How do I determine if I have a track problem or if I have a Legacy signal issue ~ Problem solved thank you!

I can only say I've had similar (no, exactly the same) symptoms, and Atlas the  track appeared clean.  It was in a long reach location, but the more I cleaned it, the better it got.  Finally it was good.

I was running small steamer, but longer loco could make it.  Faster worked okay.

Just what I had...

John

As a test you can lay an grounded extension cord that shares a ground with the base (same outlet or same wiring) near the track and see if that helps.

The light flickering is a definite sign of a TMCC signal problem As for how long to make the permanent wire I think its one of those things you make as long as needed.

Also if the tunnel has wire mesh in it there can be a TMCC problem. You can ground the mesh as well, same as you would do with a metal bridge

In my limited experience,there is a very simple method.. If the engine stops  or is intermittent in one area simply  put your hand on it as it runs over the spot. If it continues pass the spot with your hand on it then you have a weak or double signal there.. 

You may have an engine or two that dosnt receive the signal as well as others and as Chris mentioned just run the smallest wire you have from closest  house ground(preferable same as base plugged) or in my case i used a grounded water main pipe line since it was very close to my problem area.Since your in a tunnel you can just hot glue it to the layout in between the tracks.

Hope this helps.

You could just take out all that Lionel stuff and put PS2 and DCS inG

"You could just take out all that Lionel stuff and put PS2 and DCS in"

Talk about jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.

The track shouldn't be an issue.  Track signal pretty much saturates the room.  The problem is with the engine seeing the other half of the signal coming from the house wiring.  If it only happens with one or two engines in one or two specific spots you may have an issue with the antenna's on those problem loco's.  

This is Lionel's attempt to fail to safe mode. The engine has lost the ability to "see" the command carrier and starts blinking it's head light.  If this situation persists long enough it stops moving.  This is more likely to happen at slow speeds.  At higher velocity you cruise/bull through the area where the signal is weak.

If placing your hand over the engines corrects the problem that means the house wiring side isn't being seen.  You need to provide an aux source for the house wiring side.

What is the tunnel made out of?

Come on.... that is always J daddy solution in reverse.  Pay attention please

Frankly, just as many complaints and issues with TMCC/Legacy.  Seems the latest streak has been with Lionel.  It will reverse I am sure.  G

Ok, Thanks for the help.

The tunnel consist on only of plywood and extruded foam board. The issue started only once the foam board was installed.

I have had engines lose power on dirty track and usually the headlight goes out and the tender makes a clicking noise. This is not the case here. The headlight starts to flicker as it continues to travel through the tunnel Then as it comes out at the point of the passing track overhead it stops, this occurs only in very slow speeds.  That failure mode tends me to believe  that it is a signal loss.

Some engines are more sensitive than others. Some are not even affected.

What is funny is a few of my friends are buying Proto sound and Proto sound 2 engines, gutting them and adding ERR boards... I can get parts, the new sounds are fantastic, and the installation is very straight forward....

What about a wire or antenna on a stick for you to hold over it?  Piece of metal conduit?

no contact at all.  Take a piece of insulated wire like a piece of bell wire.  Run it back to earth ground (nearby cold water pipe).  Place the bell wire on the bottom of the plywood, aka side facing inside of tunnel, tape will work for a test run and glue for a more permanent install.  

I have no idea why plywood or foam would interfere with the signal.  The foam isn't foil backed is it?

With John having this issue I am curious about something.  With Fastrack for example both outside rails are connected to each other and carry signal.  With track such as Gargraves the outer rails are insulated and signal may only be present on 1 rail. 

Is it a good idea to have both outer rails connected for signal purposes?

John how are you setup?

According to the Lionel video, If you are using an isolated rail, you are supposed

to bridge the gap with a capacitor. ( can't remember if it was .1 or .01 @50v )

Thus the signal is still there and the isolated rail still works....

Bruce....

odd the cord didn't help. Someone posted yesterday that the wire should be about 4 inches away from the rail