Lionel Legacy Problems

[pokie777]

Hello All, I am running a lionel Legacy Layout.  I have 2 legacy engines and 1 TMCC.  I have three tracks all using Fastrack.  One is elevated using wooden trestles and the other two are running straigh on the table.  I am using a ZW transformer with two 180w.  I bought a lionmaster legacy Rio Grande.  I have a NW GP-9 Diesel and the other is a TMCC Mikado.  The top track run flawlessly.  The small track with the TMCC engine run fine.  The Lionmaster stops or slows down in three specific places on the bottom track.  I have tried to clean the tracks and the engine even though the engine is brand new.  When I disconnect the top track it seem to work better.  I tired using more power by jumpering the two 180s.  I also tired to rewire the layout.  I also tired to switch the engines and they both do the same thing.  It seems to happen when the engine passes under the top track a few track lenghts later as if the top track might be interfering with the bottom track.  Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated,  I am ready to pull my hair out and it is very frustrating. 

 

Thanks

[cjh26]

i could use some help as well. My Nephew has a Lionel Alaska GP 38 Legacy the 2 wires came out of the socket that stem from the cover of the battery cover. Does anyone know where they plug in? There appear to be three holes for 2 wires Not sure which order they go can you help ? Thanks

[Roger Bielen]

There are conditions where a track passing under another track causes an interference with the TMCC/Legacy signal.  This can sometimes be evident with a blinking headlight.  There are ways to solve this problem by adding a ground plain.  I haven't had to do it so I hope one of the members that is familiar with the solution reads this and gives a method.  I have solved weak signal problems by running another wire from the "U" terminal under, or along side of, the problem track.

[Roger Bielen]

If your running Legacy at 18 volts continuous don't worry about the battery, its used in conventional/transformer control to keep the sounds going at low voltages and for the shutdown sequence.

[MartyE]

 Use a ground plane.  Basically at the trouble spot take a length of wire, it can have the insulation on, and run it the length of the trouble spot underneath the upper track. Take one end and attach it to earth ground.  Either a water pipe, the or the the ground prong on a properly wired outlet.  The other end will not be connected to anything.  See if that helps.

[pokie777]

Ok Thank You everyone.

 

I was very resistant to the ground, because I could not believe it made that much of a difference.  I found a plug in that room which had the three prong outlest and it seemed to solve the problem.

 

David g

[Train-O]

David, I'm glad your problem is solved. For a little humor I would have suggested to use a '5U4G' vacuum tube, as they solved about 90% of the problems, years ago. Take care, Ralph