Thanks for the info. However it doesn't appear to be a wiring problem in the switch. I bought another switch of a different model and swapped it out. The "new" switch does the same thing, it is always energized. The other 1122 is installed in the same track and operates normally.

I moved the problem switch (LH) to another part of the layout and it does the same thing - always energized even without control wires attached.

Could there be some sort of polarity problem with my power wiring ?  I tried reversing the variable power connections on the transformer with no change. Checked the wiring to the tracks and all are consistent (center vs outside rail soldered connections). Why would 2 switches always be energized and one work perfectly normally ?

Since they are riveted together, I'd rather not have to break into them, especially if it is not an internal conection problem to begin with.

Thanks,