Well, to put it simply, it's pretty darn nice. I just purchased a LionChief Plus B&O Pacific Steamer from Pat's trains. Pat checked it out for me before I came to pick it up. He even supplied me with the three batteries for the remote. Great guy, Pat. More later. The Pacific has a nice color scheme and exhibits no flaws in the decoration. Mechanically, it had no problems. Electrically, it seems absolutely perfect. Sounds are great, and it produces copious amounts of smoke. There are switches to manually turn off smoke and chuff sound. Also, there is a switch to go from remote control to conventional control. I have not run it conventionally at this writing. Speed control rheostat is very easy to operate with the twelve o'clock position being neutral, rotating to the right moves the train out forward, rotate to the left, and it reverses.
Sound level can be adjusted through use of the remote only. Crew and tower talk can be accessed either from the remote, or conventionally using the whistle button on the transformer (so the owners manual describes). Comes with two extra traction tires, plastic smoke eye dropper and nut driver for removing drive linkage.
I have been running everything conventionally, but, I like this, very simple operating system. It's easy for little ones, and those of us who are unable to remember which sequence of buttons to push on the higher end systems.
I liked this one so much, I ordered a Mikado Great Northern and a Burlington GP-7 from Pats Trains. Pat is a super nice guy, always willing to listen to war stories, and has more than a few of his own to share with you. I like his store, not too big to be overwhelming, but jamb-packed with everything imaginable. If you're ever in the Wheeling area, stop in and see Pat. Just don't follow your GPS. It will take you to Ohio, and when you're on the bridge to Ohio, directly over Pats's store, it will tell you that you have arrived at your destination. Only thing is, you are about 75 feet above Pat's at the time.
I recommend the LionChief Plus system. It's easy to use, rolling stock is nicely fitted out, and finish is nice. Not a super-large investment either. To say Pat's prices are very good is an understatement, I think they are more competitive than most others around.