Yep thats the article i read
but i wonder if the one i have is also misswired
is there anyway to tell what year and model i have /
No idea about the year and model. Look again at the article and do what the author says. Do a visual. first.
I learned that in troubleshooting many years ago. I believe others would say the same thing. Look closely.
I had a similar issue with a Bachmann tender a couple years ago. A visual and a meter check told me what I needed to know.
Right now I suspect you are doing DCC without a multimeter which is second best.
Below are a couple links about using a cheap meter from Harbor Freight. About $5.00 each. I have three of them.
http://www.trainelectronics.com/Meter_HF/index.htmhttp://www.trainelectronics.com/Meter_Workshop/index.htmRich