LC+2.0 Hudson Question

The newer hudson is lionchief+ 2.0. From the new hudson, you'll get 4 chuffs per rev rather than 2, improved sounds, and the added option of TMCC control.

For traditional operators, I think this is going to be a good option based on videos I've seen of other LC+ 2.0 locomotives. Seems like LC+2.0 is a big enough jump in sounds and other features to warrant the price jump over older TMCC and LC+ 1.0 traditional versions.

You didn't mention if you have a TMCC or Legacy Command Base on your layout. If not, that's one additional nice thing about the Lionchief technology....you can run the locos with the simpler universal remote without have to pay for and wire up the base (which is pretty simple).

If you do have TMCC or Legacy already but are concerned about the price of the new LC+2.0 Hudson, you might be able to find a used K-Line Hudson with TMCC or Lionel Lionmaster Hudson with TMCC. I have the latter two and think they're great, especially the Lionmaster Hudson which I think is the best looking traditional-sized Hudson ever made.

@raising4daughters posted:

For traditional operators, I think this is going to be a good option based on videos I've seen of other LC+ 2.0 locomotives. Seems like LC+2.0 is a big enough jump in sounds and other features to warrant the price jump over older TMCC and LC+ 1.0 traditional versions.

You didn't mention if you have a TMCC or Legacy Command Base on your layout. If not, that's one additional nice thing about the Lionchief technology....you can run the locos with the simpler universal remote without have to pay for and wire up the base (which is pretty simple).

If you do have TMCC or Legacy already but are concerned about the price of the new LC+2.0 Hudson, you might be able to find a used K-Line Hudson with TMCC or Lionel Lionmaster Hudson with TMCC. I have the latter two and think they're great, especially the Lionmaster Hudson which I think is the best looking traditional-sized Hudson ever made.

Thanks. I do have TMCC. I have a Lionmaster SD80 from the early 2000s. I think that Hudson is from the same era and I do remember it being a nice engine. I will look into those options, but I think I will probably pre-order the new one. Now to decide on the NYC vs the Lionel Lines.

And then the next thing - what type of consist to pull. Will have a year to find that while we wait for this to deliver. 😊

@GregK posted:

Thanks. I do have TMCC. I have a Lionmaster SD80 from the early 2000s. I think that Hudson is from the same era and I do remember it being a nice engine. I will look into those options, but I think I will probably pre-order the new one. Now to decide on the NYC vs the Lionel Lines.

And then the next thing - what type of consist to pull. Will have a year to find that while we wait for this to deliver. 😊

You'll have many consist options with a NYC or LL Hudson even if you limit to matching livery names on the consists. There are numerous O27 or 15" Madison cars and freight cars in each.  I really like a black NYC Hudson pulling a string of red and gray Pacemaker freight cars.

@raising4daughters posted:

You'll have many consist options with a NYC or LL Hudson even if you limit to matching livery names on the consists. There are numerous O27 or 15" Madison cars and freight cars in each.  I really like a black NYC Hudson pulling a string of red and gray Pacemaker freight cars.

Think it would pair okay with the new pacemaker boxcar set they did in the 2021 catalog? I know those are scale. Think they would look out of place behind this Hudson?

@GregK posted:

Think it would pair okay with the new pacemaker boxcar set they did in the 2021 catalog? I know those are scale. Think they would look out of place behind this Hudson?

That's a great question. I don't think length will be an issue, mainly question whether height and width will make them look out of place.

Personally, just about every time I've picked up a scale piece, it HAS looked out of place on my O27/O/Semi-Scale pike due to height, width, or length issues. Maybe others might have different experiences.

Mth has made a 6 pack of Railking pacemaker cars, as well as separate sale ones, over the years.

These would be a better size match for the Lionchief hudson. It might take some searching. There are currently a few individual ones on ebay.

Thanks guys. Looks like that RailKing is 30-7032 from 2004. Like you said probably a tough find.

Sometimes I feel like the scale stuff will look a little big, and the traditional stuff looks a little too small. My scale freight cars look much better behind the Lionmaster SD80 than traditional size cars do. But totally different engine…

@GregK posted:

Sometimes I feel like the scale stuff will look a little big, and the traditional stuff looks a little too small. My scale freight cars look much better behind the Lionmaster SD80 than traditional size cars do. But totally different engine…

Imo, the Lionmaster line of locomotives are a bit larger "semi scale" than Lionels "traditional" line.

The Lionmaster sd80s /90s were offered in sets with scale rolling stock.

From the catalog illustration the Lionchief 2.0 hudson looks to be the traditional tooling.

Ultimately it's your call, run whatever you prefer.

@RickO posted:

Imo, the Lionmaster line of locomotives are a bit larger "semi scale" than Lionels "traditional" line.

The Lionmaster sd80s /90s were offered in sets with scale rolling stock.

From the catalog illustration the Lionchief 2.0 is the traditional tooling.

Ultimately it's your call, run whatever you prefer.

Thanks Rick. Yes, I agree I think the purpose of Lionmaster was to provide a near scale experience and detail that would still run on tighter curves.

Looks like a scale Hudson is about 25”, the 2004 Lionmaster is 22”, and this new LC is 19”. The Lionmaster would probably get by with scale cars, but probably not this LC version.