What LionChief does
The big question is whether or not the hobby needs the LionChief system. Indeed, this may be the remote controller that a segment of the hobby has been waiting for: A very, very simple device for starting, stopping, and reversing a locomotive that also triggers sounds! These functions are basic and are pretty much what a large number of command-system operators use their remotes for: basic train operation and a few of the other features (such as triggering sounds). And rest assured, this controller is as simple as you can get for running a train with a wireless throttle.
Control features
This is not a handheld device that looks like a universal TV/Satellite/VCR/DVR/Sirius XM digital remote with rows of buttons, arrows, and slider controls. There are only six major detail points for operation on the face of the remote unit.
On/Off: A simple switch placed on the right side of the controller.
Throttle: The most obvious, it looks like a steam locomotive wheel. There is a handle/pointer in the middle of the wheel, suggesting where the “zero,” or start point, is for speed. Move it to the right and the locomotive goes forward, to the left and it goes in reverse.
Speed indicator light: Placed dead center above the throttle, the red light remains on during operation and flashes during normal train operation. The flashing will vary according to how fast the locomotive is traveling.
Bell button: Placed on the lower left below the throttle, it triggers the bell.
Announcements: This button, right below the speed control wheel, triggers on board train announcements like “All aboard” and “Tickets please.”
Whistle: This button, to the right of the sound control, triggers the whistle. If the controller is programmed for diesel, it will trigger the horn on that locomotive.
Batteries: The controller is powered by three AAA batteries nestled beneath a screw-down hatch on the back of the unit. Batteries are not included, of course.
The feel: The controller was a good fit in my hand, but it might be a bit large for a really young boy or girl. But tiny hands can easily manipulate the controls.
The train set
The locomotive: This is a slightly modified Berkshire steam locomotive (the main modification being an exaggerated pilot that mirrors the one in the movie) that resembles the Pere Marquette no. 1225, the same 2-8-4 that inspired the locomotive used in the movie. The tooling for the die-cast metal boiler is both well executed and detailed. Controls for sound and smoke are in the locomotive cab.
The plastic tender houses the speaker. It is a bit light, and when backing (without cars connected) straight through a switch, it derailed often enough to notice. Adding a bit of weight might be a good idea.
Consist: The train is made up of three cars: two coaches and an observation. The models have interior illumination and window inserts. One coach has silhouettes of children; a second coach has what appear to be mannequins hanging from the ceiling; and the observation car has a single child in one window.
The cars have plastic trucks and couplers, and one coach’s coupler had a difficult time staying closed in our sample train set. A dab of glue or a small rubber band wrapped around the coupler shank would fix this problem.
Track: The set comes with a loop of Lionel FasTrack. Note: If you plan to use the provided power supply on an existing FasTrack layout, you will need to add the barrel plug lockon to the line.
Power supply: The train is powered by a DC wall-pack power supply. This is unique in my experience because you don’t need a transformer to run this train, just the small black box you plug into the wall. You then plug the other end into a special FasTrack terminal track section (with a jack for a barrel plug), and you are ready to go.
The power supply has a continuous output of 18 volts to operate the command functions. The LionChief system isn’t wedded to the DC power source; you can use any Lionel-compatible AC transformer as long as it has an output of 18 volts.
RailSounds RC: This sound package includes steam locomotive chuffing and background sounds, bell, and whistle. You can trigger announcements by the conductor with the hand unit.
What can you operate with?
As noted, you can use the DC unit provided or you can operate it on a layout powered with a compatible AC transformer set to 18 volts.
You cannot operate a LionChief train without its hand unit. There is no pure conventional operation mode. We tried, and it didn’t work.
You can also run the train on a layout that utilizes Lionel TrainMaster or Legacy systems or MTH’s DCS system, all of which have a steady 18-volt power requirement. Note: You cannot operate this train with a TrainMaster, Legacy, or DCS remote; you must use the LionChief controller. The key is the steady 18 volts going to the track.
The commands from the LionChief controller will not interfere with signals from TMCC/Legacy/DCS. Just as you can operate TMCC/Legacy/DCS engines on the same tracks with their unique controllers, now you can add LionChief locomotives to the mix with the LionChief controller.
On the test track
The LionChief command unit performed flawlessly.
Right out of the box, our locomotive’s performance left much to be desired – it tended to lurch along the track. Something was binding up, and this train would certainly have been a cause of disappointment on Christmas morning. We fiddled with the locomotive, lubricated it a second time, and alternated power sources.
It still ran in spurts. Stop, stall, shudder, move, stop, run, then balk.
Clearly the problem was mechanical. So we did what any parent would do the day after Christmas. We took it back to the store where we bought it, and they were able to quickly diagnose and correct a factory assembly error in the running gear.
Performance numbers were a low-speed average of 11.1 scale miles per hour and a high-speed average of 60.6 miles per hour. The drawbar pull measured 1 pound, 2 ounces.
So, bottom lining this: Did LionChief make the train go forward? Yes. Did it make the train run in reverse? Yes. Could you sound the whistle and bell? Yes. Can you trigger announcements? Yes. Was it easy and fun to use? Yes.
The $64 question is whether or not we need yet another command system in O gauge. The fact that each handheld unit is tethered to the same model of locomotive is a limiting factor. Build a fleet of these LionChief models and you’ll need a box just to keep all the remotes in one place.
The Lionel LionChief remote controller works well and delivers lots of O gauge starter set enjoyment. It is totally perfect for a holiday ’round-the-tree layout or a small public display. As for a larger “vision” for use of this controller, I’m just not sure if its time has passed or has yet to come.
Price: $379.99 (no. 30218)
Features: O-27 operation, die-cast metal steam locomotive with smoke unit, RailSounds RC sound, headlight, smoke unit, Polar Express passenger car set with interior lighting, loop of FasTrack, DC power supply
good review,interesting product.
Your article on this set is timely. I ordered one last year and got it in time for the Christmas layout. My four year old grandson was very excited when it arrived and we set it up. So was I, for a while.
Lionel says the set works with TMCC and Legacy Control Systems. That's only partially true. Given that wording one could assume, like I did, that the set will use TMCC or Legacy controls.
I was VERY surprised to find that the set would NOT revert to conventional control if the remote was lost or broken. That has already happened to some buyers. Unlike others I don't think the remote is well designed for children. My grandson is pretty competent running my trains with the TMCC CAB 1 controller. The Lion Chief Remote changes the control function and uses an extremely soft detent for the stop location. It is simply too easy for a child, or adult for that matter, to go past stop into reverse.
Now I see Lionel advertising Lion Chief Plus which will revert to conventional control. Unfortunately I can't update my set.
The coupler between the locomotive and tender is plastic and seems far too weak for an important connection like that. Lionel should have stuck with the mini plug and metal tang and hook.
Make no mistake about my comments, we are getting a lot of play value out of this set, especially since my grandson loves The Polar Express movie. Lionel however should have thought this out better and done a better job making it compatible with a variety of uses and users.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Carmine Prestia
State College, PA