In the Lionel 2016 catalog, I find it interesting that a Berkshire is part of a Lionchief ready to run set and there is no LionChief Plus Berkshire. So, I assume no Odyssey cruise control and lowest quality chuff sounds. What's the story?
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If the Mikados, Pacifics, and Hudsons are LC+, why would they dumb down the Berkshires? I would like a Berkshire LC+ but will not buy it in LC format. Missing many of the features I prefer.
A Berkshire as base level LC is inconsistent with the observable strategy. So far, LC locos are 0-8-0 and anything more interesting and sophisticated is LC+. The only exception is Polar Express.
"why would they dumb down the Berkshires? "
Not sure they are doing so. Probably just another year or two before a Berk is released with LC + is my guess. The line is very successful from all indications. They keep introducing new road names for the existing locos, and each year they add another loco type or two to the stable of LC +.
only thing I can think of is Lionel had an excess inventory of LC Polar Express and transitioned some into non-PE sets. I have an LC 0-8-0 and a LC+ Hudson. After spending some time with the LC+, the LC feels "dumbed down"
The LionChief Berk and 0-8-0 came out BEFORE LionChief Plus was invented.
Jon
Already had the ability thanks to the Polar Express. No need to update if it isn't needed, no?
Yes, the 0-8-0 came out first. I was an early adopter. My musing is why release a Berkshire that is non-LC+. It doesn't fit the pattern of LC on starter locos, LC+ on fancier models
The Berk is a starter set engine. I don't know for sure if they'll make a LionChief Plus version, but I'd bet on it.
I would really like a LionChief Plus 0-8-0 too!
Jon