I just ordered this very same locomotive. There is something bout the old BN paint scheme that makes me remember the excitement of unwrapping my first model train on christmas day. To this day, I don't understand my fascination with trains, except that it's lasted well into adulthood and only gets stronger. I finally gave up on not going locomotive loco and started building my dream set, and this SD60 is the centerpiece. Great review.
Hi Eric: This LionChief locos and your others will be great for your Piedmont Pilgrimage, model train tour. Give children some hands on time in your train room. I have two grand children and they love running grandpa’s trains with LionChief Plus & Bluetooth. I enjoyed your soapbox talk, but in the Lionel Big Book for 2018, Lionel is adding Bluetooth to just about all their scale Legacy Locomotives, that means that one does not have to have the Lionel Legacy Base, just put the loco on the track and use Lionel’s Bluetooth App. Well done demonstration on this SD60M. • Cheers from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂
Excellent review, and even better than the engine are the scale M1 Abrams army tanks at 17:49-17:51. So cool to see rolling thunder on your rolling stock.
FYI, the ditch lights do not flash when blowing the horn on most railroads, that is an option that the NS buys that I have not seen on other railroad locomotives that I have been on.
Eric I think the LC+ will take the place of Legacy, DCS, and everything else. Just not the version we are seeing now. Bluetooth is what the remote is. Has an unlimited amount of channels. And right now the LC+ is only a single band. Just wait until they uncork dual band on them! Twice the controls to work twice the number of features!!! Look how much Lionel has improved their remote in just a few years!!!
I love your videos!!!! I am only 14 and am not quite up to the legacy models yet, but I have yet to buy the Southern Pacific Lionchief train for my Layout :)
Hi Eric Siegel I know I'm not from the United States but you are my hero cuz I really love trains and and yeah I just really love trains and I love your trains my trains don't have sounds like yours I hope you take good care of them which I'm sure you will bye
That engine does look nice! Althought BNSF has reapinted their "triclops" SD60Ms into modern BNSF colors, many of the later cab SD60ms are still in BN green! Many of the triclops SD60Ms are now assigned for yard work, including near where I live!
The new Legacy Polar Express in the 2018 catalog can be controlled by either a Lionchief universal remote or the Lionchief Bluetooth app. My guess is that Lionel is adding Lionchief as an option to their Legacy offerings in addition to conventional and TMCC control.
Love the videos but just had a idea when. U review a loco especially desiels u should clip in the pictures from the catalogs so we can see the other road names. I know I could go find it in my catalogs but the convenience would be nice Haha. Thanks again bud
ericstrains Hey Eric do you think with the scale models introduced in the lionchief plus line for 2017, do you think we could see some steam locomotives get the same treatment in the future?
Although I want to invest in my first Lionel legacy and mth railking, or premier, but what if they took all the features on big boy vision line, could they possibly make a Lionel LionChief, and create a custiom legacy style lion chief remote for big boy, that be cool, but it won’t ever happen unless I decide to become a Lionel worker as an adult, cause I’m a teenager right now but it won’t, although Lionel is creating a lionmaster 2.0 lionchief plus big boy with Bluetooth it’s smaller than th bison line but gives you the same feel of a big coal hauling steam locomotive.
Even though I'm aware that Lionel is not very good at compatibility across their entire product line, I never thought LionChief was a good idea. It's basically an RC car in the form of a locomotive and you can't program those locomotives into the Legacy TMCC 2 system. This is why I like MTH because if you started out with them instead of Lionel (which I didn't, in case you're wondering), you can take your first starter set MTH locomotive and run it with your newest Premier Line locomotive whether they run independently on the same layout or track or if they are lashed up in the same consist. You can't do that with Lionel, they're on both extremes of the spectrum where they make the most expensive high-end O gauge model trains and the absolute cheapest and junkiest O gauge starter sets, which is not good for compatibility if you ever wanted to run your starter set trains with your full-scale high-end trains. At least MTH has a better consistency among their models across their product lines.
Nice review as always, Eric. However, I should point out that this isn't the first scale engine to be built with Lionchief. The first scale engine in this line was the Camelback steam engine they produced in 2015, and I have one of them which is the CNJ version.
