How do I upgrade my new #990?

Marty e did a video tutorial:

I couldn't find the upgrade on Lionels videos( go figure) but they hav a load of instructional videos about everything else regarding Legacy.

Lionel Instructional Videos

Just to be sure, the base should be plugged into the wall, and one wire from the base gets attached to a track common on your layout. It could be a common at the track or at the transformer it doesn't matter.

There may be an issue with the base charging and or batteries on your early 1.2 legacy set,if there is you can substitute with disposable batteries.

I waited for version 1.4 in hopes these issues were resolved.

I'm not trying to scare you, these improvements are not unlike MTH inproving the TIU with newer "REVs"

Lionel has been very good about doing any necessary repairs on the Legacy command sets Mike Reagan has stated that (obviously) legacy locos aren't much good if they do not support the system.

Should you need to send it in to Lionel, it can all be done via email, its fast and easy.

Martye is far more knowledgeable on Legacy than I, maybe he will chime in with more details.

Argh, both charging lights went solid red, which according to the manual means it got too hot.

The remote won't even power up...hopefully because there is not enough charge and not that it melted down or something.

I am going to install disposable batteries and hopefully remember to flick the switch on the base!

I will let you know if the remote works now.

FWIW you need to hold the power button down for a couple of seconds until it turns on, same when shutting it off.

Theres a safety built into the base, it monitors the heat if its too warm it automatically shuts down the charging. The issue is that the base components for running the trains warm a bit, then the charger and batteries warm and compound the problem.

 Most folks put a piece of tape over the charging terminals when not using it to elimate any risk of the batterries discharging into the base.

Thanks, I just went with regular batteries.

All upgraded now.

Thanks again!

Glad you got it upgraded but I wouldn't even fool with it any further.  Email Lionel Talk to Us and get an RMA to return it for the charging upgrade.  They should do it for free.    You'll have to pay shipping to them.