Running LionChief Locomotives on an All Conventional Layout
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- Learn how to operate LionChief and LionChief Plus locomotives on an all conventional train layout. Video describes conventional train operation and integrating LionChief locomotives for simultaneous seamless operation.
In this video you will learn how to create electrically isolated sidings to allow operation of multiple conventional locomotives on one loop of track and how Lionel's newest control system LionChief integrates into a conventional environment seamlessly! Hosted by Mike Reagan and John Bickford.
It's great to see that Lionchiefs runs at the same voltage as the digital trains. It's also nice to find that the Lionel transformer runs at 18 volts when wide open. This allows conventional and digital to run on the same layout without any adapters.
I'm so glad I saw this video. I recently purchased a Lionel LionChief Plus 2.0 Halloween engine and coal tender. I only have the CW-80 transformer to run the train and it was Ok but not great. If I slow the train down the accessory lights dim or don't work properly. Anyway, after watching this video I thought about getting the remote but then I remembered there is an app as well. I downloaded the app to my phone and connected it to the engine and turned the transformer on full power and voila! I can control the train from my phone and even if I slow the train down the accessories stilln perform as they should because the track is getting full power from the transformer. I'm pretty much a novice at this so to some this may seem obvious or simple but to me I am totally stoked!
Lionelchief is awesome. Less wiring and easy to use and function.
Buddy Long agreed, my biggest pet peeve of trains is the wiring.
Wow this great! I just bought my son the Lion Chief Santa’s Helper Set And didn’t think it would work on conventional- this great to know - I am going to hopefully buy myself my own Lion Chief Set!
That's why I love Lionchief so much! Saves so much wiring! Now I may get a switch to turn the power on and off to look more realistic, but it's still awesome you don't have to worry about wiring!
WalterM52
WalterM529 YEEEESSSSS I hate wiring
One big advantage of running LionChief with a transformer (instead of the fixed DC voltage "Wallpack" supply provided in LionChief sets) is that you can set a maximum speed. LionChief engines will run pretty fast at 18 VAC. I tested engines for a museum children's display and could get them to run about 60 scale miles per hour maximum at 16 VAC. Here are some test results: For a LionChief 6-84719 SF Diesel - 14 VAC: 39 mph, 16 VAC: 57 mph, 18 VAC: 70 mph, 20 VAC: 78 mph. For a LionChief 6-84725 SP Steam Engine: 14 VAC: 45 mph, 16 VAC: 63 mph, 18 VAC: 78 mph, 20 VAC: 78 mph. Much below 14 VAC and the diesel wouldn't move. The steam engine would still run as low as 10 VAC where it was 24 mph. And the steam engine wouldn't go faster than 78 mph even with increased voltage. So the engines didn't behave identically, but had a similar maximum speed at 16 volts. You can also easily lower the track voltage if using the "Wallpack" DC supply. I found that engines ran faster with the Wallpack than even 20 VAC from a transformer. (104 mph with the Wallpack! The steam engine maxed out at 70 mph.) You can simply wire diodes in series with a power wire to the track to drop voltage. Each diode drops about 0.6V. I found that 4 diodes in series produced about the same speed as a transformer set to 16 VAC. 3 amp diodes are sufficient, but I used 10 amp for a lot of extra margin. Of course, different engines may vary in how they perform.
Great explanation for us novices with older, post war traditional systems.
Great video! Just bought my son his 1st Lionchief set 🚂
What I thought you would show and it is possible but a little weird is a analog/traditional/conventional train running from the transformer controls and a LionChief using the LionChief controller. It can be done but not with full control, but with enough control that the two can be used on the same track. The problems are any time the conventional train needs to stop the LionChief will stop, but what you can do an that is once the traditional one is running at at least 1/2 or higher of the transformer control now you can run your LionChief on the same power system and one the same track with some careful talent.
Also as others have commented; using a conventional transformer can limit the speed of the train and it will still work on a lower voltage setting, great way to control it from amateur train operators.
Lionchief is a great system, it's way cheaper the legacy and it has fun features
InsightAbe05 yes, I enjoy the remote control at a cheap price
@@VarietyEntertainmentStudios Yes, if you are only interested in controlling the locomotive. No switch control!
15:01 guy on left side, “You turned my train off.”