I agree, that Lionel should not do away with the Legacy product line. Although, I could see them doing that, and just making the lionchief product line upgradable to the more advanced systems, like the DCC controller system. Due to the fact, they would be able to sell more of the Lionchief product line, at a reduced production cost to them. Since it does come down to the bottom line, or the double bottom line in the case of four or five HO scale model locomotives sold at 500.00 for example, vs. one or possibly two at a high cost! In addition, to the fact, then they can make additional revenue off the upgrades. Which as everyone knows is what will keep them in business longer! Because a more affordable train is better than no train at all, although I do agree. That a Lionchief product line of the Big Boy would be degrading or cheapening of the iconic status of the Big Boy, the 844, or any of the iconic locomotive engine's that capture our imagination! Now I will add, that it will also allow more people, to take up the hobby of model trains. Which can only benefit the model train hobby as a whole! This in my perspective, only makes what Eric, or any of the personalities that cover the world of model trains. Much more important, to the health and longevity of the overall model train industry as a whole!
The one complaint I have with Lionel is the sounds don’t compare to mth proto sound 3.0. Even with the rail King. And with the 100 dollar dcs wifi controller and the app it’s hard to beat MTH. The premier and the rail king. I bought 2 railking engines in December last year and traded in all my lionchief plus engines at legacy station for those. And can honestly say it’s a huge difference between the 2. Lionel engines just seem toy like compared to them.
Great video Eric! I have a question though. Your video says the length is 17.5" and the Lionel website says it's 21.5". Is your measurement the accurate one of the two?
$500 range is about the range of MTH premier diesel engine. Considering the sound that can not match the MTH engine. But the control and Lionel app is better than MTH control. Hard to decide.
I'm just throwing in my two cents here but why would you buy one of these? I mean if you have the money why would you just buy the LionChief version? Like Eric said for $150 less than the regular Legacy version you get this but that's not much of a difference in terms of money. I mean if I had the Legacy command system already or was going to get it at some point I would might as well by the Legacy version then the LionChief version. If it was $200 cheaper than Legacy version then yeah I would probably buy it. But it seems just like a waste of money to buy the LionChief version if you can buy the Legacy version for $150 more.
Well, there's the $150 that a I mentioned. Plus there's sthe $300 it takes to buy the Legacy System. So for someone who is new to the hobby, this gives them a scale model for $450 less than was it would typically cost.
Im just getting into model rail road and my first train i bought was this, but in Union Pacific version. I did some research before i bought a train set. and this was exactly what i was looking for. Amazing detail and easy to use. To me its like plug n play, put the train on the track and just go. I did buy another engine which needed the legacy system , i havent used that engine since i dont have time to learn the legacy system. I will eventually but i work alot and dont have much time on my days off to learn something new. I hope Lionel makes all engine's with lionchief plus and legacy control system , its a great idea. Thanks for the review. Your channel is awesome.
Hey Eric, can you consider reviewing the scale polar express or just the o gauge polar express it would mean a lot to me and not many people do in depth reviews like you do on these products?
I think it's a good idea to make a scale LC+ engine although I won't be able to buy any if they can't navigate O-31 curves. I guess that would happen to most LC+ users. Nice review, Eric.
Alberto Salazar ́s life I think they should be able to handle at that degree, I think just a regular lionchief locomotive can if I am correct, but I'm not sure, just wanted to see if I could help
As an idea for an addition to your Lionel Lionchief Plus Scale Burlington Northern SD60M Lionel has a Burlington Northern 50th MUSA Boxcar and costs about $84.99 on their online store website if you want to browse google to find a store selling it for a lower price I am okay with it.
Isn't LionChief _suposed_ to be the more toylike/cheaper alternative to the regular line? Kinda defeats the purpose if they're going for scale high-detail models in what's essentially the toy range.
I think Lionel is trying to make highly detailed models more affordable, so more people can have realistic looking engines instead of the semi-scale toy-like stuff you normally find in LionChief. I personally think it's a giant leap for this product line, and I hope Lionel does this more!
Looks like Lionel is trying to match the MTH Imperial / Scale Railking line, and Lionel did a great job. If i was still buying Lionel engines I would probably pick this one up.
