Proto 3 Lash Ups Self Start

I found the problem and thought I'd share it. California hasn't had any rain in almost 4 years
and my outbuilding has a perimeter earth ground which is common in Northern California which does get a lot of rain.   But the drought has dried up that ground and although it isn't completely inoperable it has been compromised.  I have two copper ground rods that I use for earth ground as Lionel engines
have to have an operable earth ground. Since I was out of other troubleshooting options I poured 20 gallons of water down each ground rod and the problem has been fixed.  Each earth ground rod connects directly to my earth ground in my service panel.  Proto 3 lash ups now work correctly and all lights on both engines also work correctly.

Moke Mike