I run a Lionel 671 Turbine engine from 1949 at the same time I run my LionChief 421 0-8-0. The lionchief wants 18 volts primarily so the smoke works, but it will run at 7 volts all- be-it slowly. I have to hold the voltage down because the Turbine will go to fast at 18 volts. If it stays on the track at all. The neat part is that when I have young visitors I remove the Turbine and set the transformer at about 12 - 15 volts and let the kids run the LionChief engines without supervision. At 12 to 15 volts the kids can't run them at full speed and run them off the track.
Excellent information! The UP unit is actually a GP39-2. No big deal, but I wanted to point that out for the new guys and gals.
I have the exact same problem that you mentioned with lioncheif and conventional. Thank you.
Railroad Million I also had that problem, and this video helped me better understand also
One of the great features of American Flyer turnouts is the one train or two train operation switch. In the two train mode, the current availability follows ONLY THE SELECTED DIRECTION. The current is turned off on the unselected direction. I’ve been using this feature for decades, creating holding tracks/spurs for unused engines or even trains. It’s unfortunate the Fastrack product doesn’t have this feature. After all, Lionel owns the patent if it’s still in force.
I find LionChief as the Budget Version of the Classic TMCC and Legacy systems. Sure the sounds are not the best in the LionChief system when compared to the Legacy and the superb TMCC sounds but if you got a tight budget, LionChief doesn't steer you wrong, just wish that the sounds were better.
SteamKing2160 yes I agree. Can't afford legacy, but I will probably by lion chief soon I can get remote control
The sounds sounds the same to me. Lol 😊
Great video. I've got a lot to learn and re-learn. Used to be only conventional.
Thank you! Love Lion Chief.
omg that means i can run this on old lionel layouts
As long as your conventional transformer puts out 18VAC to power up the Lionchief locomotives
Great informative video. Having a conventional starter Christmas set plus a lot of add on track (about 40 ft) I was wondering how to, or if to make the leap to FastTrack and Lion Chief type control or Legacy or other. I did figure that perhaps the conventional transformer may be compatible in some way to Lion Chief This video proves it is. Thanks for posting.
Thank you for the video.
Would I would like to know is how to run a conventional train at the same time as a Lionchief train in the same track. (Not having one on a side track with the power cut off) I think that’s what people get annoyed about. And no, it’s not so simple to just go out and buy more lionchief trains. I think I’m SOL.
Can't be done, except with the conventional engine parked on a powered off siding.
I know what you are saying. They skipped the whole point people want to hear addressed. I run a conventional loco and a Lionchief on the same powered track at the same time very often. Step 1: both on the track and ready to go. 2. power up the track using an adjustable powersupply (a conventional transformer with a lever or a powermaster/tpcc type control of a transformer output). 3. Get the conventional loco going as you want...the Lionchief is just sitting there waiting. 4. Power up the Lionchief. 5. There you go...the two are both running. Yeah, I know the conventional is sorta a zombie, but I can control the speed with the transformer lever/powermaster/tpcc and adjust the Lionchief speed with its remote. What I do is let the conventional run, walk around throwing switches and changing its route and my co-engineer with the Lionchief has to make sure we don't collide! It is fun to do with a friend or even with just myself on the Lionchief remote.
just to confirm, my Lionchief Hogwarts Express, which came with a DC wallpack, will also run on a conventional AC Power supply like the one shown here, correct?
After 65 years of collecting Lionel trains I find that the new versions are junk just some slapped together crap with the cheapest materials that they could find
I am a completely clueless with this. I have two locomotives from different build. When a locomotive from Build B is placed on the track but using the transformer from build A, the train slips, it seems like its the transformer is throwing out too much power. My son wants two locomotives to run on the same track, going the same direction. Any helpf is appreciated
The five who disliked use MTH 🤣🤣🤣
Variety Entertainment yea the smart people
Well now 10 people who are MTH fans *cough* My dad
I use both
Variety Entertainment hey I love MTH but I also love Lionel
untrue, its whatever butters your biscuit. Their both goos, but MTH uses more power
are AC conventional transformers safe to run with Lionchief? I hear so much about Transiant voltage suppression diodes needed to protect current surges from burning out the boards? I didn't hear anything about this in your presentation?
Isn't the lion chief D.C. And the conventional A.C.? Is that supposed to work?