JonatanGronoset a lot of my opinion is based on cars but I think the attempt is to appeal to those who want the higher end model but can't get it so the optioned out lower "trim model" is the next best option
Lionel needs to consider people who want a highly detailed scale engine, but don't have the money for Legacy or the LCS WiFi system. Things like this keep the company, and the hobby, alive.
Should be able to get a scale train with a remote. And they should offer a universal remote with full legacy features. The extra legacy equipment that they have now is gonna get old fast.
Love your reviews but I have always wondered why Sunset 3rd locomotives are not reviewed. Short of brass 2 Rail models, Sunset diesels are the closest to scale that any manufacturer produces. Why not include them?
... wait it can't run in TMCC?, a system that's been around for 20+ years? that's disappointing. really don't want to be walking around holding multiple remotes when displaying my layout.
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Love the horn on that bad boy! Awesome review bro and sweet engine! Thanks!
Bill Yates thanks
Very cool unit, great description and narration
I just ordered this very same locomotive. There is something bout the old BN paint scheme that makes me remember the excitement of unwrapping my first model train on christmas day. To this day, I don't understand my fascination with trains, except that it's lasted well into adulthood and only gets stronger. I finally gave up on not going locomotive loco and started building my dream set, and this SD60 is the centerpiece. Great review.
Love your layout and your trains
Hi Eric: This LionChief locos and your others will be great for your Piedmont Pilgrimage, model train tour. Give children some hands on time in your train room. I have two grand children and they love running grandpa’s trains with LionChief Plus & Bluetooth. I enjoyed your soapbox talk, but in the Lionel Big Book for 2018, Lionel is adding Bluetooth to just about all their scale Legacy Locomotives, that means that one does not have to have the Lionel Legacy Base, just put the loco on the track and use Lionel’s Bluetooth App. Well done demonstration on this SD60M.
• Cheers from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂
THAT. HORN. IS. SO. NICE.
Just picked up this engine of the NS variant for my bday. Had my eye on this ever since the review 2 years ago. Can’t wait to get it on the layout!
This is the second time you've uploaded on my birthday, thanks Eric!
I really appreciate that you put what the next review will be in the end. Now i know what to look forward to!
Eric I love your videos keep up the good work
Once again, another great video! Thanks Eric!!!! I would really love one
Excellent review, and even better than the engine are the scale M1 Abrams army tanks at 17:49-17:51. So cool to see rolling thunder on your rolling stock.
I REALLY want the Conrail version. My buddy Ashton's grandpa worked for them and I love conrail.
Great review! And a good looking locomotive!
Great review! If I didn’t already have a BN SD40-2, I’d seriously consider getting this engine. Looks and sounds awesome!
Very impressive with the operation and detail of this model. I was also surprised with the price.
FYI, the ditch lights do not flash when blowing the horn on most railroads, that is an option that the NS buys that I have not seen on other railroad locomotives that I have been on.
Nice video love BN
Very cool video
it's nice to see a little bit of the bnsf ice cold express again
Eric I think the LC+ will take the place of Legacy, DCS, and everything else. Just not the version we are seeing now. Bluetooth is what the remote is. Has an unlimited amount of channels. And right now the LC+ is only a single band. Just wait until they uncork dual band on them! Twice the controls to work twice the number of features!!! Look how much Lionel has improved their remote in just a few years!!!
The non flashing ditch lights is prototypical because west coast railroads don't use them today. Only east coast railroads do.
He's right, BN did not have flashing ditchlights
Canadian railroads also use steady burning ditch lights.
KentuckyRailfan BNSF May flash their ditch lights, but it’s not correct but why does that matter who cares, but I’ve only seen that rarely
You should keep an eye on out for an Acela Express Eric. It would be a beautiful looking unit on the layout.
Very nice I don't know which one I want now
I love your videos!!!! I am only 14 and am not quite up to the legacy models yet, but I have yet to buy the Southern Pacific Lionchief train for my Layout :)
Hi Eric Siegel I know I'm not from the United States but you are my hero cuz I really love trains and and yeah I just really love trains and I love your trains my trains don't have sounds like yours I hope you take good care of them which I'm sure you will bye
Amazing vid Eric
What’s not to like about this loco? Looks great, sounds great.
