When accessory powered from CW80 trains won't cycle properly

What is the date code on your CW-80?  Are you using a common ground for trains and the bridge?

Date codes are 0305 and 1204.  Not sure on the ground.  The transformer has seperate lugs for accessory and track.  I assume inside it is a common ground though not sure.  I did some further testing and even with the bridge removed from the layout but still connected I get the same result with either cw80 powering.  So either both transformers have the same problem or the bridge is the culprit some how.  I have a feeling you guys are going to tell me it's my transformers because Murphy's law says it will be the most expensive to resolve.

It's the transformers.

 

Switch the red & black connections for the bridge and you should be all set.

 

 

On your CWs, the red posts are common, not the black.  To somewhat fix this blunder, you should connect the red posts to the outer rails, black to center, but then the bell and whistle functions are switched.

So its a mfr error on the transformer?  Or am I totally misunderstanding the way they are supposed to work?

Oh, it was an error alright.  The CW was redesigned internally to fix it.  Date codes with a "G" have the fix.

If you have the transformer manual date 02/03 please read pages 9 and 10 about operating the trains with accessories

Tried your advice.  I get the same result as before.  

Balto, setting the voltage isn't my issue. I already knew how to do that. Thanks though.

OK, so do you have the red "A" post to the outer rail, black "B" to center?

 

Have you tried both the direction button and shutting the handle down all the way to reverse direction?  How about turning down the throttle, and then unplugging/plugging the transformer to change direction as a test?  What engine(s) are you using?

The only way to get them to cycle is by unplugging.  As for the black/red posts I've tried reversing the wires without success.  Should I have the accessories hooked up in reverse too or normally.  I tried all combos but will try again.  Maybe I'm just not understanding.

Tells us about the "insulated sidings".  

Is a it common rail (outside) insulated for accessory activation or is the center rail isolated to remove power and park a train?

 

Ensure that you haven't reversed one of the isolated outside rails for an accessory activation configuration.

 

Each end of the siding between the switches needs the center rail isolated to store an additional train by removing power. (1 3/8" track with the red wires connected in series to a toggle switch)

 

Keep the U (common posts) wires together, always use one common. In this case, you could take the common from an outside rail near the bridge and only the A from the transformer fixed or accessory A post for the lights.

 

Just some basics to review before we get too far. Some Lionel videos

Recommended Wiring

Block Control to power\un-power a siding

Accessory Activator\Insulated Rail

 The CW80s he has have the A terminals common. So he has to connect them to the outside rails.

NO!  That is the wrong step with these versions of transformers!  The red "A" and red "B" are common.  The "U" under "A" and "U" under "B" are for the center rail or "hot" side of accessories when using common ground wiring with these.