Continuity is King!
Big improvement:
I simply wired in series the ground terminals of 3 lock-ons around the curve and ending just beyond the switch as the train completes the reverse loop.
After having the trains down for 10 days or so while I re-wired the main lines, I am luxuriating in running trains again and - they have never run better thanks to all the outstanding advice I got on this thread.
Most of the re-wiring is done.
Next main project will be to get the sectional couch in the basement out of the house and then adding a 6 foot extension to the layout on the far left side where I will have a weathered custom made Lionel factory and a 2 stall engine house. That will give me 2 additional sidings to park trains. This layout expansion will be a very exciting and fun project and I will run a new Forum thread about that project too. Arnold