That engine does look nice! Althought BNSF has reapinted their "triclops" SD60Ms into modern BNSF colors, many of the later cab SD60ms are still in BN green! Many of the triclops SD60Ms are now assigned for yard work, including near where I live!
You should get the bn f45 that would look pretty cool on your layout
Agreed
The new Legacy Polar Express in the 2018 catalog can be controlled by either a Lionchief universal remote or the Lionchief Bluetooth app. My guess is that Lionel is adding Lionchief as an option to their Legacy offerings in addition to conventional and TMCC control.
Looks and sounds great for lionchief plus engine !!
I saw in the train world ads Lionel chief plus and legacy, but not in the same add.
Awsum 👍🚂❤️👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Love the videos but just had a idea when. U review a loco especially desiels u should clip in the pictures from the catalogs so we can see the other road names. I know I could go find it in my catalogs but the convenience would be nice Haha. Thanks again bud
First.
ericstrains man, I was just about to say that XD
Well, it was taken. Now you can engage in a relevant discussion about the locomotive.
ericstrains Hey Eric do you think with the scale models introduced in the lionchief plus line for 2017, do you think we could see some steam locomotives get the same treatment in the future?
Yea. I know. It was a joke.
Second
I agree with adding the compatibility for LionChief to work using Legacy. Perhaps with some kind of bridge device. I'd pay for that kind of thing.
Although I want to invest in my first Lionel legacy and mth railking, or premier, but what if they took all the features on big boy vision line, could they possibly make a Lionel LionChief, and create a custiom legacy style lion chief remote for big boy, that be cool, but it won’t ever happen unless I decide to become a Lionel worker as an adult, cause I’m a teenager right now but it won’t, although Lionel is creating a lionmaster 2.0 lionchief plus big boy with Bluetooth it’s smaller than th bison line but gives you the same feel of a big coal hauling steam locomotive.
The railroad that has the most order of the SD60M is the Union Pacific with 281 units.
This is one of my favorite rail road because it’s green and white and black and the wheels are kind a little bit black
Even though I'm aware that Lionel is not very good at compatibility across their entire product line, I never thought LionChief was a good idea. It's basically an RC car in the form of a locomotive and you can't program those locomotives into the Legacy TMCC 2 system. This is why I like MTH because if you started out with them instead of Lionel (which I didn't, in case you're wondering), you can take your first starter set MTH locomotive and run it with your newest Premier Line locomotive whether they run independently on the same layout or track or if they are lashed up in the same consist. You can't do that with Lionel, they're on both extremes of the spectrum where they make the most expensive high-end O gauge model trains and the absolute cheapest and junkiest O gauge starter sets, which is not good for compatibility if you ever wanted to run your starter set trains with your full-scale high-end trains. At least MTH has a better consistency among their models across their product lines.
The LIONEL people have to re-release every model in LionChief 2.0 for full compatibility.
Eric can you do it tutorial video on how to use the lionel lionchief
universal remote
I guess when Lionel released Lion Cheif Plus and got good feedback, that gave them the green light to make them scale for a reasonable price.
I love these engines
Nice!!
mr eric. i want to know about who is manufacturing indian railways model train like locomotives. psnger card, fright cars etc. please help.
I miss seeing Burlington Northern (I am aware that they merged with Santa Fe).
Nice review as always, Eric. However, I should point out that this isn't the first scale engine to be built with Lionchief. The first scale engine in this line was the Camelback steam engine they produced in 2015, and I have one of them which is the CNJ version.
726berkshire The A5 0-4-0 Lionchief Plus is also scale.
The camelback was not advertised as being scale. In the catalog it says that the SD60 is the first true scale Lionchief engine.
ericstrains Maybe the first diesel, but the A5 is the same as the K line tmcc version just with Lionchief plus internals and a more modern headlight.
Oh yeah. I forgot about that.
Yet another LionChief engine!
