Upgrade an old TMCC unit to add Railsounds or replace with a Lionel Chief + unit?

There really isn't "compatibility" with other LC+ units, other than you can run them with the same Universal remote.  I'd consider waiting until LC+ 2.0 is available, that runs with the Universal Remote, BlueTooth, or TMCC.  Gives you the best of all worlds, and you can still consider upgrading your classic with RailSounds.

Thanks, John, for your reply.  Always appreciate your expert advice. 

Yes, by "compatibility" I was referring to the LC+ universal remote.  That would be the 3rd engine on that remote - it's capacity. 

I see that Lionel has the Sante Fe road name in the LC+ 2.0 line, but it's not the warbonnet colors, which are a "must have" for me.  I might do a "wait and see" approach.  If I go that route, do you have any suggestions for the module/s to upgrade the 2343?  From ERR?

Thanks,

Michael

The initial post mentions adding RailSounds to a 6-18128/18129 AB pair. The 18129 is a fully-equipped RailSounds unit. Is there something wrong with it?

TRW

I second John's advice.  Save your money and wait.  The newer LC+ diesels will have better electronics, better quality mechanically too.  They'll also out-perform your Santa Fe's.  Personally, I'm not a fan of the original TMCC or the CAB-1.  To get any kind of precision control from an ERR upgrade, I'd encourage you to invest in a Legacy 990 set, and by the time you've done that, the LC+ 2.0 option might turn out to be cheaper too. 

If you're desperate for warbonnets, you could even buy the 6-82290, swap shells, and then resell the first-generation LionChief chassis with the new shells on a popular auction site, at a steep discount.

Thanks for the additional posts. 

Yes, the 6-18128/9 AB pair do indeed have functioning Railsounds, but lack Crew Talk and Tower Com (limited to start up, RPMs, and shut down; early version?).  Some of my more modern units have Crew Talk and Tower Com, which add to the interest.  That's what I'm trying to add.  I should have been more specific.  Sorry for the confusion.

Switching shells is an idea I did not consider.  I actually did that putting a B&O RDC shell on an
Amtrak passenger body. Perfect fit.

OK, looks like the 2343 may have served its purpose, and it's time to replace with another unit.  For the sake of ease of operating, I'll be sure it can be operated either by the Universal LC+ remote or Bluetooth.  My grandkids are light years ahead of me with the iPhone.  Helps me direct my searching at York.

Thanks,

Michael