Running a LionChief+ 2.0 on a starter track setup?

You can get either a Lionel CW 80, or an MTH Z-1000 off ebay right now. Some are used, some are new.
Buy from someone that takes returns and has a seller rating over 99%. (The Z-1000 will have more power)

@sweeteri posted:

Hello all and happy monday!

I'll get right into it (hopefully this is in the right subforum). Basically, I have the starter LionChief Polar Express kit from last year, and I'm planning to slowly upgrade it. This year I would love to be able to upgrade the engine and tender to the LionChief Plus 2.0 Polar Express. Does anyone know if I can run the LC+ 2.0 on the basic track system that comes in the starter kit? Here is what I have (taken from the online listing because I'm such a newbie and don't know the terms haha):

Eight curved O36 FasTrack track sections, one 10” straight FasTrack Plug-Expand-Play power lock-on section, one FasTrack terminal section, two 10” straight, FasTrack sections, Wall-pack power supply, LionChief remote for locomotive

From the research I did, the LC+ 2.0 will need to be controlled by the Lionel app because it doesn't come with a controller of its own (which I'm fine with). And I think that the LC+ 2.0 has the same minimum diameter, so my greatest concern is whether I would need a different power supply? I read that someone recommended the Lionel CW80 (?) transformer, and when I was looking at the different power things online, I got really intimidated by all the options (lol). They're also all sold out on the site I'm shopping on, so at the earliest I could get one is March (which would miss Christmas). Would it be alright if I continued using the wall pack this year and upgraded to the CW80 next year? Can the LC+ 2.0 still run with the amount of power provided by the wall pack?

Also, other than the power supply, is there anything else I should know about running a LC+ 2.0?

Thank you all so much!! I appreciate any help/advice you can offer me!

It will run fine.  All LC, LC+, and LC+2.0 products should run on DC or AC power. Not sure what the new LC+2.0s draw power wise but I would think for a small basic oval the 72W should be ok.  You can purchase a Universal Remote (6-83071) to operate it.

You might want to consider if going bigger a CW-80 (1908080) or GW-180 (6-37947) for more power if you want to maintain a handle or a Powerhouse 180 if a handle isn't needed (6-85226) or one of the others mentioned by QM.  These should be available through the forum sponsors.

I copied this from the 0-6-0 LC+2.0 manual...

Your locomotive is designed to work with either AC or DC power.

AC Power: Use an alternating-current (50-60Hz AC) transformer for Legacy, Bluetooth, or
Conventional control. Powering your locomotive in excess of 19 volts AC may result in damage to
sensitive electronic components.

DC Power: Use a DC transformer for Bluetooth control only. You locomotive is not designed to
operate with Legacy or conventional control while using DC power. Powering your locomotive in
excess of 19 volts DC may result in damage to sensitive electronic components.

Thank you both very much!! I think this year I'll stick to the wall plug and invest in a better power supply next year! I don't have anything fancy on my track just yet, so this year (like last year) only the train is being powered (the engine plus the 3 coach cars). Thanks again! : )

@MartyE posted:

It will run fine.  All LC, LC+, and LC+2.0 products should run on DC or AC power. Not sure what the new LC+2.0s draw power wise but I would think for a small basic oval the 72W should be ok.  You can purchase a Universal Remote (6-83071) to operate it.

You might want to consider if going bigger a CW-80 (1908080) or GW-180 (6-37947) for more power if you want to maintain a handle or a Powerhouse 180 if a handle isn't needed (6-85226) or one of the others mentioned by QM.  These should be available through the forum sponsors.

I copied this from the 0-6-0 LC+2.0 manual...

Your locomotive is designed to work with either AC or DC power.

AC Power: Use an alternating-current (50-60Hz AC) transformer for Legacy, Bluetooth, or
Conventional control. Powering your locomotive in excess of 19 volts AC may result in damage to
sensitive electronic components.

DC Power: Use a DC transformer for Bluetooth control only. You locomotive is not designed to
operate with Legacy or conventional control while using DC power. Powering your locomotive in
excess of 19 volts DC may result in damage to sensitive electronic components.

Thank you so much! I don't have any idea where you found the manual, so that is also super helpful. And thanks for including the product codes; I've been so scared of buying the wrong things because there are so many options haha

@sweeteri posted:

Thank you so much! I don't have any idea where you found the manual, so that is also super helpful. And thanks for including the product codes; I've been so scared of buying the wrong things because there are so many options haha

Here is a link to the manual referenced...

Lionel LC+2.0  0-6-0 Manual

@MartyE posted:

Here is a link to the manual referenced...

Lionel LC+2.0  0-6-0 Manual

Whoa, I did a double take on that. So the Lionel Manual is out for this 0-6-0T that hasn't been delivered yet. Who knew? I guess you did. 

@MartyE posted:

Here is a link to the manual referenced...

Lionel LC+2.0  0-6-0 Manual

Thank you! I placed my order for the LC+ 2.0, so I'll take a peek at this manual while I wait. : )

@sweeteri posted:

Thank you! I placed my order for the LC+ 2.0, so I'll take a peek at this manual while I wait. : )

Please note that this is for reference only and not the manual for the Polar Express LC+2.0 but the features and operation should be the same.

@MartyE posted:

Please note that this is for reference only and not the manual for the Polar Express LC+2.0 but the features and operation should be the same.

Yep, I understand. I just know that the LC+2.0 has a lot of features compared to the standard LC (which is why I'm upgrading lol), and I've never handled one before, so it can't hurt to get a little preview haha

Thanks for the heads-up, though! : )