Help please...

Sounds like you are losing the TMCC signal.

When you say that the 'layout shuts off', do you mean that just the locomotive stops, or does all power to the track etc. drop out?  How are your bricks connected to the track, are you using TPCs or other devices between the brick and the track? Is your layout divided into blocks, and if so, does the problem occur when a train is crossing a block division? (Sorry for all the questions, but the more information you can give makes it easier to help you.)

Thank you for your response Ms. Nicole.  I have one TPC 400 with two power bricks.  My layout is not in "blocks"; however, since my layout is so big, I have power disbursement points throughout the layout.  Thank you again.

I agree with Bill, I would look for a TMCC signal loss first.

Back to Nicole's question: "do you mean that just the locomotive stops, or does all power to the track etc. drop out?"

Rod

Might also try this question on the TMCC FORUM

I will move this thread to the TMCC forum so folks there can see and respond.

All power to the track drops out...

Two power bricks, with no blocks? hmmmmmm....Are your bricks phased?

Does it drop power when an engine rolls over a turnout? Also what brand of track are you using?

Fargus, I am using Lionel 0-27 track.  This problem is real strange and frustrating.  Thank you.

Sounds like a missing rail insulator.

Are your bricks phased together?

Ok...new development.  I just called Lionel and they said that the problem was in the switch (they also said there was nothing wrong with the switch).  They said that when my Lionel heavyweights move over the switch it "cuts out" my TPC 400 because there is too many amps being used.  Now, I know I have seen bigger layouts than mine and those switches seem to work no matter what is on the rails.  Please tell me Lionel is wrong and that there is a solution to this issue.  Thank you. 

If these are Lionel O-27 42" switches, they are probably correct.  The center rail of these switches sometimes needs to be fine-tuned with a little tape or insulating material so contact with wheels is mitigated.

Thanks Rob.  I just taped the control rails on my switches so the anti-derailment feature does not kick in.  Everything works fine!  Thank you and thanks to everyone who helped!