Roundhouse wiring

Bob,

Can electrical switches reduce signal strength?

Poor quality ones can.

Any long term problems with leaving Lionel TMCC and MTH DCS engines in roundhouse with power all the time?

Some TMCC or Legacy engines can definitely degrade DCS signal strength. Turn off power to your TMCC engines and see if things improve.

BUSS WIRE THE GROUNDS AND POWER THE CENTER RAIL WITH A ROTARY SWITCH

Try 18 volt bulb on the lead

Bob,

To solve my similar problem.  I added a MTH Z 1000. This layout section includes, Roundhouse and Turntable and various side tracks.  A On and OFF switch for each track. It includes a Switch for all lighting for building, light towers, figures and future accents.

Power to the rotate the turntable is a separate HO DC Transformer.

I initially used a rotary switch.  I found that separate switches were easier to control the tracks.  I would forget which tracks were on and off.

When a track is energized.  I still go through the problem, of the engine starting.  I shut it down and restart in DCS with the Remote.

It gave me reason to add a 2nd TIU & Remote.  Unfortunately the problem still exist.  It could be, because I do not use the Z 1000 Controller.  Just the Brick.

I hope this is helpful.