In preparation of either setting up or giving to my son for grandson, I dug out my old Lionel train I received for Christmas in 1950 - yes I'm an old Fart. Everything seems to be working and only needs cleaning except for a section of track that is used to uncouplecars or activate the box car door.
It has a black bakelite base with the 3 rails and trhen 2 other metal bars parallel to the rails, but does not have connectors to another section. Right in the center of the section, there is a red plastic disc with a metal "core" slightly protruding, also from the center of the disc. On the side of the section, there are 4 screws for connecting the two button unit. My problem is two-fold:
1) the wire that was connected to the track section covering has totally deteriorated, breaking - no crumbling.2) Beacuse they are not connected, I don't know how to connect the buttons to the screw posts.
I tried to trace the paths with a continuity checker, but I get confusing readings - ie no real logical path. It has to get power from the track, as there are no other connections from either the track section or the button unit.
Can someone help or direct me to a source for help ?
Thanks for any and all replies.