What is the exactly the difference between polar express legacy and the lionchief

Scale, vs traditional sized. Speed control, better details, and significantly better sounds.

Whistle steam on the latest Legacy model, scale size, better sound/sound clips and awesome low speed operation.

Uscuba2 posted:

Aside from the price point, getting  passenger cars,  and attention to detail, what does the legacy  engine have that the lionchief does not? Basically why one over the other? Does the legacy  have  sounds from the movie (not important but just curious)?

you seem to be new here.

welcome

in a nut shell the lionchief is an entry level train and then you move up to the legacy command system.

Thanks. I am  new. I have/had G scale  and am scaling down.

Glad to have you here and in O gauge.  

And there are no dumb questions here.  

aussteve posted:

Glad to have you here and in O gauge.  

And there are no dumb questions here.  

Just the ones not asked.  Welcome aboard!

The Lionchief is an O27 starter set that has been proportionately scaled down about 40% so its much smaller. The Legacy version is full scale with 18 inch long passenger cars and full scale locomotive with the more advanced Legacy control system.

It's kinda like the difference between a Cadillac and a Honda Civic.  Both will get you there, but one will be a lot more comfortable.

The Lionchief set allows you to test the waters of command control, with a reasonable investment. The traditional size Locomotive is nicely scaled down as are the 3 lighted passenger cars. Included with the set is a wall plug in power source, complete loop of track and remote control to run the train. The engine has a nice whistle and bell, smoke, steam sounds (2 chuffs/revolution only, not 4 as prototypical) that can be turned off, but NO volume control. Plus 4 announcements from the movie (Tom Hanks voice, faithfully recorded), 2 at idle and 2 different when in motion.

Of course, the price difference is significant. As mentioned, the Lionchief is an entry level starter set for around $300. The scale version offers more sophisticated sound (at least a dozen sound clips from the movie, remotely activated) and control, but to get full functionality of ALL the features, you need to also purchase the Lionel Legacy control system.

Some information I have added merely echoes what’s mentioned by other members, but I think we covered most of differences and features of both. One last thing, the Lionchief control is less complicated since the features are less, and my 2-year-old + Grandson, was able to run the train with adult supervision.

Lionechief sets are economical starter sets with everything in the box to get you up and running in a few minutes. They don't have all of the features nor the exact scale proportions that the upmarket Legacy set does. It is designed to give a reasonably priced foot n the door of toy trains while still maintaining a great deal of play value. I recently donated a new Lionchief Polar Express starter set to a charity auction. It was a hit. Remember toy trains have only one golden rul .. have fun.