I agree, that Lionel should not do away with the Legacy product line. Although, I could see them doing that, and just making the lionchief product line upgradable to the more advanced systems, like the DCC controller system. Due to the fact, they would be able to sell more of the Lionchief product line, at a reduced production cost to them. Since it does come down to the bottom line, or the double bottom line in the case of four or five HO scale model locomotives sold at 500.00 for example, vs. one or possibly two at a high cost! In addition, to the fact, then they can make additional revenue off the upgrades. Which as everyone knows is what will keep them in business longer! Because a more affordable train is better than no train at all, although I do agree.
That a Lionchief product line of the Big Boy would be degrading or cheapening of the iconic status of the Big Boy, the 844, or any of the iconic locomotive engine's that capture our imagination!
Now I will add, that it will also allow more people, to take up the hobby of model trains. Which can only benefit the model train hobby as a whole! This in my perspective, only makes what Eric, or any of the personalities that cover the world of model trains. Much more important, to the health and longevity of the overall model train industry as a whole!
This great! Hope they do some scale geeps
Awesome model, however, I'm a little confused about the ditch lights not being prototypical. They seem to be operating like the prototype to me.
I’ve seen the bn sd60 a couple times in Everett WA at delta yard
nice review!!
I want one so badly
The one complaint I have with Lionel is the sounds don’t compare to mth proto sound 3.0. Even with the rail King. And with the 100 dollar dcs wifi controller and the app it’s hard to beat MTH. The premier and the rail king. I bought 2 railking engines in December last year and traded in all my lionchief plus engines at legacy station for those. And can honestly say it’s a huge difference between the 2. Lionel engines just seem toy like compared to them.
Great video Eric! I have a question though. Your video says the length is 17.5" and the Lionel website says it's 21.5". Is your measurement the accurate one of the two?
I saw wondering the same thing? @ericstrains
These are nice I had 1 preordered until I thought about how it wouldn't run in a lash up with my SD40's so I switched to Legacy.
Very nice!
$500 range is about the range of MTH premier diesel engine. Considering the sound that can not match the MTH engine. But the control and Lionel app is better than MTH control. Hard to decide.
I really wish lionel would make a regular lionchief =NS SD40-2 auto rack set.
Do all lionchief plus engines come with a remote?
I'm just throwing in my two cents here but why would you buy one of these? I mean if you have the money why would you just buy the LionChief version? Like Eric said for $150 less than the regular Legacy version you get this but that's not much of a difference in terms of money. I mean if I had the Legacy command system already or was going to get it at some point I would might as well by the Legacy version then the LionChief version. If it was $200 cheaper than Legacy version then yeah I would probably buy it. But it seems just like a waste of money to buy the LionChief version if you can buy the Legacy version for $150 more.
Well, there's the $150 that a I mentioned. Plus there's sthe $300 it takes to buy the Legacy System. So for someone who is new to the hobby, this gives them a scale model for $450 less than was it would typically cost.
Im just getting into model rail road and my first train i bought was this, but in Union Pacific version. I did some research before i bought a train set. and this was exactly what i was looking for. Amazing detail and easy to use. To me its like plug n play, put the train on the track and just go. I did buy another engine which needed the legacy system , i havent used that engine since i dont have time to learn the legacy system. I will eventually but i work alot and dont have much time on my days off to learn something new.
I hope Lionel makes all engine's with lionchief plus and legacy control system , its a great idea. Thanks for the review. Your channel is awesome.
ericstrains Huh. Never thought about it like that. Thanks Eric!
You should add a small airport on your layout
Hey Eric, can you consider reviewing the scale polar express or just the o gauge polar express it would mean a lot to me and not many people do in depth reviews like you do on these products?
I forgot about this loco
Eric I really want this loco in Conrail paint
Do they still make it in Conrail paint in 2018
Wish they made each engine with lionchief but could be upgraded to legacy
I’m so excited for the 765 Lionel release... just hope I can make the deadline.
They did the 765 a few years ago. I reviewed it. I guess they're doing it again?
I saw your video and that’s what made me want it so much it’s just such an amazing model, they are doing another run with Bluetooth in it.
Looks like the locomotives from the movie "Atomic Train".
very cool.
