3 plugged in at, is it a power strip with surge protection? Those have been known to trouble the Base-2 I would suspect the same will go with the Base-3.

besides that I also noticed the binding post on my Base-3 loose after a train show but I opened it months ago to confirm they actually had it tight. So it’s not impossible that’s your problem but I’d double check any external issues before assuming a Base problem

Thank you for confirming my suspicions. Yes the base1 was completely disconnected and unplugged.
yes common wire connected to outside rail of fast track.
yes The base 3 is plugged directly into the wall.

Switched everything back to the cab1 setup and working great.  

I purchased locally and will return today  and try again tonight.  Will update the results.

thanks again!

Tom

Replaced with a new Base 3.  Everything working perfectly now.

thanks for the reply

I neglected to send out a HUGE THANK YOU! To the folks at Mario’s trains in Winchester Va on making the exchange of the bad unit quick and painless.  Great customer service.