New to Lionchief

If you dedicate a level of your layout to Lionchief and it is not too large, you might be able to use the power supply that comes with the LC sets? However, the included PS is DC, so you would not be able to operate any AC only devices from track power. A couple of other options might be a Lionel Powerhouse 180 or an MTH Z1000 brick. The PH-180s are in short supply until the next shipment comes in and I am not sure when it is expected? Others may have more suggestions.

The LC remote has no display, only some push buttons for whistle, horn etc. and a dial for speed and forward/reverse. They are pretty basic. There is also an additional purchase remote that will control up to 3 LC or LC+ engines, but not all engines will work with it at this time. Some of the older LC items are not yet compatible with the new multi-engine remote. I think most of the newer ones are compatible.

I know of no plans for any LC conversion kits for older engines. Lionel it probably the only one that could answer this and if they are working on something they may not be willing to announce it until they are ready? 

Thanks for the input. What voltage is the PowerHouse 180 set at?

It sounds like this is already the direction you’re heading, but I’d suggest sticking with the Lion Chief Plus line of locos rather than plain vanilla Lion Chief. The Plus line is generally of a higher quality and you get the option of running via the supplied remote or conventionally. And the universe of available loco choices (steam and diesel) is much better. I have four LC+ locos so far and really enjoy them.

Hi Frank:  I have four mail lines and each main line has it's own Lionel Brick 180 Watt Powerhouse, the new item number is 6-2293. Found on page 48, Lionel Track & Power Catalog 2016-2017.  I have older models.  If you are going to go with new locomotives, purchase the LionChief Plus Locos, with Blue Tooth.

I also have six video on my YouTube Channel, you may find these helpful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbWfacp3U3Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1IqzW9IL7U&t=4s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hw2_EjBif4U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pYAU2xJlDg&t=1s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHiClJLFCLk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72_RH1wwp2w

Gary: Good Luck

ChooChoo1972 posted:

Thanks for the input. What voltage is the PowerHouse 180 set at?

I have 2 of them and they are both around 18.3-18.4 volts. I have one Z1000 brick and I would have to check it, but as I recall from memory it's around the same as the PH-180s. I don't use the Z1000 for trains, it's for other stuff.

Here's a link to the Lionel PH-180 #6-22983

I have a question about running more than one Lionchief loco at the same time. Here is the scenario. I have two NYC RS3 locos. Say I put loc one on the track and turn on the remote and run it. While running it if I put loco 2 on the track and use the other remote will each remote know which loco to control or could their be a problem with it being confused?

ChooChoo1972 posted:

I have a question about running more than one Lionchief loco at the same time. Here is the scenario. I have two NYC RS3 locos. Say I put loc one on the track and turn on the remote and run it. While running it if I put loco 2 on the track and use the other remote will each remote know which loco to control or could their be a problem with it being confused?

Hi Frank:  Both of NYC RS3 are using the same channel, within 2.4GHz.  You can only run one at a time.  If one was a Rio Grande RS3 you could than run it with the NYC RS3.

If you need more information, hit me up with an e-mail.

What happen when you tested your scenario?

Hope this helps, Gary

Gary, thanks that makes sense now. I tried it and I set the house on fire. No seriously it worked as you described the remote controlled both locos at the same time. I then coupled them together and got a pretty cool easy to use lash up. The sound of both of those diesels is pretty impressive. The two hrosn blowing in stereo was cool too.