electrical help

Common Ground Wiring... it seems complex, but it really isn't.

In a nut shell, take two (or more) power sources (can be separate transformers, or separate taps on the same transformer), align the commons (keeping them in phase). Tie all the commons together and to the outside rails of your 3 rail track. Take one variable output to the center rail to control the train speed. Take the other variable/fixed output to the accessory. Finally, take the activation rail of the isolated track and connect that to the ground of the accessory.

For starters, to do that, here is a breakdown of the classic transformers and wiring options for common ground:

http://olsenstoy.com/cd/transfmr/ps6.pdf

Here is a video on phasing the transformers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iASQfnE6pCk

 There is a lot in this concise wording of common ground, so please ask questions for clarification and I or someone can assist.

As bmoran states, use common ground. Then put any voltage to the accessories from another transformer.

Hope this helps.

Below is a diagram that should help.  You should use the U post (variable voltage controlled by the throttle) on the LW as track voltage.  The A posts are the common/ground posts for the LW.  They are internally connected so it doesn't matter which one is used.  14volts fixed voltage is supplied from the C binding post which should be wired to the 252 and Gateman.  The insulated track section should be used to complete the circuit on the 252 signal and the gateman's solenoid action.  Ground should be also be supplied to the gateman to give ground for the light inside.  Hope this helps!

You could also supply power to the gateman and signal from the B post which would give you 18 volts fixed to the accessories.

Thanks for the help I will try in the morning and let you know how it goes

I followed the schematic jd2035 posted, did not work, the gateman comes out and stays out  with no train on the isolated section. I used the A & C terminals. The crossing gates work not the gateman.

Thanks again for the help.

You may have gotten the wiring of the gateman backwards.

Note, the rightmost lock on isn't necessary - that wire can connect to the common ground elsewhere.

Sounds like you are on the right track.  Inside the gateman, flip the ground wire coming from the insulating track and the ground wire coming directly from the A post on the LW.

Got it working!

Thanks for the help.

Good news, glad to help!