New multi-engine LC+ remote coming?

Thanks for the observation.  Sounds good, but so far I am fine with the individual remotes.  -Ken

Just finished listening, I heard that too. There have been many requests here for that one. Will be interesting to follow and see how they do this?

Well I hope you guys get it. I wasn't keen on adding more systems on systems but if it helps the hobby then it's a good thing. 

Yes, very interesting. Thanks for mentioning it.

Need to listen to that podcast soon.

This is surprising, but it might have been missed. I hadn't heard about it until now. Many folks have been hollering for this - it would be great, I think.

That would be a great idea!

As a repair person a remote I could use to test on the various Lionchief & Lionchief Plus engines would be very useful!

Jim

The owner of my LHS was just saying the same thing last week. Something about no way to see if it's the remote or the engine?

I don't have any Lion Chief or LC+, but I was surprised to hear them talking about this as well, I was one that didn't think it would ever happen as it would be too much like their Legacy system.  

Are you sure they didn't mean the powered B units like we saw in the catalog, "No remote needed as it'll work with the remote that comes in the A-A set."?

I caught that Marty when asked specifically about such a device Mr Ashba stated something to the extent he could not comment on future offerings but that LionChief + fans should be watching for an announcement "in the very near future".

It makes sense to add a multi train remote, as it would make it much easier for Lionel to offer a replacement for a broken one and at the same time encourage the sale of additional engines.

Of course as you know I'm one of the choir members on this issue.

Many discussions on OGR of the need for this type of remote and as an owner of 4 LC+ engines (so far), I am all for it.  The LC + multi-engine remote can go right next to the Legacy Cab2. 

I got to make time for that podcast

I think that perhaps the FT B-Units just operate on the same frequency as the powered A? 

But Matt did make it seem like something is on the horizon for those with multiple LC+ units. 

Yes, listening to the podcast last night you can definitely hear him "tease" this topic in response to Derek's question (I think maybe he teed that one up in advance ). And although he doesn't reveal any details, it's fairly obvisous Lionel has something in the works.

Maybe we hear more at April York? 

That's correct Steve The powered B units operate on the same frequency as the A unit. The discussion about a muti train remote was not part of the discussion about the FT powered B-units.

Yep. That's exactly what I thought. 

This would be one of the smartest things they can do to the LC+ line!!!! Great news for sure.

Art

okay I have to say this. am all for one remote runs all for LC+ but.

wouldn't it have made more sense to use the already in place cab-2 and base add a software upgrade to include the LC + line and send a engine load module with the set?

I can see it now a Logitech remote that combines all your train remotes into one handheld remote .

sorry I couldn't hold that in any longer.

what do you folks think of the cab-2 does it all??

Well, if I can use my Cab-2 to do it, I'd be willing to invest in LC+.

While I agree it may be another option to include LionChief capabilities in the Legacy system.

I would suggest the LionChief line follows the KISS procedure of model railroading. Expanding this to include a multichannel remote exclusively for LionChief engines would greatly enhance the product. As I've said before...

Simplicity, time, space and money.

The LionChief products open the doors for Lionel to bring enthusiasts into the market who may have previously been excluded because of those four concerns.

Your average blue collar apartment dweller doesn't have the time, space or disposable income for a large permanent display nor the inclination to put together all the components of a full blown digital control system when ever the urge to run trains hits them.

The LionChief product alleviates these concerns by making it quick and easy to assemble and disassemble a temporary layout with remote operations capable of controlling multiple trains in minutes  rather than hours.

The only short coming in the LionChief line is the lack of a multiple train remote, Such an accessory would make it easy to replace a broken remote and encourage additional locomotive sales.

If Lionel comes out with the multi channel remote I'd eventually replace all my conventional engines. Right now I'm pretty much at the limit of space available running 9 trains on a 8x5' display it's pretty hard to justify a Command system for this. Though I've asked many times for anyone to do it...

Would it not be easier for Lionel to just make a remote caddy, called the "Remote Buddy"?

If I were Lionel i would produce it just to make my own life easier.  Can you imagine having to keep in stock and sort/select a replacement remote for every type of LC+ loco?  they already have what?  A dozen?  Soon to mbe more, no doubt.   And every year they seem to add.  Ugh . . . Better to have one that you can program or switch little dip switches or something to select.  It makes their life so much easier, too.  

Agree with Sinclair.  I would like to purchase some LC+ but will not do it until can be run with Cab2. 

I think they should make it part of their LCS system somehow.  Then it would work for Legacy owners and for LC+ owners.  One of the great things about LCS is that it works without Legacy.  It would seem like a good stepping stone.  Cosumer buys LionCheif set, thinks it is great but wants more control so buys LC+ engine, followed by a few more.  Then they want control of their layout so they get into LCS WiFI (they may already have an iPad) and an ASC2.  Now they are looking for one remote, they get a new LCS component that allows them to conroll all LC engines with one remote.  Later they get into legacy - because of the LCS boxes they owned nothing is obsolete.  They have gone from entry level to high end.  just dreaming out loud.

I don't follow the conventional sets, but it seems from the new catalogs they are becoming scarce and LC & LC+ seem to be taking over. Something like this may become really necessary soon, by all the end users, Lionel and their repair centers? chipset may be on to something in his post above

I would love to see a universal remote or an adapter box that talks to legacy so that a legacy remote or handheld via LCS acts likes the universal remote by putting in some number and it would work.

I have no idea of the level of difficulty, but since the Legacy commands have now been published, it would be possible for a 3rd party to convert these to LC/LC+ commands.  Obviously, there would have to be a hardware box and the ability to transmit the LionChief RF commands.

Oh come on John, it couldn't be that difficult, it's so easy. You say it in every one of your posts; "Nothing is so easy as the job you imagine someone else doing."

That part is certainly true.

Gentlemen,

   I do believe you are looking at the next big step in remote layout control, sort of like a universal remote for your TV was back in the day, when it 1st came out.  It probably will not do ever thing for every different train operation, but will probably do enough to

keep the general public happy over a pretty broad control spectrum.  I am surprised MTH & Lionel have not breached this engineering route all ready.  Frankly if I was the big boss with both these companies, I would push this engineering development & make sure the Legacy & DCS units both work perfectly, to attack new owner operators.

PCRR/Dave

Yes • Derek Thomas, from Notch6, did ask the Lionel Rep. Matt about the new controller, for LionChief Plus, that could control several engines. He hinted about this. This would be a great story for the OGR Magazine.

Can LC+ be all things to Lionel customers and not take a big bite out of Legacy profits?  I can't understand how the advancement of one wouldn't be to the detriment of the other.  Also, I fail to see, other than the electronical differences, how LC+ with a universal remote would be any better than TMCC.  It all seems rather redundant.

Bruce

I'm not sure what the interest is in LionChief by those invested in Legacy. Considering it has less detailing, fewer functions and isn't scale. Unless it's the price and in that case why not petition Lionel to produce less expensive Legacy engines that aren't scale with fewer functions and don't have as much detail.

Just found a picture of the LC+ multi-engine remote:

Rusty

Matthew,

  I did not buy Legacy for scale engines!!

Art

Then I can toss this?

Bruce