I know this may sound odd, but I recently sold my B &A K-line Berk and LionMaster UP Challenger and bought 2 LionChief engines, a B&A Hudson and UP Mike. I did it because I decided to go MTH DCS and the original locos weren’t compatible without adding a TM Command base and I felt it would only complicate matters since I’m not that electronic and computer savvy.
I operate 2 MTH Diesel passenger trains in DCS mode and the 2 LionChiefs, with their controllers, as freight haulers on my ceiling layout. To say I’m happy with the 2 steamers is an understatement. Simple to use, literally Plug & Play, maybe too simple compared to DCS, but great fun. Plus, they can easily pull up to 14 standard freight cars which is as many as I’ve tried so far. Sure they’re tradition size which makes them small compared to the engines I had, but maybe Lionel will add the LionChief system to their LionMaster engines someday soon.