Can you run the Lion Chief engines with Legacy and Cab 2, or on DCS as a TMCC engine?
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No. LC+ runs via transformer or supplied remote only. You could, theoretically run via Cab1/2 and/or DCS via conventional but why would you.
Great question. One that I have somewhat pondered over several weeks. To me, at least, what would be nice is to have upward compatibility of Lion Chief+ with Legacy. I am one who would like such a feature.
Much like home electronics, the fewer Remotes - the better. I like some of the features I have seen for the LC+, but have held back because of the extra remote and lack of upward compatibility.
Just m thoughts.
IMO, you're unlikely to see TMCC compatibility with the LC/LC+ product line. While I'd like to see it, I think Lionel is shooting for a different market with the product. I can't imagine it's the price of adding it that holds them back, the TMCC receiver is a pretty inexpensive function, and they already have the rest of the electronics and mechanics to run.
I agree. I'm just thinking of how to expand the market for these locomotives at a fairly reasonable cost. As you point out the TMCC electronics are pretty inexpensive.
I am also of the mind that perhaps, just perhaps this may be accomplished through software compatibility programming. Just a thought.
It won't be programming, there is hardware involved to receive the TMCC signal. I don't think it would cost that much to have it dual-function, but it may push the price of these beyond what Lionel thinks they want for their target market price. Another $10-15 in manufacturing after being fully burdened, may end up kicking the price by $50-60, perhaps that's beyond the threshold of pain. Typically the manufacturing cost is only 25-35% of the product selling price. Lots of fingers in the pie before it reaches the consumer. 
The technical aspects of Lion Chief + versus TMCC, is something about which I have no knowledge. Which is the reason I commented about it being a software possible solution. Are the communications protocols for LC+ and TMCC similar ? the same? or completely different?
That to me would provide insight as to what kind of incremental cost would be involved in such compatibility.
Oh, yeah, the actual manufacturing cost is a rather fractional percentage of bringing any product to market.
Interesting thoughts either way. Thanks gunrunnerjohn. Appreciate the dialogue.
Originally Posted by GREENRAIL:
Great question. One that I have somewhat pondered over several weeks. To me, at least, what would be nice is to have upward compatibility of Lion Chief+ with Legacy. I am one who would like such a feature.
Many of the Lionchief locos were previously offered as semi-scale TMCC locos a good 8 or 10 years ago.
I think folks forget that the key words with Lionchief are "entry level".
Many of those who are raving about Lioncief are the ones who were wanting a simpler less expensive remote system.
Lionel delivers and now "we" want to go back the other way
Its certainly seems like a tough buisness to be in.
I get the whole entry level thing.
All I am saying is that it would be nice to operate these with the Legacy Remote system. As I stated earlier, this for the casual train guy like me, is anathema, to have a bunch of additional remotes around for each new locomotive I might add to my layout. (Thinking of the four remotes for my Audio/Video System Downstairs - my wife won't even fire up the DVD or Bluray because of this.)
In no way am I diminishing the desire for a less complicated remote control system. It is an important entry point for new people to the hobby.
The frequencies they communicate on and the actual method of receiving the signal between LC/LC+ and TMCC/Legacy are totally different. That's why it would require compatible hardware in any dual-interface locomotive.
Thanks gunrunnerjohn. I kind of figured that might be the case.
