Correct, you just load up the app and find the locomotive. I'll be testing that when my H10 comes in.

 

I ordered a SD70ACE and was hoping that is the case. That was a major factor that pulled me from going with the MTH...

 

Yep, I think Lionel slipped one in on MTH with the BT addition. It remains to be seen how well it works, I'll be able to do some testing in a few weeks, the H10's are supposed to be "on the water" now.

 

I don’t think mine is supposed to come in until mid-December.

 

the only issue some folks in san digeo have found is the distant from the phone to the engine. if more then about 6 to 8 feet the engine stops because the Bluetooth does not have any more distance then that. if you follow the engine around no issue. our layout is 42 x 44 feet.

 

Hopefully that isn’t the case... Lol, I’d hate to have to put my phone on a flatcar and let it ride with my train. I guess MTH may not be out of the game yet.

 

I don't think you get all bells and whistles with Blue tooth like Legacy. As far as distance I'll have to check that on my new Scale Polar Express engine.

 

Please share what you find, Bob.

 

Like you I have some Legacy engines with Bluetooth on order. But I also have 2 LionChief+ engines with Bluetooth. I wish I had a problem like a 40'+ layout! However, I use the app all the time and with the LC+ engines I've never had a single instance of it losing signal. I just experimented by stepping back as far as I could on the opposite side of the room while my engine was on the far side of the layout. That's approximately 25 feet. No effect. I think GRJ is right. I expect this is a game changer and MTH was caught napping. Time will tell.

 

I’m really glad to hear that, beachhead. Thanks for sharing and putting me a bit at ease. I wonder if large layouts running a bunch of accessories on different levels may also factor in? I remember watching one of Eric Segal’s videos about large layouts on varying levels needing to run an extra grounded wire between levels to get rid of interference. Maybe that would affect distance? I’m just guessing here.

 

If you only get 6-8 feet, my guess is you have some signal interference. Even early BT could do better than that.

 

I will stay with the CAB2 (the grandkids like using it) and the iCab app.

 

What's this? I'm a newbie.

 

It's the full Legacy command control system, the CAB2 is the remote.

 

Thanks, gunrunner. I've read a lot about that vs. the MTH system. I guess I just wasn't up on the names. So many components to getting a layout going!

 

My main experience with bluetooth is with motorcycle headsets. They transmit well over a 1/4er mile so its not the technology that is limiting distance. Interference or shielding I suspect could be the problem.

Pete

 

I just tried running my LionChief Plus Berkshire with my smartphone. My train room is 10'9" x 20'4" and I had no problem controlling the locomotive. I went outside the room to see how far I could go before I lost contact with the locomotive. I was about 20' from the train room when I lost contact. I don't know if bluetooth is affected by walls and electrical wiring but there was a wall with wires in it between me and the locomotive.

 

All this talk is making me want my engine to get here sooner. Going to be a long few weeks for me haha

 

Runnikee, which Lionel model # are you waiting on?

 

SD70ACE. I wouldn’t mind an ES44 either. Norfolk Southern black and white standard colors.

 

Gotcha. Which Lionel Model # is the SD70ACe? There are a couple NS in this year's catalog: 6-85055 & 6-85056. Is it one of those?

 

Lionel 6-85055 is the one I’m waiting on. Like I said, I’d go for an ES44 too, but the dealer said they weren’t getting any of those.

 

I wonder if it will be possible to retrofit legacy, TMCC and Conventional engines of the past, with today's Bluetooth technology without it costing an arm and a leg. Anyone have a sense of this possibility?

Emile

 

Anyone have a sense of this possibility?

Emile

I don't but I'd love to know too. That would be fantastic.

 

Well if they do enjoy, I'll stay with my Cab2.

 

I was hoping to try it with my Vision Niagara but I don't find the app for my old iPad. I find Lionel LCS but not Lionchief. Can anyone confirm if the app works on an iPad? If so I assume my iOs is just too old.

Pete

 

Pete, it does work with the iPad. I checked mine and the iOS version is 12.0.1. Is that what you have?

 

Its an iPad 3 running 9.3.5. I can't update to a newer version. At least I know the problem but for you smart device fans this is going to be an issue. Having to replace your device every few years to use the latest software.

Pete

 

Yeah, that stinks. After using both, I've decided that dedicated remotes are better than phones/tablets. I'm still bullish on Bluetooth but I want a remote. Probably because 99% of what I do is very basic: speed, volume, smoke, bell, horn. A simple remote like the LC+ is better for that IMO.

 

Most smart devices are garbage and aren’t designed to last more than a few years, so they’ll probably be replaced anyhow unfortunately. I know my new iPad isn’t built as my old one.