LionChief is DC (I think AC as well), the conventional, legacy, and TMCC are AC. LionChief Plus can run on DC and AC.
Where can i get the on off switches?
Great video! Question, if you set the transformer to 18 volts wouldn't the conventional train run at full speed?
Michael Collins yes, but not if the siding is turned off, which it was in the video
So you can’t run a LionChief locomotive using a transformer but WITHOUT the remote for it?
I have cw80 transformer. How did you have it plugged into power port? What cable please? Thank you. The tracks with accessories wire seems too high a gauge? Like 22 or something?
Is the Lion Chief system just a cheaper means than the DCC system?
so they did not run a conventional engine at the same time as a Lionchief engine. Is that because it does not work? Wouldn't the conventional be full power while the Lionchief is on the line?
Brad Powell not if you turn the siding off, as they did in the video
Brad Powell That is true. The drawback is you cannot / should not run Lion Chief on the main line at the same time as conventional or vice versa. Seems the Lion Chief works best with the conventional transformer at full. Your conventional trains need that transformers variable output to control its speed and direction. Not the case for Lion Chief.
I would like an bachomann train set for Christmas.
Is there a way to bypass the remote board and just run a Lionchief with a conventional transformer ?
Mine almost halts to a stop around the corner at 30 on the transformer am I just stupid or is there some wrong
Why on earth didn't you folks at Lionel make the remote where you can turn the engine totally off? Who wants to keep switching off/on the spur(s)? Was that an oversight?
worldsgreatestride module raillways
worldsgreatestride Not an oversight, just the fact that lionchief has different priorities than last remote controls.
Nice, nice, nice...
Can I run three Lionel chef locomotives in an oval, length 15 ft, and two sidings on a 80w transformer?
Ye
Hello Sir ,
I would like to know what is the difference between Lion Chief and Lion Chief Plus?
Thank you for your time
Sincerely
Allan
So with Lioncheif, it is the same as plus, but Lioncheif plus's have more features
Lion chif plus has more features like remote control couplers to couple and uncouple through the remote
Wanted to add that lionchief plus can be controlled using the conventional transformer as well as the lionchief plus remote, but basic lionchief cannot be controlled or move with (but can be powered by) a conventional transformer, and must be controlled by the lionchief remote.
Do you have a video on how to hook up the on-off switch you use to turn on-off the siding? I can't figure out what kind of switch that is, or how you have it wired up to cut power to the track. I would like to do this with my Lion Chiefs. Thanks.
Covered in the video. fast forward to 16:50.
Thank you!!
I would like an bachomann train locomotive engine set for Christmas.
this is a lionel video
What's the Lionel part number for those switches to turn the power to the sidings off and on?
Where can I buy those switches?
I’d like to run my Train(s) on a circle without putting one away
Is there a danger in not operating the LionChief set at full throttle? I recently acquired a Santa Claus handcar (ca. 1989). I want to run on the same loop as my lionchief, but opening it up all the way means that the handcar runs much faster (louder) than I want to run the train. It seems to work fine at about half throttle, but I'm basically a train novice. Thanks.
Is there a way to turn off the chugging sound and run silent with a LionChief Pennsylvania Flyer that is track powered by an old conventional 80W transformer?
Grandson has 4 LionChief sets, they all have switches on the engine, one for chug and one for smoke, on or off
Hey. I just wanted to ask a question about my cw-80 and train. So it was this day where I started to drive my subway train, then suddenly, My train stopped moving and shut down, and at that same moment, the cw-80's light was blinking, and my train hasn't turned on since then. Do you know what caused this, or if the problem is the cw-80, or the train itself? You are probably gonna ask if the tracks get power. That answer is yes. It's just that now the train won't turn on. I mean sometimes before this happened, I had to knock on the transformer for the train to get full power. Btw, I have an MTH r142a with protosound 3.0
It sounds like you have a short somewhere, somehow. If you have any other trains I'd see what happens when you try to run it. If it runs, the problem is in the other train, if not, something's up with your power pack or track
Does Lionel make O gauge 3 rail fast track o27 curve? Why not?
They do, sorta, but now it's a 031 curve. For whatever reason, they didn't produce Fastrack in a true 027. The 031 is close enough, though, for what ever you need to do in a smaller radius.
