Lionel 2022011 Granite Run Quarry LC+2.0 RF problems

Add an ground wire (true earth ground) in those signal loss sections of your layout.

These shorter engines like this docksider sized chassis, with lower handrails and overall footprint tend to get lesser reception- so areas on your layout where the 455KHz TMCC/Legacy signal is not as strong or is shaped and interfered with by metal structures can be improved upon by adding ground plane- either wire or even foil or tape.

As an example, I have the TMCC ballast tamper- and for similar reasons (antenna height, location, size- relative to the track) it suffers loss of signal in locations on my layout. I simply added an earth grounded wire under my layout that runs around the entire perimeter and solved my issues.

The other option is boosting the TMCC/Legacy signal (using the signal booster circuit)- however that can then interfere with DCS signal when turned up.

The easiest test is- hold your hand just above but not touching the engine in these problem areas. If your hand being there improves or eliminates the loss of signal- a ground wire or plane does the same thing (improvement) even better.

By try earth ground I'm assuming your not referring to the "Common" on the ZW, right?  Not sure exactly how I could tap into that? Maybe just use the screw holding the receptacle face plate on, and crimping on an eyelet terminal? Then, you're suggesting simply running a long wire all around the perimeter of the table, right?

By the way- what is that signal booster circuit???

Believe it or not right now, with a short 6" wire hot glued to the handrails, she's not losing the signal anymore! But I'm definitely not happy with this solution. It looks terrible. I'll give your ground plane suggestion a go, as long as I'm understanding it correctly. Much thanks!