John C, don't despair. My layout was built before DCS, with a common bus, and 70+ toggle-switched blocks, 14-gauge wire. I get all 9s & 10s. FYI, I understand Marty Fitzhenry's huge layout is that way also.
There are ways to tweak and I can lead you through some, but: First of all, what hardware version TIUs are you using? Second, do you have blocks with the center rails insulated and onlt one hot drop to each? Third, are these blocks wired through toggle switches? Fourth, what gauge is your common bus?
