Lionel LCS, wifi, iPad App, iCab App, and Sensor track

Hi everyone! This video is showing a running session with some trains using Lionel's LCS (Layout Control Sysytem) wifi module, sensor tracks, iPad App, and the iCab App for iPhone. Enjoy and thank for the comments, and if you have any questions feel free to ask.
Nick-

[@gaminghud7035]

Awesome! Lionel gets better every year!

[@PghTrainFanatic]

They're doing some cool things for sure! Thank you!

[@BobotsTrains]

Great demo of LCS Nick! I like to see that Lionel is moving forward, but I don't want my railroad to be smarter than me. I can see some functionality for these systems, but sometimes I have to step back and ask if there's really a need or purpose for things or is it just technology for technology's sake (or to attract young, techy kids to the hobby). I have been in computers and technology since 1970's and work hard daily to stay relevant in hardware and software, but sometimes I just want to push the handle and make my train go. It's a struggle to have the coolest and latest features but to maintain the simplicity that allows one to "leave the stress of work at the door of the trainroom." No cut on your review, it is excellent and thorough. Just me thinking out loud. Thanks for showing us your setup!

[@PghTrainFanatic]

No doubt Bob this system isn't neccessary to run Lionel's train in command mode. The legacy system alone is fantastic and I still use my cab2 most of the time when I run trains. It reminds me of these newer rc cars that are on the market now that can be controlled by a phone. Or robots I've seen in target. It's just a fun way to attract younger people and take advantage of newer technology. At least Lionel is investing into it I guess lol

[@mjmonjure]

Excellent layout and video! I had the LCS stuff working when it first came out. It was interesting, but not all that sophisticated. Since then I have been finishing out new benchwork and had invested heavily in Atlas track. I've seen a guy on youtube retrofit a piece of Atlas track with the components that he took off of a sensor track. Long story short, I am ramping up the LCS layout and will be experimenting with the section approach that you've already mastered. May be looking for tip or two from you, but should be good to go. Its cool you just grabbed it by the horns and jumped right in very successfully. Beautiful layout too!

[@FrankGrimaldiRR]

Great video showing how it all worked. I do not have Lionel but I have MTH and they will be coming out with a similar setup next year, they said this year but it has slipped to next year. I hope that it is just as good as Lionel, Lionel did a great job with their apps. It appears to work very well and hoping for similar results next year with MTH. You are first one to demo this that I saw and you did a great job. Thanks for sharing.

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Frank, I appreciate the nice compliments! Lionel did a fantastic job on this system. I couldn't agree more with hoping mth does the same! I'm actually looking more forward to the mth system than this Lionel one. I personally just do not love that mth dcs remote or it's functionality. Especially trying to make lashups!

[@kstrains]

Nick Great video about LCS! I like the whistle button with the ability to push Low, Middle, High since that functionality is not available on the CAB-2 remote. Thanks for the demo.

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thanks for the nice comments. I agree, I realized that right before I made the video and it's kinda cool skipping the quilling if you just want a big blast of whistle or horn. Also easier to make two little toots! 🚂

[@guyholloway8677]

That's awesome

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thanks Guy!

[@johnstup4479]

Great demonstration video Nick. Cool way to run your railroad.

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thanks john! It's a neat way to run trains now.

[@richardlindao2343]

Mind blowing!

[@PghTrainFanatic]

😀👍

[@Brickiplier]

i like the app even the new Sensor track.

[@TouchoftheBrushModelWeathering]

Awesome Nick! Looks like a lot if fun!

[@PghTrainFanatic]

It is for sure! Thanks Joey G! Hope you and your family have a nice holiday.

[@byates59]

WOW, Fantastic demonstration Nick!!!!!!!!! It looks like Lionel did a great job with the LCS! It will definitely be incorporated into my next layout. Anyways, thanks for the video bud and have a great one! P.S. the layout is looking awesome as always!

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thank you very much Bill !!! It's defiantly a fun system to use. I think there could be a little tweaking with the iPad app offering more features controlling the trains. But otherwise it's a cool way to run trains for sure! The iCab all for the iPhone is really awesome! Thanks again buddy!

[@trainlover9943]

Awesome demonstration Nick I'm planning on getting the equipment to use it on my layout however I'm going to use a app called bluetrain instead on the Lionel apps because I have a android device

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Hi matt, thanks for the nice comments. I heard blue train only allow users to run in tmcc mode. But nonetheless you'll enjoy running the trains from your phone. Adds a second controller to the layout.

