So I was doing some online shopping and realized that Lionel has a new control system. Has anyone tried it? Why do I want a fourth Lionel control system? i.e. Conventional, TMCC, Legacy and now LionChief. Maybe they are really saying that Legacy wasn't selling like projected. What is the story behind the story?
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And then there is this LLC stuff.....I just want to run the trains, switch the switches, honk the horn, ring the bell, etc. etc.
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Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
watch?v=NkOPcFYhxg
Rob
I expected TMCC to really drop out and maybe pick one up for a song and a dance when legacy came out. That never happened. I only have one TMCC loco and really don't see the need to buy into any of the systems.
This is something!As, if running trains now-a-days wasn't confusing and difficult enough, that these companies come out with new gimmicks that are difficult to figure out and are very expensive.In this day and age people are loosing their jobs, homes, possessions, valuables, health and lives!
Who, can afford these fancy, expensive, defective toys?! Who, cares for all of this new fang dangle junk that is defective right out of the box?!!!
Oh, yeah! Two of the videos are of one of my LHS!
Ralph
"Each locomotive comes with its own remote."
For those who have visited or know my layout (see video noted below) , this would be like juggling chainsaws in the air trying to keep trains from crashing.
Buckeye,
I have not purchased one of the new Lionel Chief sets yet, but I am considering buying one (Thomas version) as a Christmas present for our three-year-old son. I think the idea is neat and from what I've read and watched these sets look like a great deal of fun, especially for young kids. I believe it's part of Lionel's plan to introduce Command Control style operating to a younger audience at a more affordable price than TMCC or Legacy. These sets are not that advanced but offer a little more options than basic conventional operations. I'm sure they will not appeal to everyone but as the one video I watched emphasized, I could see kids having fun running multiple engines on the same loop of track. I can also picture grandchildren bringing their own Lionel Chief locomotives and controllers to their grandparents' layout and being able to control their own items on that big layout. The Lionel Chief locomotives can still be operated in a conventional operation as well if one chooses. Lionel has created many Lionel Chief sets in the past year so they must have some strong belief these sets will sell well.
Joe
Lionel is responding to their customers... go figure!1. Legacy is a bit expensive @ $399 for the Command Set.2. The components that go into the old TMCC remote and command base are getting harder and harder to find as they are out-dated technology3. The LLC (Blue Remote in second video) is a less expensive control system pretty much the equivalent of TMCC4. Lion Chief is for younger operators and those not wanting the more complex remote system setup and advanced features (operating switches, accessories, etc)I have TMCC, Legacy, and I purchased the LionChief Thomas set for Christina last year. She, at 2.5 years old, loves running trains but she isn't advanced enough to run the TMCC or Legacy systems - but she is more than capable of running her Thomas set.The fact that each LionChief engine comes with its own remote is really a neat feature. Imagine you have 2+ children and they EACH want to run their OWN 'train'. Well with LionChief they can do that - on the same layout! I plan to get Matthew on of the other sets - either Percy, James, or Diesel, then get the addon packs and the other two engines. I plan to build a 4x8 layout for the kids with just some grass mat, track, switches, maybe some operating accessories. When they are 5+ it will be a lot more fun for them than playing with the Brio stuff.
https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/
I'm sorry, but I have to say this........
In conventional mode, you push the lever forward to go faster and pull it back to go slower. You push the little lever forward to change direction and pull the little lever back to make the train go " toot toot". And, this works with EVERY engine. And it need no batteries.
Chuck
Brent's summation is pretty good. Now Buckeye probably needs the new LionChief sets as TMCC and Legacy is too complicated for him. After all, he is only 3.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
He sure has had a lot of Birthdays for only being 3.
About 137.
Kids love these sets, 2 year old's can run one, their 5 year old sister can run one. But you can't please everyone. What a great way to get kids into trains.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
I think this is an outstanding marketing move on Lionel's part. It provides an affordable "entry" point for new customers, and a migration path for the ENTIRE industry. I also see it as a further nail in the coffin for entry level conventional mode.
Imagine, a new customer comes into a train shop and sees the "Lion/Chief" set. Priced between $350 - $450, with the remote capability. A conventional set at the same price range, winner = Remote set. Then sales man explains how it can be grown forward into the "Legacy" mode, (TMCC not really available anymore), and it would also play with DCS (? I assume). Even MTH wins with a lower cost remote capability, and offering customers a option when they go to expand.
I doubt that the Lion/Chief remote will operate with any other TMCC engine. (I don't know just a guess) But, I imagine Lionel wants to protect the new CAB-1 market that they just developed a controller for. And hence each Lion/Chief combination of engine and remote has a specific frequency they operate on.
Good job Lionel !
Don
I like the look and affordability of Lion Chief. What I can't figure out is if these locomotives can be operated with my existing Legacy system? If I purchase 4 or 5 Lion Chief locomotives do I have 4 or 5 separate remotes to keep track of or can I just control them with my single legacy controller?
BigAl 956 I like the look and affordability of Lion Chief. What I can't figure out is if these locomotives can be operated with my existing Legacy system? If I purchase 4 or 5 Lion Chief locomotives do I have 4 or 5 separate remotes to keep track of or can I just control them with my single legacy controller?
Check BTB 50.
