two 180 bricks wiring problem

make sure hot and common wires are correct on each loop of track. after that make sure both transformers are in phase.

Check to see if the two bricks are phased the same. One plug may have to be reversed as its plugged in. Lionel had some adapters for some early bricks that were not phased the same.

Using a volt meter, Check voltage from one block, center rail, powered by the one Brick, to the second block, center rail, powered by the second brick. If the voltage is 30+ volts the two bricks are out of phase.  Center rail to Center rail should be close to 0 volts.  Both bricks should be plugged into the same 110 volt outlet.

 

If they are plugged into the same outlet and you still have the 30 volt problem, try the following.

Reverse the input, (110 volt), wiring on either brick and see if it corrects the problem.  I like to use an old two to three prong adaptor that is not polarized.

 

thanks guys its always the little things I over look. The two lock ons where not wired the same quick little fix but now on to the second issue with the second level. Part of the 2nd level over laps the 1st and the trains get all weird. Now iv heard of running a unshielded wire along the tracks. Before i go head and run more wires is this the way to handel it.

 

thanks again

Run an insulated wire connected to the ground circuit of your house. That is also the ground pin on the three wire cords.

That wire should also ONLY be connected to the earth ground Chuck mentions, not to ANYTHING else on the layout.  That's the reason for an insulated wire.  Also, the wire can be any size, you can even use #30 wire if that's easy to hide.

 

Now I got some old steel wire laying around .035 that for my mig welder would that work?