I would like to see a lion chief plus lionmaster challenger
I think it's a good idea to make a scale LC+ engine although I won't be able to buy any if they can't navigate O-31 curves. I guess that would happen to most LC+ users. Nice review, Eric.
Alberto Salazar ́s life I think they should be able to handle at that degree, I think just a regular lionchief locomotive can if I am correct, but I'm not sure, just wanted to see if I could help
Yeah it should be able to handle it because it can run on normal fastrack or 036 degree fastrack so it's the same thing in other words.
Depends on how sharp your curves are
Vurtle squirtle That's the problem my curves are O-31 and this engine can handle O-36.
That's a bummer, sry about that
BN ditch lights never flashed
The horn on the LC version is better than the legacy one!
I agree
maxrailroad Yes
my names Nolan not ruthan I'm on my GMs iPad. Why the heck does Lionel not make a Lionchief plus SD40? Who does not like them? They would sell great.
How many cars could it pull?
Mine has pulled 20 cars without breaking a sweat and remained constant speed even up a grade
As an idea for an addition to your Lionel Lionchief Plus Scale Burlington Northern SD60M Lionel has a
Burlington Northern 50th MUSA Boxcar and costs about $84.99 on their online store website if you want
to browse google to find a store selling it for a lower price I am okay with it.
I wish I had more than one train, I have the lioncheif polar express
Do you ever go out to Railfan?
To be honest, a Frisco 1522 really would look good on a Lionel catalog.
Well i knew Lionel made one in the nineties, but a newer one with legacy?
Long live the BN
Will you review the Lionchief Berkshire?
Eric, isn't there a Conrail variation of this?
Sure like that caboose.
LionChief Plus Scale USRA Light Pacific maybe?
I'd go in for that.
What of instead of replacing legacy but making lionchief engines like the big boy but making it cheaper.
do you know if you need a piece of track to run these engine
Does anybody know if you can lash up Lionchief diesels? It's just a thought 🤔
No but it would be nice.
If you're a rocket scientist with NASA you could theoretically do it
Not all locomotives have flashing ditch lights. The real BN SD60Ms don't. It's mostly eastern roads that do have them flash.
Isn't LionChief _suposed_ to be the more toylike/cheaper alternative to the regular line? Kinda defeats the purpose if they're going for scale high-detail models in what's essentially the toy range.
I think Lionel is trying to make highly detailed models more affordable, so more people can have realistic looking engines instead of the semi-scale toy-like stuff you normally find in LionChief. I personally think it's a giant leap for this product line, and I hope Lionel does this more!
Looks like Lionel is trying to match the MTH Imperial / Scale Railking line, and Lionel did a great job. If i was still buying Lionel engines I would probably pick this one up.
I would never buy this engine. Keep the LionChief for the lower end.
JonatanGronoset a lot of my opinion is based on cars but I think the attempt is to appeal to those who want the higher end model but can't get it so the optioned out lower "trim model" is the next best option
Lionel needs to consider people who want a highly detailed scale engine, but don't have the money for Legacy or the LCS WiFi system. Things like this keep the company, and the hobby, alive.
Should be able to get a scale train with a remote. And they should offer a universal remote with full legacy features. The extra legacy equipment that they have now is gonna get old fast.
Is the sound good on those Lionchief Plus engines?
Love your reviews but I have always wondered why Sunset 3rd locomotives are not reviewed. Short of brass 2 Rail models, Sunset diesels are the closest to scale that any manufacturer produces. Why not include them?
spdixonme I already answered this same question last week. I like 3rd rail, I just don’t own any...yet. If you want to buy me one, I’ll review it. ;)
Everything that 3rd Rail produces is a built-to-order and extremely limited in numbers, plus much more expensive.
I want one
Can you get a LionChief in a MTH locomotive
If the lion chief plus replaces anything it should be the lion chief
Eric do you think Lionel or MTH will make a F40ph
Julian watkin they already have. MTH multiple times and lionel made one in legacy.
Get the nickel plate road 8100 es44ac heritage unit
... wait it can't run in TMCC?, a system that's been around for 20+ years? that's disappointing. really don't want to be walking around holding multiple remotes when displaying my layout.