Hi. I am just getting back into trains since I was a little kid. Things have changed so much and I am a bit overwhelmed trying to sift through all the information to figure out how to get from where I am to where I want to be. I apologize in advance if I repeat a question - I did try to search but I wasn't able to convince myself I had a definitive answer.
My wife got me a Lion Chief set for Christmas (Lionel Union Pacific Flyer Electric O Gauge Model Train Set w/ Remote and Bluetooth Capability, Multi 192304). It was a total surprise after she saw me wondering at a local setup so I didn't get a chance to do my normal research ahead of time (I'm a computer engineer by trade so I get geeky).
I have since given it an 8x5 layout that I like in my office. I do have a goal and a couple problems - mostly based around the Fastrack Remote Switches. I just can't convince myself how best to fix them long term.
1. End Goal - Have the switches and train controlled by an app on an iPad. I don't mind if this takes a couple steps over time but I do want to know what the steps are to make the conversion from Lion Chief.
2. Switch indicators only light up red. From what I have read that is fixable by converting to AC which seems doable but most seem to involve an expensive transformer which won't really work with the Lion Chief engine. Plus if long term I am going to App control do I still need the transformer?
3. Switch derailments (036 - both remote and manual) - I read a bunch about this here online and "fixed" them enough that they work as long as I maintain a reasonable speed through them. If I crank the train up to full speed tho I can guarantee the engine derails at the switch. Do I need to do more work on the switch alignment or is this just how all fastrack switches work?
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer...
Bill