[@chucksmodelrailroad]

Great Video Nick.

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thanks chuck!!

[@Building_America]

Hi Nick, the future of model railroading has arrived at the PIRR!!!!!! The new LCS system you installed adds another dimension to your already perfect layout. All the new features that are now available make your layout even more realistic. I love all the new rolling stock especially the black hawk. Thank you for sharing your Railroad with all of us.

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thank you so much Darren! The LCS system rocks!! And it's defintely the future of o scale model railroading. The flat car with the blackhawk turned out awesome! Thanks for suggesting only things that were awesome!!! Lol. Have a nice thanksgiving my friend! 🍗🍁

[@Steven_Williams]

Great demo! I was just taking a quick glance at the LCS last night. Thanks for the video!

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Cool! Thanks Steve! Hope this video helped in your search for more info. Take care

[@LionelEngineering]

Great demo and video! thanks for taking the time to show the system and your awesome layout. Loved the horseshoe curve segment, too!

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Big thanks to Lionel for this awesome compliment! I appreciate it Rudy! Stop by again for more Lionel train video fun! Take care

[@TrainStory281]

I like the video about the LCS and icab app, that something that you need to learn!

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thank you. Glad this helped!

[@ajmayowskijr]

A lot of good information and lots of fun. Love the cattle cars. I would like to incorporate lcs and sensor track into my layout next year. Good to see you are moving ahead with the PIR.

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thank you so much Al. You're too kind! You'll have to come run trains at the house again in the near future. This is fun! Talk to you soon!

[@racheltgal]

Great video wow what a display

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thank you very much!

[@markboyce5261]

Very nice system! Thank you for making this demonstration video!

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Much appreciated Mark!

[@efitter7]

Great demonstration Nick! This is so cool. Thanks for sharing, Ethan

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thank you Ethan! I appreciate you dropping by and watching. Have a nice holiday.

[@TexasTedS]

Amazing layout and a great demonstration! Lionel itself should make more videos like this!!

[@Chessie1985]

Great review on the new system Nick!

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thanks Jeff! Have a nice thanksgiving! 🍗

[@Chessie1985]

Your welcome!! You too Nick!

[@harryk.6358]

The iPhone app seems better than the iPad. It looks more user friendly.

[@toddszymanski6608]

LCS looks like a great system. Really nice layout and detail work!

[@TrainStory281]

I've never use an LCS app on the ipad before! But, i will try it out on LCS app on ipad.

[@escape150]

Very informative video Nick. Looks like it works very well. I can't wait until MTH comes out with theirs in February

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thanks for the nice compliments Ron! I'm also really looking forward to MTH's wireless system. I kinda hate the dcs remote. I'll probably only run mth engines from my phone or iPad once it's out. Talk to you later. Have a nice thanksgiving! 🍗🍂🍁

[@Cfox2000]

I love your layout and the attention to detail. I have a large layout myself. But have spent a lot of money in current CAB2 and current TMCC Engines. In your opinion do you think that this is something that I can use ... I am 35 this is my hobby buy an engine a year if I am lucky so I really want to invest in good decision on my layout, lol.... I have two Legacy engines and I love the CAB2 system and plan to slowly grow.... but Wifi now? should I go Wifi?.... I don't even own an Ipad..I am still Android.

[@N182NS]

Great demo on the new LCS system Nick. How much does this system cost?

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thanks Nick. The system can vary depending on which equipment you choose. To run the apps the only piece of hardware you would need is the wifi module. From a good hobby shop you should be able to get that for around 125. The sensor track range from 70-99 again depending on where you find them. There's also some cables you would need along with that too. Visit Lionel's website or watch their engineering video to learn about all the neccesasrry cables needed. Thanks!

[@TheSteamKing]

Ha that ending threw me off great video Nick!

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thank you very much! 🐮moo! Lol

[@MrFogmang27]

Always like stopping by. Your always up to something. Very nice demo.

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thanks for stopping by and being a loyal fan! 👍

[@Ericstrains]

Great Video!

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Thanks Eric! I would imagine you'll be putting the LCS system to work on your great layout as well. Just be careful with all those open houses and kids coming in and jumping on your wifi and taking control of YOUR trains!! Lol 😜

[@Ericstrains]

PghTrainFanatic We should get together at some point and compare notes on LCS. I'm not in love with the LCS ipad app, but that icab app seems to really be where it's at.

