I have Lionel Fastrack 048 switch. I extended the controller wire and all of my slices are perfect. The switch operates but the light in the controller does not operate - neither red or green. I checked all the connections and they are good> The handles on the 048 and very difficult and cranky.

Hello, Jeff -

Read the description of the model train here:
http://www.lionel.com/products/pennsylvania-flyer-freight-train-set-0-8-0-steam-loco-565-6-30174/

The set includes
(Quote)
Eight curved FasTrack sections, three straight FasTrack sections, one FasTrack terminal section
(End quote)

Best wishes.

Here's a link to a video that should solve your problem.
How To Fix Problem With Lionel Fastrak With Voltage Drop

Here's a link to Lionel's track documents.
http://www.lionel.com/CustomerService/service-documents/index.cfm?type=supplement&categoryIDList=83&doAction=search&product=&productNumber=

Make sure the insulation pins are in the correct rails, the inside rails.

I have had the same problem with FasTrack remotes. I noticed a lot of car wheel sparking on the outter rail which is V shaped with the turning entry part of the switch. I put electrical tape oven the approximately 1 1/2 inch part of the switch on the straight away. Problem solved. The problem has a lot to do with where the center pickup roller is relative to the wheels (common side of power).

On another note:

Also found that a problem with the common side connections using the 1.75 and 1.375" fillers. For some odd reason, Lionel quality control??????. The pin to rail connection is loose on all my fillers. I finally, after getting disgusted, removed all 18 fillers and wired (flow soldered) the connections from the pin dot point to the rail foldovers. Virtually all my electrical problems were solved. I also noted that in some cases, especially the 30" rails, the crossover strap is only crimped down. I advise putting a solder blob on all crossover straps in your setup. This will help when there there is a bad common connection in one or more points in the layout.

I have suffered beyond belief using the FasTrack remote switches. The extremes of poor quality control are evident in these Lionel products. I now have two that have intermittent control indicator lights. It is not worth the effort, they are still under warantee, to remove these switches and send to repair. The first repair resulted in a switch I simply threw away.

Track power is not recommended for this uncoupler. Use an aux fixed supply of at least 10 to 13VAC for the supply. You have to move a jumper on the bottom of the track to do this. Then there will be four wires needed. Two for the aux power (hot and common) and the other two which go to the pushbutton switch.

Note: Same goes for Lionel FasTrack Remote switches. Run the switches from a 10 to 12 VAC aux supply. There is a jumper you remove on the bottom of the switch to connect an aux supply.

This is a common problem with FasTrack Remotes and Manual switches. It is relative to where the center roller pickup is in relation to the wheels (common connection to outter track rails). Solution is to put electrical tape on the outter rail that forms a V between the turn in and the straight away. This elliminates about 1.5" of track discontinuity. It also eliminates wheel sparking that pits the surface of the outter rail. Wish I had a better solution short of taking the switch apart and doing some rewiring.

My son broke his off as well. We had just added the outer loop expansion pack and it was broken within 10 minutes. I found the replacement part on the Lionel website after much difficulty. I plan to buy a replacement to use one day when we have a more permanent track layout. I removed the flag from the other switch for safe keeping while he continues to play with it on the carpet. This is very poor design by Lionel. I think they should include a replacement part with the switch, or at least provide instructions in the manual for ordering a new part. I have wasted several hours today instead of enjoying the train with my son.

6102017094 RED SIG/LVR ASSY-MAN 036 FT SW $4.00

It sounds as though you may have two defective transformers. Lionel has reported problems with some of their smaller transformers. I would have the transformers and the engines checked by a Lionel service station or contact their customer service department for help.

The red wire goes to the center terminal, and the black to the outer one.