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Lets say you have a 2 level layout where one track is over the other track at some point (or two). There is a simple lighted accessory in the back portion of the layout, and the wires of that accessory pass under the upper level track. Would this create a ground plane? My understanding is that as long as a simple wire passes under a track and  that wire is then connected to an earth ground, like 3rd prong, this would causes a ground plane. Would the simple accessory mentioned, if wired to a transformer in a normal mode act as a ground plane? (the normal transformer ground). thanks, sorry if it sounds confusing.

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No. Transformer "ground" is not earth ground. You need to tie into an earth ground like a metal water pipe or grounding rod (or downstream from them). You do not need an artificial ground plane unless your command engines suffer from loss of signal. I have a ground plane in a long tunnel where my engines would stall, but do not need it where tracks merely cross over each other. I have it tied directly to my main water supply line, which was convieniently situated nearby.

Last edited by Überstationmeister

Test your layout first, if your trains don't stop there and blink the headlight your fine. No point in fixing a problem you may not have.

 

 

"My understanding is that as long as a simple wire passes under a track and  that wire is then connected to an earth ground, like 3rd prong, this would causes a ground plane."


That is correct.


If you haven't viewed Mike Reagans video on this subject here it is, easy to understand.


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