Track setup power issue. ZW 275watt & model #1015.

We have a small test setup of O Gauge tracks, with, initially, a small
transformer, either #1015 or Type B (assume the former). We had a
couple of switch tracks included (the ones with the right angles
coming into the main track, with the three connections..
We were able to hook the two wires to the lockon and get power to a
couple of engines, but they didn't move (oiling issue more likely--
they haven't run in years). We tried this with the Tie-Jector,
Wabash, and Rio-Grande engines. the Wabash and Rio-Grande both lit
up, but did not move.
We never got any result with the Tie Jector.
Our tracks were somewhat rusty, but we took scotch pads to them, along
with a wire tipped brush.
The contact parts are now pretty free of rust.
We currently have the LockOn facing OUT of the tracks
circle and using the back of transformer as pictured
here:
|---O O O O
| |-O O O O
| |
| |
we even tried criss crossing the wires
and now nothing at all
What else could we be missing here?
I might of thought there was a bad track issue, but getting initial
power, at the onset of our testing, strikes that down. We only got
power for a few seconds, then nothing.
Looking to you, the hobbyist, for anything we might be missing.
thanks for your help