Thanks Ted. You are correct in assuming it does not transmit through the track, but directly to the loco, and I'm hopeful your assumption that it's just DC control under the bonnet. The reason the handset is color coded, is because it will only work Thomas. I guess Lionel will re-issue a new range of other locos with their own color coded controller, allowing you to run multiple different engines on the same track.
I too am hoping that it will be 50Hz compatible. Most new products do seem to be 50Hz compatible these days. I'm waiting for the manual to be posted on-line, as there is normally a statement in that. I don't know if the power pack may have a label stating the frequencies though, as that is probably just designed for the US market. An ideal situation would be for the power pack to be multi-voltage and multi-frequency, but that may be hoping for just a bit too much at this price level.
Perhaps someone who has one could take a peek at the instruction book/power-pack and let us know?
Nicole, now that track voltage is confirmed DC, just bin the US power supply, you will be able to buy on eBay, a suitable DC 18v DC plug pack for a couple of quid. I buy lots of these Chinese DC plug packs, they are just mini switch mode power supplies and work just fine.