Bob Keller
lion88roar BigAl 956 I like the look and affordability of Lion Chief. What I can't figure out is if these locomotives can be operated with my existing Legacy system? If I purchase 4 or 5 Lion Chief locomotives do I have 4 or 5 separate remotes to keep track of or can I just control them with my single legacy controller? Legacy will control Legacy, LCS, and LionChief engines - fully LCS will control Legacy engine (in LCS mode), LCS engines, and LionChief LionChief will only control the engine the remote was designed for
LCS will control Legacy engine (in LCS mode), LCS engines, and LionChief LionChief will only control the engine the remote was designed for
Now we are getting some answers instead of the Chief's dribble. Thanks Big Al and 88.
So Legacy will control LionChief engines. Will TMCC control LionChief engines They only mentioned conventional running of LionChief on one of the videos.
With the Lionel and MTH quality problems these past years, I don't trust them to test their products adequately anymore. I've seen and fixed too much junk. The Baltimore, Ohio and Wabash Railroad is through being the testing facility for these guys. Get the Beijing, Guangdong and Heilongjiang Express Railroad to do the testing.
Buckeye -- I detect some angst in your most recent reply. I am prescribing a week in St. Thomas, VI for you and Mrs. Buckeye compliments of the the Chief ! Upon your return you won't give two hoots about what system to choose
Jon
So many roads, so little time.
I must say that my 6 year old grandson has little trouble running my Legacy locomotives with a Legacy controller. He was able to access all the functions once I showed him how. He did not try to program it however. It is not he most user friendly system but once understood it is not too bad.
Since I have gone to the Legacy system, I have TMCC too, my post war locos are a little bland but I still run them and have no plans of getting rid of them.
Never mind that other stuff. The second video is from a great historic site. "Huh?" you say? Well, let's remember that fine O Gauge afficionado Bobby Baccala, uh, "bought it" at "Trainland" !
yes a staged scene for TV to make it look real woopie
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
Follow-up here...I need to figure out what I need to purchase to power the under-the-tree layout. I have a KW and a TMCC Cab1 and Base. I know I need something else but can't remember what it is... is it the power master bridge, and if so do I need one per loop?Eventually I will get a ZW-L and transition the modern ZW to the Christmas layout. I don't think I will get a Legacy Command Base and CAB2 for it as I only run this for a month or so a year... at most I may get one of the newer Cab1 setups, but from what I read in the Signature Catalog you can only program one engine as 99 and one train/track as 99 - is that true?
I appreciate these insights. I've been running my layout conventionally, and I've been intrigued by the ability to run two engines on the same track by a guest each using the remote for a particular engine. From the video, I'm presuming the other big difference from conventional is having to maintain a consistent and higher voltage to the track
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
Is this part of a new thread? We seem to be off topic here.
What are you running under the tree? Your KW will control two separate tracks conventionally. No TMCC is required.
TMCC will un up to 99 locomotives equipped with TMCC on the same track.
You only need a power master bridge for controlling a Lionel Power master with Legacy. This applies only if you have a conventional transformer controlled engine and want to operate it with TMCC or Legacy.
Al - It is related, but different. I'll start a new thread as it probably should have been in the first place.
OK Girls, here is the scoop.
No I DID NOT read all the posts. But as LionRoar said, it will be compatable with ALL LIONEL SYSTEMS!! Hence...I BOUGHT ONE!! I got mine through TrainLand/TrainWorld shipped to my door for an OUTSTANDING $300 bill. I am AMAZED at the value that is packed into this system. It runs, sounds and looks like the Polar Express that I have without the LionChief. For all you neigh sayers moaning about another system, I urge you to look into this. I have Legacy and TMCC systems and it works with them both. This is a no brainer for your kids, like Brent's, that are into trains. I have yet to run it on my Christmas Layout, but the controls are fabulous. I put together a short piece of straight track to hear it. I always wanted all the sounds from the Polar Express without going scale and this is it.
I am EXTREMELY happy so far with the immense value here. My Polar Express without LionChief was
over $400 with taxes and I picked it up at my LHS. MY advice is RUN, don't walk to the nearest computer anad get 'em at the pre-sale prices. $300 won't buy you an engine with TMCC let alone a full set with track, cars and engine. Set up is so stupidly simple. Literally its plug and play.
Yes !!! I AM that THRILLED.
I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.I am the venom in your skin --- Breaking Benjamin
Rich thats cool I was confused as didn't read all the post but did see the bobs train box and from what I gather it wasn't compatible with tmcc and legacy and you needed a seperate controller for each engine but thanks to you thats cleared up and the answer is no it will work with them. Glad you got one. Not in the market for any trains right now but that would be a nice add on from what your saying
anjdevil2 I have Legacy and TMCC systems and it works with them both.
I have Legacy and TMCC systems and it works with them both.
This recently turned 30 year old who loves big band music and the song Chattanooga Choo Choo (my favorite train song) , has his eye on that Chatanooga set ever since the 2013 ready to run catalog came out and under $200 at Trainworld and Charles Ro. (My birthday also fell on the same day as those Lionel open houses at Charles Ro and Trainworld, so I went to Charles Ro...very fun.).
I'm working ups review of the Polar Express LionChief set (it goes to the Art Dept next Friday) and I'd be interested in feedback from owners of the Polar Express set.
Shoot me a note at bkeller@classictoytrains.com.
Be sure to include your real name, not your forum handle, in case we quite you!
OK here is a clarification!
I just got an e-mail from Lionel and the scoop is it works ALONG SIDE of Legacy/TMCC it does NOT
work WITH Legacy/TMCC. You can use it with trains on that system with THAT contoller and not
interfere with those systems. I have literature that is sort of misleading to me. Its in the new catalog that lead me to believe it would work.
SO Buckeye, YOU are right, you will have multiple remotes with this system.
Rich
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