Lionel LionChief

Name: Lionel LionChief
Rating: 3.4554455 (508 reviews)
Author: Lionel, LLC

By: Lionel, LLC App

Control all Lionel Bluetooth Locomotives

Overview

Google Play Store

Downloads

74,770 ▲ 101

Data as of 2026-08-31

Rating:

3.46

(508)

Version:

2.6.35

Last updated: 2026-01-29

Ranking

#250,893 ▼ 637

Overall

Features & Capabilities

The Lionel LionChief App empowers train enthusiasts to control their Lionel Bluetooth-enabled locomotives directly from their Android devices. Compatible with LionChief, LionChief Plus, LionChief+2.0, FlyerChief, and newer Legacy BLE models, the app offers an intuitive interface where users can select and control multiple trains by matching icons to their locomotive's appearance.

Beyond the standard hardware remote controls, this app enhances your experience with features like individual volume adjustments, customizable bell and whistle pitch settings, remote smoke activation, speed limits, momentum control, and more. For a detailed tutorial on installation and usage, watch the how-to video. Transform your model train operation with this versatile and user-friendly app.

User Growth & Download Statistics

App

By:

Downloads:

Rating:

Version:

2.6.35 Last updated: 2026-01-29

Version code:

Creation date:

2017-10-12

Publisher country:

Permissions:

android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION Very high risk
android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION Very high risk
android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO Very high risk
android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE High risk
android.permission.STORAGE High risk
android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE High risk
android.permission.BLUETOOTH Moderate risk
android.permission.BLUETOOTH_ADMIN Moderate risk
android.permission.BLUETOOTH_CONNECT Moderate risk
android.permission.BLUETOOTH_SCAN Moderate risk

Size:

19.03MB

Email:

ta*****@lionel.com

URLs:

Website ,Privacy policy

Full description:

Source:

Google Play Store

Data ingested on:

2026-08-31

Compare stats and ranking:

Ranking

# 250,893 ▼ 637

Other platforms

Lionel LionChief (v1.4.6)

3.60

(284)

For Developers

Monetize with App Pass Boost with Extension Booster

Contact the developer

Chrome-Stats does not own this Android app. Please use these information below to contact the Android app developer.

Developed by:

Lionel, LLC

Google Play Store

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lionel.lionchief

Email:

ta*****@lionel.com

Website:

http://www.lionel.com

User Reviews

While Lionel LionChief app provides good locomotive control features like speed and sound adjustments when connected, it suffers from widespread Bluetooth connectivity and app stability issues, causing frequent disconnections and crashes. Many users report inability to control volume and other functions due to connection loss. The app also requires location permissions enabled, which some find intrusive. Additionally, it only supports controlling one locomotive at a time and needs to be active in the foreground. Fixing these persistent problems would greatly improve the user experience.

Pros

When the app works, it provides good control over speed, sound volume, and other locomotive functions.
The app offers specific features like speed governor and momentum setting that enhance user experience.
Initial setup and connection were typically straightforward and worked well for some users.
The app allows fine tuning of individual sound effect volumes, providing a customizable experience.

Cons

The app suffers frequent Bluetooth connectivity issues, often disconnecting unexpectedly or failing to connect.
Crashes and instability are common, with the app crashing on launch or during use for many users.
The app requires location permissions and location services enabled on the phone to function properly, which concerns some users.
Controls like volume and smoke settings become inaccessible due to connection problems, leading to user frustration.
The app cannot run multiple locomotives simultaneously and must run in the foreground to maintain connection, impacting usability.

Recent reviews

My FlyerChief locomotives no longer connect via bluetooth in version 2.6.30 on my android device. Connection up to this point was flawless. Now there is a hotspot icon that has appeared. My device is not set up for auto update so how is it I now have this icon. I haven't used the app in over a month. I use bluetooth only with this app.

Jo*****, 2024-12-02

Not a bad app. I have the simple Cab 1L (Legacy "Lite") and it works fine. I have the Lionchief app installed just for kicks. The Lionchief app does exactly as they say. It works fine, I just wish there were more features. I guess I'll have to wait for the Cab 3 app. For example, I wish I could turn off classification lights and doghouse lights. I can't do that with the Cab 1L or the Lionchief app. Hopefully that is a feature that will be worked into the upcoming Cab 3.