Stuart, regarding your second point, even if you did not buy into the Lion Chief system, you'd still need a transformer to run a conventional locomotive.
While I tend to have a favorable view of this new system, I have a few concerns and questions after watching the video.
First, I noticed that when the engine was in neutral and either the horn, bell or announcement was activated that the idling engine sounds would stop and then abruptly come back on after the bell, whistle or announcement ended but while running the chuffing sounds continued under the sounds of the bell, whistle or announcements. Wonder why that happens. I'd assume sound board has dual channel capability so why use it only for forward mode and not neutral?
Second, I'm wondering whether the electronics of a Lion Chief locomotive could be removed and retrofitted into my current Polar Express loco that has the steam whistle effect. I'm assuming likely not but am optimistically hopeful that it could be.
Looking forward to Lionel reps at York having answers for these two concerns.
Kenn
Originally Posted by Stuart:
I see two problems with the LionChief system.
1. If the remote stops working you cannot run the set until/unless Lionel repairs the remote. LionChief locomotives will not run conventional.
2. If a person who owns a LionChief set wants to add non-LionChief locomotive he would also have to buy a conventional transformer to operate it. I do know that with the MTH DCS Remote Commander sets that this is also a requirement of those sets as well (adding a non-DCS locomotive to them).
Stuart
