While visiting my LHS today I saw a LionChief Plus Mikado running. Great s-l-o-w speed from it's cruise control unit but the sales person said it only controls speed on straight runs but when it climbs a grade or helix, it slows down and then speeds up when it comes back down. (HE claimed constant speed control ascending and descending inclines is only available on TMCC and Legacy engines.) Can anyone with this exact engine verify whether what he told me is actually true or untrue?
Thanks.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I wish folks would take time to learn what they sell. It's cruise control. It doesn't know the difference between a curve a hill or a straight. It works on all points. That was a big selling point from Lionel on the LC+ line.
On page two of the LionChief Plus+ Owner's Manual, Lionel calls it "Constant Speed Control"
Lionel Vol. 2 Catalog 2014 • Page 38, • Constant speed control to maintain a steady speed at a crawl or full speed and everything in between regardless of track conditions or load"
On the higher price point engines, Lionel calls the same thing "Odyssey® II Speed Control" see page 4 for details.
Cheers from Michigan
Sales schmo says what...
LionChief Plus on Fastrack 8' X 5' Double Helix
Sorry I know you asked about the Mikado and this isn't the exact engine it's a LionChief Plus Hudson. But it is the exact situation climbing and descending a double helix with grades reaching near 9% at some points.
.
Around curves, uphill, even with a rediculously long consist for a semi scale loco.
Go to 7:15:
MartyE is right. What type of morons sell this stuff and don't take the time to learn about their products. They have an awesome cruise control. I have five of them and they all nail the speed. I haven't tried the diesels with a lot of cars but the steamers will cruise at constant speed, slow or fast, up 2% grades while going around 72 and 60 inch curves pulling 22 scale reefers and a caboose.
Lee
This is nothing new. When TMCC was Lionel's standard CC system most Hobby Shops knew nothing about how to use it. A lot of bad information was passed along. Many a time I had to bite my tongue when listening to a LHS pass along bad info.
With Legacy and DCS too, at least with the shop I deal with, Imperial Trains, they have a basic if not advanced understanding of it and are pretty good about finding out the facts and passing them along. But I'm sure there are many shops who don't take the time to learn still passing a long bad info.
It seems the biggest hurdle that the manufacturers have on their products maybe the LHS selling them.
Marty's video sure nails it down. There's your proof.
that is a great helix
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
