Lionel - Conventional vs LionChief et. al.

You're a bit out of date. LionChief Plus and Plus2 can be run with conventional transformers. Also, with the Bluetooth app, you can control multiple Lionchief engines with your cellphone. Lionel doesn't even offer remote controls with the new LionChief engines anymore. Read the latest information in the Lionel catalogs, and at their website.

All of Lionel's O product line can be (and are designed to be) run using a conventional AC transformer as a power source.  Their "command" locos (Legacy and TMCC, LionMaster, Lion Chief, LC+, LC+ 2.0 )  with DC can motors use rectifiers in the the locomotive to convert AC to DC for the motors, although rest of the locomotive runs on AC power- that's what 3-rail is all about.  Lion Chief set locomotives run on a DC power pack, or an AC transformer, but are controlled with a dedicated handheld.  Lion Chief set locomotives as well as LC+ came/come with a dedicated LionChief handheld.

Control of the non-set locos is changed with a switch or electronic means to select conventional or "command". 

Only lately have the LC+ 2.0 locos not had a dedicated handheld.  These can be controlled by a conventional transformer, the Universal Remote, or a Cab 1 (TMCC) or Cab2 (Legacy) handheld.  Life is good.

Mike W.,

Only the earliest and simplest LionChief locomotives will not operate in conventional mode.

All LionChief+ and LionChief 2.0 versions will.  These newer lines were created with that expansion path in mind.

While it is possible that the types and roadnames you may be interested in were only released in basic LionChief it's not too common.

As far as the multiple remotes needed for earlier LionChief, the idea is to grow up and out of basic LionChief and LionChief+ before you have too many of them.  There's plenty to grow into with LionChief 2.0 and Legacy.

The path isn't perfect but nothing ever is.

Mike

As noted, LionChief locos (which are still made and comprise almost all set locos) can be operated on any TMCC or conventional layout using the enclosed remote.  All LionChief locos (as opposed to LionChief + 2.0) include a remote.  They also can be controlled by the free app on your smart phone or tablet simultaneously with conventional or TMCC/Legacy locos as long as the track voltage is at least 12-14 volts in my experience.  Not perfect, but perfectly possible.  If you restrict the LionChief locos to the parts of your layout using TMCC/Legacy, they operate like any other command loco, except that you have to use the included remote, the universal remote or the app(Bluetooth).  So they are command locos that require a fixed voltage and a separate controller.

Thanks for the feedback.  But, looking at the current catalog it still shows the basic LionChief as not running in conventional mode (with a transformer).  Specifically the chart on page 69.  This would apply to the Thomas items, themed sets like Toy Story, most of the General type remakes, etc.  I actually like the LionChief products in some ways better than the scale premium items.  They have the classic Lionel play value.   The NW-2 Switcher captures the PW essence in a modern package.  As did the Berkshires that have seemingly been replaced with the new tooling Berkshires.  The GPs and U36B's are always welcome as well.  I preordered the Seaboard System U36B.   I just don't want to be stuck with a train that will not run with a transformer if needed.  I like to run PW and modern interchangeably. 

I have the most basic Thomas Lionchief set and can assure you it can be powered with literally any transformer Lionel has made in the last 70+ years. You can't run it in conventional mode, but why would you?  Designed for children, the remote is so easy to use. Much easier than pulling the throttle back and forth just to change direction. 

I believe the point is that LionChief engines will not run with only a transformer. And to the extent it would be inexpensive to include that feature, why not? Many may prefer remotes, but plenty like having a transformer option (and let’s not throw shade on those who do).  

@Mike W. posted:

  I like to run PW and modern interchangeably.

So do I. Mostly a conventional PW operator but have dipped my toe into the various Lion Chief/Plus/2.0 line of trains.

As mentioned above, keep your eye on the newer Lion Chief Plus 2.0 offerings. These seem to be the future (for now anyway) and they offer the best features and multiple methods of control, including conventional which is obviously important to you.

And, I agree on the NW2s. Maybe my favorite of all of my Lion Chief locos (these are LC Plus).