Sorry to bump an oldie, but man if this hypothetical lionchief plus came with a seasonal switch it would be worth gold.
Like many, I bought the PE set for my son and realized what I was buying when it showed up. I've since become a model train guy... He loves it and of course the season is right here and I've gone on a shopping spree for him. I'd love to use the engine otherwise, but it's gimmicky PE stuff just doesn't jive.