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Author Topic: Dead LionChief Controller  (Read 2559 times)

dcross9

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Dead LionChief Controller
« on: April 11, 2015, 08:19:04 pm »
Hi,
I bought a Lionel Scout Remote Train set 6-30183 with LionChief controller from an open-box store. The set appeares to almost new. When I put batteries in the LionChief controller, nothing happens - the red LED does not light. Anybody have any troubleshooting tips? Is there a way to run the locomotive without the LionChief? If I can't get the LionChief working, is there a market for the train without the controller?
Thanks in advance for any information or suggestions.

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TrainLarry

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Re: Dead LionChief Controller
« Reply #1 on: April 11, 2015, 08:59:19 pm »
Welcome to the forum!
If you have installed new batteries into the remote and turned on the power button and the red light does not come on, and it does not operate the train, then the remote is probably defective.

There is no way to operate the train without the remote without modifying the locomotive.

If the set is under warranty, then you need to contact Lionel and request a repair or exchange of the faulty remote.

If the set is not under warranty, then you will need to purchase another remote specifically for that set. All LionChief remotes are different and not interchangeable, except between identical locomotive types.

Larry

dcross9

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Re: Dead LionChief Controller
« Reply #2 on: April 11, 2015, 09:32:39 pm »
I have done everything you suggested and the LionChief remote is still dead. Where can I buy a replacement? I looked on Lionel's website and did not find any.

TrainLarry

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Re: Dead LionChief Controller
« Reply #3 on: April 11, 2015, 11:07:48 pm »

Call Lionel and see if they will replace the remote under warranty, as this is a new set.
The remotes are not cataloged separately, as they are matched to a specific locomotive type, and have to be ordered directly from Lionel.

Give Lionel service a call, tell them you have a dead remote, and give them your set number 6-30183 and locomotive type 2-4-2 to get the proper remote.

Larry

rogruth

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Re: Dead LionChief Controller
« Reply #4 on: April 15, 2015, 11:19:34 pm »
Larry,

Do you know if this is a common problem or if there are any common problems with LionChief locos?

I have seen on various forums that the LionChief concept is either the savior or the ruination of Lionel.

Do you have an opinion?

I do not have a local hobby shop and have never seen a LionChief loco. There is a train show in Savannah,GA
in January but no dealer had one. One dealer told me he would not stock them but would order if requested.

TrainLarry

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Re: Dead LionChief Controller
« Reply #5 on: April 16, 2015, 12:26:53 am »
Your problem with a dead remote is the only one I have read about so far.
Dead or malfunctioning trains new out of the box is not uncommon. Many problems are traced to changes in manufacturing and quality control issues in the far east.

Since you bought your train set open box, the set may have been sold and returned with or because of, the dead remote.

My opinion on LionChief/LionChief Plus is that it is good for Lionel. These sets get newcomers into the field of remote control Lionel trains at an attractive price without needing to purchase additional equipment like the Legacy system needs. Since everything today is remote control, the system is attractive to young children, allowing them to be interested in and operate trains they might not otherwise be interested in.

Dealers will probably not stock any spare remotes, as there are different remotes for different locomotive types, ie. Camelback, Hudson, Pacific, Mikado, Scout, FT, GP20, NW2, RS-3. Each set or separate sale locomotive will have its' own remote, and spares will need to be ordered directly from the factory, as you have been told. I doubt you will find a remote for separate sale at a show or any dealer.

Larry

 

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