Do the new bluetooth LionChief locos from Lionel also operate in conventional mode (if you don't want to use a smart phone)? If they do, do the sounds operate when operated in regular AC mode?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
No. They only can be controlled with the supplied remote or bluetooth...
Bluetooth capabilities do not are not related to nor dictate conventional transformer control abilities.
All TMCC, Legacy and LionChief Plus locomotives have the ability for conventional control regardless of Bluetooth capabilities.
From the Lionel Catalogs:
Attachments
Images (2)
I don't know what train nut is talking about... Of course you can run them in conventional
LionelChief can not be run conventional, you have to use the remote. The LCPlus can be run conventional.
Surefire posted:I don't know what train nut is talking about... Of course you can run them in conventional
@Surefire, @Train Nut is technically correct - LionChief locomotives are not constructed to operate solely with a conventional transformer (For the record, a conventional transformer set at a constant 16-18VAC CAN be used IN CONJUNCTION with the LionChief remote).
LionChief Plus locomotives (and TMCC, LEGACY) can be operated solely with a conventional transformers variable voltage (0-18VAC).
Lionel is adding Bluetooth to all locomotive produced in 2017 forward. This includes LionChief locomotives which are not conventionally operated, LionChief Plus locomotives which are, as well as Legacy and Vision which are.
Maybe he doesn't know what conventional operation means...
Dave45681 posted:If by conventional we mean the supplied remote, that is correct.
If we mean transformer handles,
-Dave
Conventional ALWAYS means traditional transformer control with variable voltage, DC offsets for BELL and WHISTLE/HORN.
My definition of "conventional" operation of model trains in short is; varible power at the rails.
This is "conventional" only in that it is normal for the LC to be run by the hand held remote control if you don't use the Blutooth option 
But I've think I've seen posts of limiting LC top speed via the transformer throttle (I think it was LC..? ) So; If the remote control throttle was wide open, how effective would a stationary throttle be? Good down to 5v-12v? More curiosity on the boards drop out points than a solution really
One silver lining I see in lack of conventional op.s on LC is there is no chance of accidental startups into conventional and flying forward at 18v before you're ready. 
Lol, i believe there is a table of acronyms somewhere on this site. Maybe we need a glossary too.
Well established terms get misused or redefined all too often in this hobby.
The original poster uses a heading of Bluetooth and in the body uses Bluetooth Lionchief. What one is he asking about?
The plain and simple answer to this question is NO!! Basic and simple answer NO! And yet like so many other posts, it goes on and on and on.... Those who are unaware or put their foot in their mouths with wrong information keep trying to twist the obvious to make themselves look good.....
Again the answer is NO! Lionchief cant be run conventionally without a remote or bluetooth! Put it on the track and throtlle up your transformer with no remote or bluetooth. Move the lever back and forth all day! And at the end of the day you will not have moved an inch and your arm will be tired!!
The original poster uses a heading of Bluetooth and in the body uses Bluetooth Lionchief. What one is he asking about?
Bluetooth Lionchief.
I'm sorry, but I dont see that any body twisted anything TN. There was one wrong post, and no argument from anyone after it was mentioned as wrong. I just see different elaborations on "No", to back you up, and some sarcastic fun.
romiller49 posted:The original poster uses a heading of Bluetooth and in the body uses Bluetooth Lionchief. What one is he asking about?
A pre war American Flyer
They just don't know it yet
Happy New Year 
The original posters body of the post says "Lionchief" ! Obviously that is what they are talking about.
When I send an email to someone and I put in the subject line "Hi", does that mean my email is referring to the word "Hi"?? The heart of his question specifically and clearly stated Lionchief!
The fact that he hasn't been back means his question was answered or he really doesn't care and all this dissecting and trying to play on words is an absolute waste of time.
Again. It was a simple question and the simple answer was and still is No!!
Train Nut posted:The original posters body of the post says "Lionchief" ! Obviously that is what they are talking about.
Colloquially, LionChief could be utilized to group LionChief and LionChief Plus feature sets intentionally or unintentionally, especially if the designation distinction is not known or understood. In addition, clarifying a complete feature matrix is fully informative to the original poster as well as anyone else seeking the same or similar information and would be the appropriate response on a public forum clearing any ambiguities from any perspective. Simply spitting out answers or facts without curating an understanding isn't always helpful.
I simply answered his question correctly.... it is not my nor you job to try to interpret the question at hand any other way than the way it was presented. The answer was, the answer is, the the answer will always be - NO!
Move on. The original poster obviously has.....
LionChief, no. LionChief Plus, yes.
Jon 
See!! Lionchief is still NO. :-)
