Carsntrains above has a point. If you are restricting yourself to LionChief and LionChief+ locos for now, no need at all to spring for an AC transformer like the CW80, ZW-L, Z4000, GW180 or Z1000. You can get by with two LionChief DC wallwarts power sources.
If you are planning on a Lionel accessory or two, they have a system that allows you to pull power off a Fastrack section to power the accessory. With this approach no additional wiring is needed between the powerpack (as would be necessary with a CW80 or Z1000). For this simple system, a GW180 or even a Powerhouse 180 watt with a command lockon is probably overkill. Even the Z1000 with a variable controller may be more than you need and a greater expense. You already have one LionChief wallwart perhaps. If you buy another set, you'll have two. If you buy a LC or LC+ separate sale loco, a single wallwart for under $75 (for the more powerful one) will be sufficient. You'll have more wattage (power capacity) than a single CW80 or Z1000, and for less expense.
As others have said, if you want to expand later to DCS/Legacy/Conventional, then a regular transformer (for conventional) will be needed at some point (for conventional only) or for command (DCS, Legacy, LC, LC+) a Lionel Powerhouse with a Command Lockon works beautifully with Fastrack and your total cost will not be much more than a Z1000 and much less than a GW180 or Z4000.
Get the new Lionel catalog or look at it on line. If you have a hobby shop that carries Lionel, they can show you the Fastrack section that provides accessory power at the site of the accessory, and cost out another LionChief wallwart (you may not need one if you have one and buy another set). This costs you nothing or at least less compared with the other alternatives. They can also price out a Lionel Powerhouse 180 watt and lockon for you if you want 180 watts and reserve for the future. If you have no local dealer, look at Charlie Ro's prices online, they tend to be about 20% off MSRP for power and track, give or take.
