Setting up crossing gates

You have some reading and learning to do, Grasshopper.  Start by inspecting the CW-80 to become familiar with its parts and then read the owner's (user's) manual to identify it's features and how to use them.   In case you don't have it, I attached a copy.  Just make sure the CW-80 model number in the file title matches the one you are using.  If not, search support.lionel.com for your particular model number.

Looking at the manual, the CW-80 has one set of programmable (adjust the voltage to match your accessory) outputs that connect to accessories.  One of those is "power" and the other is "common" (frequently referred to as "ground").  Once you figure those out and do the programming, you should be able to hook up your crossing signals.

Chuck

Here is your wiring diagram for 3-wire crossing gates.  There are several means to attach wires to CW-80 terminals.  They include a large fork lug, ring lug, wrap bare wire, or banana plug based on your preference.  

@PRR1950 posted:

You have some reading and learning to do, Grasshopper.  Start by inspecting the CW-80 to become familiar with its parts and then read the owner's (user's) manual to identify it's features and how to use them.   In case you don't have it, I attached a copy.  Just make sure the CW-80 model number in the file title matches the one you are using.  If not, search support.lionel.com for your particular model number.

Looking at the manual, the CW-80 has one set of programmable (adjust the voltage to match your accessory) outputs that connect to accessories.  One of those is "power" and the other is "common" (frequently referred to as "ground").  Once you figure those out and do the programming, you should be able to hook up your crossing signals.

Chuck

You mentioned attaching a copy of the manual.  It's missing from your post - perhaps you forgot, or maybe it was deleted by the mods due to copyright.

@Steims posted:

Here is your wiring diagram for 3-wire crossing gates.  There are several means to attach wires to CW-80 terminals.  They include large I large fork lug, ring lug, wrap bare wire, or banana plug based on your preference.  

I should have stated that my layout is fastrack, but this helps too.

@PRR1950 posted:

You have some reading and learning to do, Grasshopper.  Start by inspecting the CW-80 to become familiar with its parts and then read the owner's (user's) manual to identify it's features and how to use them.   In case you don't have it, I attached a copy.  Just make sure the CW-80 model number in the file title matches the one you are using.  If not, search support.lionel.com for your particular model number.

Looking at the manual, the CW-80 has one set of programmable (adjust the voltage to match your accessory) outputs that connect to accessories.  One of those is "power" and the other is "common" (frequently referred to as "ground").  Once you figure those out and do the programming, you should be able to hook up your crossing signals.

Chuck

I understand what the power and ground wire terminals are. Red being my power and black being my common or ground. I’m just trying to figure out how I would hook these wires up, on the insulated track peice, there is no where to put a wire. I’m also confused since the wires on the crossing gates are smaller than the wires for the accessory tracks. I’m also not sure where the yellow wire connects to.

The yellow wires attach to the isolated rail depicted in the Fastrack picture below.  There are small spade lugs that fit underneath the track to the rail itself.  Here is link to thread discussing the lugs:

https://ogrforum.com/...to-spade-connections 

@Steims posted:

The yellow wires attach to the isolated rail depicted in the Fastrack picture below.  There are small spade lugs that fit underneath the track to the rail itself.  Here is link to thread discussing the lugs:

https://ogrforum.com/...to-spade-connections

I have it set up something like this, but my problem is when I get a train to pass through it, the accessory doesn’t operate. I have the accessory wire hooked up to a transformer as well. I’m just not sure why it’s not operating?

I can’t tell how you have this hooked up.  You can test the crossing gate to make sure it is operational. Connect the red to transformer red post.  Connect black to the transformer black post.  Turn power on.  Touch the yellow wire to the black post and crossing should go down.  Lift the yellow wire and the gate should go back up.