Can the number of chuffs of a LionChief Plus locomotive be increased from two to four? If so, has anyone done it and how would it be done? Would such a mod also have a corresponding effect on the fan driven smoke units in those locos?
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I'm not sure how you would do it. I imagine the easiest way would be mechanical - play with inserting an extra magnet, etc.
Frankly, mine sound okay. They chuff often enough: whether its two or four chuffs it sounds right to me, although I realize maybe I don't have ears calibrated to prototype sounds.
Wow! I know many people are pleased with the LionChief Plus engines, but no one has done anything to improve, modify or otherwise alter them? Everyone loves them and thinks they're perfect just the way Lionel has made them? From other posts on this forum, it seems more than a handful of folks have altered other steam locos to go from 2 chuffs to 4 - but everyone's satisfied and happy with just two chuffs on their LionChief Plus steam locomotives? Even Alex M.?
Has anybody modified a LionChief Plus steam loco in any way. If so, I would like seeing or hearing what you've done to yours.
Lee Willis converted a LionChief Plus 4-6-4 into a scale Santa Fe 2-6-2. Great job, too.
Stuart
I am interested in this idea, if anyone tries this I will be interested in the results.
I also am very happy with my LC+ steamers, but am open to improvements.
Another possible improvement is that my LC+ locos do not have backup lights, which would be nice to have. But that may require additional wires between the loco and tender. If that is the case, its not worth it.
Whistle-steam would be nice on the next generation, but likely too much time and effort for me to consider as an addition.
These are great locos and great value as is. Now the diesels could benefit from a more detailed/refined design. I don't like the stamped-metal handrails and large gap under the pilots. If Lionel does not come out with improved LC+ diesels in the next year or two, I may try a project to cannibalize and install LC+ electronics from one of their diesels into a Williams (or hopefully the electronics will be offered separately at some point).
It seems to me there is likely to be a natural progression of improvements to the LionChief line. It makes sense that Lionel introduced LionChief in the low end market of starter sets, maybe as an attempt to hook the next generation of customers. Then brought out individual engines with more functions in the LionChief + at a reasonable price comparatively to other engines with remote capabilities.
LionChief certainly streamlines a toy railroad with the elimination of a tethered control system. Just plug the track into the wall and hit the power switch on the remote.
I wouldn't be surprised to see them introduce a pairable multi train remote and an accessory LionChief remote system in the future hopefully with the capability to merge the two.
First they eliminate necessity of the Transformer to control the childs electric train. Then they eliminate the wires and large microprocessing boxes to control switches and power accessories running everything off track power and power distribution boards connected through a wall wart.
Personally I'm looking forward to retiring my 3 zw transformers for a single remote to control 8 trains. And I don't believe it's a matter of if. It's just matter of when.
