First off. Thanks for your willingness to help out others Steve, its what makes this forum go round
I have no suggestions, but IMO it seems silly the way Lionel offers these starter sets with "just enough" power.
While I'm no fan of the CW-80, at least they had some extra wattage to support layout growth and a few accessories.
Newby " train"parents and kids alike will just become frustrated when "the darn thing doesn't work".
Billy will go back to playing on his cell phone.
My impression of Lionels Lionchief stuff is for the quick sale, to unsure younger toy train operators, rather than the long time hobbyist.
Maybe thats just as well. These days toy trains aren't as sought after by kids like they were decades ago.
We are fortunate to have this forum to fill in all of the blanks left by any of the manufacturers. The average person has no clue it exists.
