Questions about Lion Chief 2 performance

Art- I have 2 LC+/ Legacy locos.

one is the 0-6-0t that was released earlier this year. By far one of my favorite locos to run since I got it.

the other is a legacy/ BT SW-1200. This one has a single motor- worm drive that had some issues when I got it. Those were repaired and the engine runs well now. My only complaint is that the drive mechanism is a bit noisy. Not sure what drive is in the GP-20 but it would be worth checking.

Both run with my Cab 1L, or the Lionchief app on my phone. Both have good low speed performance. I don't think you can MU LC's with traditional TMCC or Legacy locos.

Bob

Thanks, Bob.  That is very helpful to be able to see and hear them operate.  You have a lot of action on your layout especially considering it's size. 

Art

@RSJB18 posted:

Both run with my Cab 1L, or the Lionchief app on my phone. Both have good low speed performance. I don't think you can MU LC's with traditional TMCC or Legacy locos.

Actually that's not correct.  From the LionChief Plus 2.0 Description Page.

"LionChief® Plus 2.0 engines can lash-up with Legacy engines with a Legacy controller."

Lionel made a Legacy GP20 this year. They're in-stock at Charles Ro and TrainWorld, to name two vendors.

(Source: screenshot of 2023 Big Book.)

My son has a first-generation LC+ GP20. Slow-speed running is good, although every now and again, it's not completely smooth. The sounds are OK, but the horn is noticeably underpowered. The shell is essentially the same as the entry-level GP7/9, but with the slanted, low, short hood, and single, central windshield, so the roof details are not prototypical.

Art, I like the LionChief Plus steam locos.  But with diesels, my advice would be to spend a little extra and get a full Legacy model.  The back-drivable gearing  and specially-tuned motor control board makes a lot of difference in the performance.  And I'm pretty sure the sound is better, definitely more customizable.  My $.02.

FWIW, I have an LC+ 2.0 PRR RS3.  Not much distinguishes it from a Legacy model except the price.  It has cruise, Legacy quality sound, LED lighting with Rule-17 headlight, automatic cab light control, etc.  It doesn't have the speed steps of Legacy, but does a very respectable job of low speed running, where the speed steps really matter.