Hi Dave!
Thanks for the info, very informative!

I suppose I'm like you, transformer is my style too and that's what my son wants and would prefer. So I guess that's the route we'll go.
I just initially just thought the idea of a remote would maybe be easier to work, especially for a 7yr old but he already has a HO transformer train set and he works That just fine.
Interesting and I didn't know you have to have a lion chief locomotive to use That remote.
On the flip side of that, Is a Lion chef locomotive compatible if you wanted to hookup just a basic transformer???
Thanks again. This website is the best resource for lionel trains!!