Created new yard, reposition Z4000 transformer and it's AIU

Have you done a Track Signal test. If yes. What did you see for numbers ? With clean track and a squeaky clean  engine. You should see pretty much all 10’s. You mentioned tables and 2 loops describing your layout. Roughly how big are we talking ?  You said you wired out from your TIU to a terminal block. How many feeds is that block running ?

Then you went from that terminal strip to another. That’s where you problem could lie. The rule is you should only split the DCS signal one time. You can have multiple feeders off of a terminal strip to multiple tracks. As long as your feeding a block or area. You can’t feed another strip and branch out again off the same TIU channel without affecting the track signal. Disconnect the feed to the second terminal strip. Just power up an run an engine in the block that’s powered and see if there’s any improvement.
  If no improvement. You said you have one loop that works. Flip the wires on your TIU channels just to rule out you don’t have a bad channel.

Dave

Thank You for this insight on what to do, only what do you mean by the Track Signal test, I am unfamiliar with that device.

Chuck

The track signal test is performed by a running DCS locomotive.

First, decide which engine you want to use to perform a DCS track signal test. Make sure
that the engine is powered on and the engine is moving at a slow rate of speed. The
recommended speed for a DCS track signal test is as slow as you can stand it. The most
accurate track signal readings are obtained when the engine is standing still

• Select the engine which will perform the signal test by either scrolling to it using the thumb
wheel or entering its one or two digit DCS ID# using the number keys to highlight the engine.
Press the thumbwheel to select the engine

• The DCS track signal test begins: The DCS Remote's LCD screen will show a number from 1
to 10 as the engine moves forward. A value of 9 or 10 indicates a strong DCS signal. A value
of 6-8 indicates an acceptable DCS signal. Values of 5 or less, or error messages, are
candidates for improvement. Note what the signal level is at various spots on the layout.

• To end the test, press soft key S5 (END)

• The DCS Remote will exit the test and return to the Engine Control Screen

Chuck, I’m guessing your engines are coming up silent and are seeing the watchdog signal. If the signal is that bad. Chances are you will see an error message and it won’t respond to start up. Your going to have to find a spot on your loop to get it started and moving. Once moving get it into the track signal test as quick as you can while the engine is still responding to the remote. The engine even if the signal is bad it will keep moving at the same speed and perform the test. As John mentioned. Slow is better. Your liable not to have much control over it and may have to shut down the layout to stop it or wait till you hit some good numbers. Remove any engines and lighted cars from the area your testing. Some will degrade your signal.

I ran an engine today on line 2 with cleaning truck ahead of it, and  it ran smoothly for about  forty five minutes, then I tried to place a CSX both engines are PS2's this CSX started to run on Line 1  ran for about ten minutes , and stop. Line 1 needs it's tracks, more cleaning I running on Gargarves  Tracks. All's well, except, I in order to run better, maybe I need to change the under neath tables the bus lines  to star pattern, any one know better how to use the wiring from the layout to fund the correct pattern of MTH? I'll e much better.

Your engine stopping has nothing to do with your track signal. Once a DCS Engine is moving even if you can’t communicate with it. It will keep following it’s last command and move at the same speed. If the engines run fine at times. I’m not sure changing to star wiring is going to make any difference.
You mentioned Gargraves track. Is your track wired so that both of your outside rails are connected ? With the wood ties they are naturally isolated. Connecting the outer rails will help. Remember with traction tires you don’t have a lot of wheel contact on the outer rails.

Dave C.   Thanks for that insight, because I've used the old school of busing around that it becomes difficult to find the short, or cross-over, I've reread MTH User Manual. found it in my file cabinet.

I'd want to plan for an MTH star pattern only the book describes. I have two levels and I think I could have a limited situation. (Hear me out) if I develop this pattern to work for me by using MTH 50-1014 terminal blocks (2) to work both levers of the MTH Z4000 & TIU and deciding to eliminate connectors of drops from the old bus line. Asking you if I am heading to a resolution of what I presently have. The question is, how many of these 50-1014 to have for two mainline, Help me there Please in details

Chuckg

Your best off focusing on just one loop and getting it running properly. You can leave your drops from your tracks  in place as long as your confident you have a solid connection. Just leave enough showing to connect to. It’s best to connect your outside rails with a jumper wire if your using Gargraves. I looked at one of your other posts with your track diagram. I would divide your loop into 4 electrical blocks. By doing that. You will be using insulated pins or a natural break in a switch. No need to do the outside rails. Run the out wires from your TIU to your terminal strip. I like overkill. 12 gauge to the strip and 14 gauge from there out to the track. 14 and 16 would probably be fine. Now run your paired wires from the strip to your track feeders. Your only going to run one set of paired wires to each isolated block. They don’t have to be equal in length. Use quality  crimp connectors or solder the wires.
Now test your work. You should be seeing mostly if not all 10’s. If there are sidings off your loop. Add them one at a time and keep checking your track signal. If it goes south. You know it’s what you just added.

My own layout is about 20 x 50. Not a lot of track but some long runs. Mostly buss wired. But some paired as well. My own feeling. It’s more about the quality of wire used and making solid connections.