How I resolved my Lionel TMCC ground plane issue after the fact without ruining my layout or compromising the cosmetics.
Also some video of the updated ground cover and scenery in the yard area.
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music was a little loud.
but good video and very informative.
might want to post in the legacy section under post your 1.3 findings.
Bobot: Thanks for the nice video of your layout and for sharing your clever ideas on installing the TMCC ground plane. I’m adding a second level to my layout and approaching the point where I will need to install a ground plane soon so it was very timely. However, I noticed that the track that you installed the ground plane for was on a single level without any apparent overhead obstructions. So far on my single level layout I have not had any TMCC signal problems. I was under the assumption that you only need a ground plane when there are multiple levels of tracks or tunnels?
Bill
Bill. tracks running parallel to each other can also have Ground signal radiator issues
Bill -
In my case, the parallel tracks in the yard caused the problem. A person much more versed on this subject than me (aka DaleH) has explained that this issue is caused by too much signal in nearby tracks, and parallel tracks like I have in my yard are known to cause this issue in some cases.
I did a blog post about this last year when I was deeper into it and I referenced Dale's writeup in detail because it finally explained the how's and why's of the ground plane issue in just enough detail for me. Please read my blog post for more info:
I would think connecting the wire directly under where the poles are would accomplish the task as well.
Originally Posted by Bobot:
Bill -
In my case, the parallel tracks in the yard caused the problem. A person much more versed on this subject than me (aka DaleH) has explained that this issue is caused by too much signal in nearby tracks, and parallel tracks like I have in my yard are known to cause this issue in some cases.
I did a blog post about this last year when I was deeper into it and I referenced Dale's writeup in detail because it finally explained the how's and why's of the ground plane issue in just enough detail for me. Please read my blog post for more info:
Bobot: Thanks for the info and the link to Dale’s posting. I guess I’ve been lucky as I have not experienced any TMCC signal issues on my single-level parallel tracks. But based on what I’ve read, I will definitely need a ground plane when I add my second level with bridges spanning the lower level and tunnels with tracks overhead.
Bill
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
I would think connecting the wire directly under where the poles are would accomplish the task as well.
John - I tried running the wire under the layout in the same position and it did not work, which is why I tried above and came up with the telephone pole concept. It could be that my layout has many layers, which is a story in itself...3/4" plywood, indoor/outdoor carpeting, piece of luan, then 1" foam and ground cover...makes for mounting Tortoise under-table switch machines fun 
Good to know, I'll keep that in mind. 
I guess since the antennas are on top as a rule, that's a better place for the ground plane.
I've had good luck extending the antennas for units that don't respond well.
Great tip! Good job and it fits well.. Like the K-Line transformer termination point. Nice touch!