Hello I have a new problem with Lionel and I'm hoping you folks can help me with this situation. First of all I would like to know if Lionel has ever heard of a system called Automated Arduino Block Signal System? It's used so you can run your Trains Individually so when the Trains enter a Block and there's another train inside of the block, the Block Signal System takes over and slows the train down and waits for the Track to Clear.
Does this make any sense at all?
As long as the Track is clear the train can move to the next Block just like the real Trains do on a daily basis.
Thank you for your time
Sincerely
Allan
Great video is there a way to run two trains on the same track without the siding? or do i have to buy a train with a remote?
Two conventional non-remote trains on same track? If you like prewar, check out Lionel Magic Electrol locomotives. They use the DC voltage typically used on the horn to instead change direction. That said, be warned these are pretty rare and old.
Yes. They glossed over this subject by saying that it requires special wiring. It does require that and it is slightly complicated. So it will require some knowledge of AC electricity and switching it.
If "buy a train with a remote" means any version of Lionchief or Legacy then, yes, that would be a simpler (from a plug and play viewpoint) than doing it with a conventional locomotive.
How do you put the cows in the Lionell’s vision light stock court three pack
I'm wanting to put my train set away but am not sure how to take the track apart. I don't want to just start pulling the pieces, I'm afraid I'll break it. I had a handyman put it together. The manual doesn't address this. Can you help? Thank you
Just carefully pull each track section apart using each hand on each of the 2 track sections that you are disassembling
What is an E unit?
Does Lionel have a tool kit for fixing Lionel track or is one recommended?
So Lionel, off topic question. If a locomotive description says Min curve 31 or Min curve 27, that engine should run on any curve above that like O36 or O48, correct? We didn't have stamped curves on our old tracks lol
Exactly!
Just an FYI the old tubular "O" guage track is the current day 036 Fastrack. The numbers actually refer to the diameter, in inches, of a semi-circle of that particular track.
@@thomasgray1717 The old tubular is 027 or 031, not 036!
in a previous video it indicates that you only need one ground wire thru out the layout to run multiple loops, different locomotives. Is that right meaning connect independent loops to one ground wire?
Yes. Conventional has always worked that way. The only catch is that, if all of the loops are not powered by the same transformer (power supply), you must make sure that all transformers are in phase.
Okay, let me simplify what the Old School Guys want is the ability to switch off the lion chief function and be able to run a lion chief locomotive in a conventional mode without having to pay the extra cost of a lion chief plus locomotive.
They can do that now with the newer LionChief Plus. Great new feature.
@@thomasgray1717 You totally missed his point. He said: "without having to pay the extra cost of a lion chief plus locomotive."
Can anyone provide me the product number for the power cable going between the CW-80 and the 6-37110? I need that power supply cable, unable to locate. Thanks!
can one use old style tubular track? thanks in advance .
Please use lavaliers next time, otherwise it sounds so cheap (guess your product isn't).
can you run lionchief locomotives on a lionel conventional cw 30 transformer as well? since the regular lionchief locos dont have it?
CW30 or CW 80 will work equally well. They will both produce 18 volts of power. The 80 simply produces more wattage which allows for more accessories and more locomotives at the same time.
What is the 2nd engine you put on? I really like it
Marcel Jeannin II Lionel RS3 Locomotive
Could I just get a regular on and off switch and hook it up to my track like that or do i need special one?
Nothing special required. Any SPST switch will work.
@@charlesmartin351 would any regular light switch would work also ?
I had two locomotives with the 80 and destroyed the power unit.
19:20 that switch barley moves for the size of the black plastic peace
My hobby shop told me i can't run lionchief with a transformer, that it only can be ran with the lionchief remote it cones with or the lionchief APP??
You can run a LionChief engine off the AC power from a transformer, but you'll have to set the throttle to full and control the engine with the LionChief remote that comes with your locomotive or the smartphone app. You can't run the locomotive directly from the transformer's speed control.
@@Closet_Jedi does it have to be set at full power?? I have an MRC dual 027 transformer thats 270watts
@@myrtistaylor5759 if memory serves, those old MRC transformers should put out 17 to 18 volts AC at max throttle, which is where you want to be. Over 18 volts can be bad for the loco's electronics. The wattage won't hurt it though, that tells you how much power the transformer can supply to the tracks and any accessories you have connected to it.
