Diesel Lionchiefs

The Lionchief + GP7 has recently arrived at the retail part of the supply chain. The ones we have here at the office are feature rich and fun to run. (I bought two for myself)  With their two can motors and traction tires they have the ability to "pull tree stumps out of the ground", much like their earlier steamer counterparts.

George Brown, our technical editor, is in the process of thoroughly testing two of the GP7s and will report his findings in a future issue of OGR.

My preliminary verdict is positive. I found that I had to turn the volume of the diesel sound down a bit, which is adjustable from the LionChief + handheld, to suit my ears, but that is about it. The decoration on my Burlington and Santa Fe versions is flawless.  The only problems I initially had with the Geeps is because, as a veteran 3-railer, I refused to read the directions that came with the engines  Gee, I hate when that happens!

The next issue of OGR will have a full page color ad for the LionChief+ GP7 which looks really neat.  I am going to guess that the dealer ads for the engine should start appearing about then.

The RS 3s have been recalled for a change before they are released for sale to the public. This is fine with me, because I don't want to send something back to a manufacturer.

Ed Boyle

I have the LC+ GP-7 and it is perfect, a real jewel.  Only thing bad about it that I've read here is the diesel sound is kin d of generic - not Legacy quality, and i agree, but considering the price it is a fantastic loco.  I love mine!

Here comes a dumb question

Is the LIONCHIEF engine a cheaper version of LEGACY, or is it totally a new idea??

When you buy the engine do you get the handheld remote?? or do you have to buy a set to get it.

Sorry here, but I'm confused.

Rod

Rod,

An engine comes with it's own remote, which runs that particular engine. All you need is power to your track and you use the remote to control the engine. The Lionchief Plus locomotives also have a conventional mode, which allows you to run the engine the "old-fashioned" way, with transformer control.

Has anyone had any word as to when the RS-3's might be back from the recall work? I have one on order and am waiting somewhat impatiently :-).

Derek

Also, if you take a look at the recenly released Lionel Volume 2 catalog (on their web site) it'll give you a good overview of both LionChief Plus steamers and diesels and specific features of each.

Its not Legacy, for sure, and the loco is not a modified version of a Legacy one.  LC+ is a completely different controls system using radio transmitter, and the loco comes with everything you need.  It does not have some of the features (like controlling all the details of smoke, sound, etc., etc., etc., etc.) but thyen it is cheap and easy to operate and just about completely bulletproof as long as you replace the batteries in the remote every once in a while.  I have no Legacy equipment on my layout, just the four LC= locos I bought - and run.

Thank you ALL for your comments and information.

I have a one each of the steamer LionChiefs and both my son and I LOVE them. I am very excited for Lionel as I think this is a BIG jump using technology to give a real shot in the arm for the hobby.

It is very user friendly, the sounds are terrific, the smokers are really great sync'd with the chuffing. In all this is a winner.

I do want to get the Diesels. We have a Lionel conventional GP-7 and I was wondering if we can run it with the LionChief together or do I need to make it a dummy?

Anyway you are always helpful and I can't wait to pick up the UP and Santa Fe GP-7 as well as a C&NW RS-3

Thanks again