Am I safe to "assume" if only two or three TMCC locomotives out of 15+ have TMCC signal problems that it is most likely antenna problems in those locomotives and not the dreaded "TMCC Black Hole" problem?
For some reason it seems like it is always diesels which have the problem; the steamers do fine. With the exception of a converted Big Boy ... which came back in pieces ...
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I'd take one of the diesels and do an antenna upgrade on it and see if it helps. That will tell you if it's the antenna or the black hole. 
For some reason it seems like it is always diesels which have the problem; the steamers do fine.
Its hard to beat the handrails on a steamer as antennas, even the best "undershell" diesel antenna is probably still in second place.
If the "problem" locos have signal issues in the same spot on the layout it could be a ground plane issue. Installing a ground plane wire in the area(s) should alleveiate the issue. Locos with weaker antennas are more sensative to ground plane problems.
Ground plane problems typically occur when there are multiple parallel tracks, or tracks that run above others. Multiple parallel tracks and overhead tracks do not always create a problem, but it raises the likelyhood one may occur.
If the "problem" locos have signal issues at random places on the layout then the problem is likely their individual antennas.
if a layout is built with chicken wire one might try grounding said wire.
Its usually an issue with the antenna's. Newer diesels are now using the hand rails like the steam engines have always done. In some cases the RL2C boards may play a part. Some handle shorter antennas better than others.
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