Richie C. posted:Now that Lionel is coming out with BT enabled LC+ locomotives with features such as RailSounds, dual motors, electro-couplers, constant speed control, etc., is there any significant advantage to buying the higher price point Legacy/LCS systems and Legacy locomotives that justifies the price differential ?
Honestly, it all depends on what legacy features you use. Over all, MartyE's "Yes." is rather accurate in my opinion, however if you are not taking advantage of the features of Legacy, or even of original TMCC enough to contrast the differences, I'm unsure I can help.
If you want a pretty good quality engine that maintains a constant speed and has pretty good low speed control, maybe some remote couplers and satisfactory quality sounds, then LionChief+ is a great choice. While I firmly stand behind the statement that the underlying technology used in LionChief/LionChief+ is vastly superior to that found in Legacy/TMCC/DCS, it is the implementation of the technology that makes the difference. LionChief was handcuffed by the simplistic remote, only time will tell if the bluetooth connection will be used to propel LC to it's full potential.
Legacy, and other such systems give you control of your entire layout and dozens or hundreds of options for each locomotive you have. Legacy especially is designed in such a way that with a simple software update there is no piece of equipment that it should not be able to control. Now, LionChief, even with the advanced features offered by the Bluetooth App (Which are nice features to have been added), is still not even giving you the functionality offered in first generation TMCC engines sold more that 20 years ago.
There are pluses and minuses to each product line. For me, the original TMCC/cab1 is more than enough to control layout operations, with some assistance from a computer connected to it, and I can actually afford a brand new LionChief/+ engine once in a while. For the folks that can afford the premium on Legacy products, I recommend them over LC+ at this time. If you're somewhere in the middle financially, my best suggestion is just to buy what you like, and understand what the pros and cons of each are.
JGL