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Sure, shoot me an email sometime and we can chat whenever. It's: [e-mail]

[@rickhayes]

Fantastic video and layout!! Will the iCab app run on an iPad? I've not been able to get a good answer. Thanks in advance!!

[@keithm5224]

The App Store lets you download iPhone apps on the iPad but sometimes they don't work as well as they do on the iPhone since they weren't made for iPad

[@Thunder_Ridge_Railroad]

do you have to have the Legacy Base and then the iPad acts as a visual interface for that, or are you able to switch your turnouts with just the parts you have listed?

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Have to have the legacy base

[@andrewkollarik2924]

Where did you get the Blast furnace ? Also how did you hook up the wifi ?

[@BatmanAD]

Where can u get that

[@K9Nick811GAMES]

Can this run older legacy engines?

[@maxrailroad]

Do you need a sensor track to have the iPhone systems?

[@PghTrainFanatic]

No, you could run the iPhone and iPad apps with just the wifi module. The sensor tracks connect to the module for more features and enjoyment of the LCS system. Thanks! 👍

[@maxrailroad]

PghTrainFanatic Oh, so if you have a sensor track, you can have those automatic crew sounds. Can you make the yard with the iPad and program your track?

[@billrundell2097]

How do we connect the locomotive ID to the number 37? or How to get the number 37 to run the locomotive? . Same question for a track accessory to a touch pad ?

[@keithm5224]

From what I understand, you can only program engines using the handheld remote

[@trainroomgary]

Hi Nick • My layout is not Fast Track, will the Lionel LCS WiFi work on a non - Fast Track layout.? I can not use sensor track. What do you think would be my set up options.? Thanks • Cheers from The Detroit & Mackinac Layout.

[@PghTrainFanatic]

You can run wifi on any Lionel layout but it work off of the legacy system so you would need the Lionel legacy control system and legacy or tmcc locomotives. Hope that helps Gary!

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Also you could use the sensor track if you got the tradition pieces of Fastrack to be compatible with whatever track system you currently use. You'd have like a 10" section of fastrack

[@trainroomgary]

PghTrainFanatic Thanks, It helps.

[@58Crood]

Are you using the LCS Ser2 to connect MTH's DCS into your layout along with Lecacy? Thanks for the great video and info.

[@PghTrainFanatic]

Here's the setup I'm using. From the back of the legacy base the wifi module connects to the base. From there the serial cables go out to the first sensor track which is then daisy chained with more cables to the other sensor tracks. The mth dcs system is connected to the layout, but has nothing to do with thisLionel wifi system.

[@58Crood]

Nick, The reason why I asked is because the Ser2 can be used to add DCS to the layout. It shows in the user manual for Ser2.

[@mopac1851]

i am waiting for lionel to make an app for android like icab there is bluetrain but that is only capable of running locomotives in TMCC and doesn't include the features like preset railroad speeds and quilling horn and the speed graph i think it would be cool if they made a computer program like the LCS app that you could run on a laptop or any computer with WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity

[@PghTrainFanatic]

I don't disagree with the idea for a computer program. Seems people these days are choosing their tablets over the computers though lol

[@mopac1851]

PghTrainFanatic i don't even own a tablet but i do have a fairly nice laptop

[@leandrobuenogarcia1313]

Really nice your video! Now a question! As you put the track sensor in your layout? For my layou is also Fastrack! Congratulations on the video and the LSC!

[@PghTrainFanatic]

The sensor tracks are sold by Lionel. You can visit their website to learn more. Thank you!

[@leandrobuenogarcia1313]

PghTrainFanatic Yes, Ok ! But How did you install the sensor in the track? Did you have to cut the track or is there another way to install it without changing the track ? Thanks !

[@PghTrainFanatic]

no. its a specially made piece of fastrack that already has the sensor built into it.In order to use the sensor track you would have to also buy the wifi module though. But, that would allow you to run the legacy engines with an iphone or ipad. also note* the sensor track only works with newer legacy engines equipped with a small infared sensor under the fuel tank or tender. :)

[@SouthEastRailfan]

Hopefully no cows were harmed in the making of this video

[@PghTrainFanatic]

🐮!! 📢 🚂🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌

[@TobyPasman]

Lionel probably packaged an LCS sensor track with your Vision Line Big Boy.

[@dougswetman6177]

how mane trains are you runing

[@PghTrainFanatic]

doug swetman the system can run up to 99 trains

[@camoking270]

Anyone from MA???