@@Closet_Jedi if i set the lionchief remote to full couldn't i just use the transformer to control speed? Cause i do the way you said it dosint sound like i can run conventional engines with it cause if the transformer is at full then the other engines would be out of control
@@myrtistaylor5759 you won't be able to run a conventional engine on the same track with the LionChief loco at the same time. You'd have to park one on a siding where you're able to cut the power while you run the other engine.
I like Lionel steam locomotives toys and cars old toys. toys r us.
I am going to a steam locomotive engine museum hoppie show.
Can't run multiple conventionals on the same line? SMH. They've had that since the 30's with "Magic Electrol" locos! Would be a fun hack to do on a postwar switcher someday.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🚂
The poor Lionel Scout locomotive gets no respect--it's used only to be crushed in a three-way collision! I would remind you Lionel folks that the Scout is the only model train locomotive ever to open a Broadway play--the 1951 musical "Flahooley.". The Scout succeeded where the 736 Berkshire, the GG1, and the F3 all failed miserably. :-)
"Buy some trains. Buy some LIONEL trains."
I would....if you went back to simple products like an RS-3 with single can motor and e-unit for $80. Don't need all the fancy electronics. and don't get me started on the raised prices just for Bluetooth. god, what a retarded idea. Us young people can't afford $300+ for a 'starter set' or single engine. This is why I only buy used post-war trains and fix them up.
Same goes for fast track. screw it. I'll spend $30 on craigslist for a box of old o-27 track and clean it up. fast track is just WAY to expensive per piece.
Lionel is going to price themselves out of business in 10 years unless they can make it more affordable for younger generation to get started with the hobby.
Ennex dude they have been in business for 115 years, they are being supported by Disney so they can make Disney products and they have millions of people buying their products, prices for model trains have been high since the 70s and it ain't just Lionel who have expensive trains, MTH, KATO, Bachmann, any of them have high prices, Lionel also has ready to play sets that go from 40 to 100 dollars and they also have Thomas the tank engine sets, they go for 100 to 175 dollars, they aren't the least concerned if you can't pay for their products, not one bit because they are a business that makes model trains that in the end gives them money. You a young most likely freeloading millennial really think they will go out of business in 10 years, really? Are you that dense and dumb, god this country used to actually educate kids like you before Obama became president and made everything be PC and all about safe spaces. But really they are not going out of business because of high prices.
the polar express
your back up service is crap i bought a loco from the usa and the motor was sceaming its head off so i took it to bits to lubricate the motor that was fixed next thing that happened the wire link between the loco and the tender snapped off - i sent a message to the people i bought it from in the usa i was not going to pay 50 dollars to send it back - so the company said they were not a main dealer so he put me in touch with a main dealer i said what happened he wanted the loco number from the box - i sent it to him and he sent the diagram back for the loco and they did not match - but i bought the lead that fits to the tender but it does not connect to the loco as they are loose wires - its now dead in the box 300 dollars down the drain
|||
(|||) I imagine station within 4D access 🌀
|||
I am going to NY City on train world. then
A CAUTION to all! Older Lionel transformers do not have the same, instantaneous power cut-off technology, that stops power to the track in the event of a derailment or a short circuit, as all the newer transformers and LionChief power supplys. With the older transformers, if a short circuit occurs while operating a LionChief locomotive, you have the significant possibility of damaging the very sensitive circuit board. This can render your LionChief locomotive inoperable or damage circuitry that contols other functions, such as sounds. A very costly error!
Thomas, thanks for the tip! Can you clarify what you mean by older transformer? Do you mean pre-war? Thanks!
@@michaelstawnychy6255 Hey Michael. No, it's not just the prewar transformers that are dangerous. Most Lionel post-war transformers also pose problems and may cause damage to Lionchief locomotives in the event of a short circuit or derailment. This is not to say you cannot use the older models, you just run a MUCH higher risk of damaging your Lionchief locomotive. The first Transformers that would not be a problem are the CW models (ie. CW-40, CW-80). Those are easily identified by the large orange throttle handle mounted on the right side. Tom
LionChief is crap unless they are the Bluetooth ones
I can't believe you guys get paid to make these videos! lucky ducks!
Stop Saying "SO"!!!!!!!!!!!