Lionel LionChief

Name: Lionel LionChief
Rating: 3.6 (283 reviews)
Author: Lionel, LLC

By: Lionel, LLC

Utilities

Features & Capabilities

The Lionel LionChief App lets you control Lionel LionChief and LionChief Plus locomotives from your iOS device. It mirrors the hardware remote’s core features and adds enhancements such as individual volume controls, bell and whistle pitch customization, remote smoke on/off, speed limit, momentum, and more.

It also enables control of accessories like an announcement coach and powered or un-powered B-units, providing a comprehensive, portable model railroad command center for hobbyists.

User Growth & Download Statistics

App Entertainment

By:

Lionel, LLC

Rating:

3.60

(283)

Version:

1.4.6 Last updated: 2024-03-13

Version code:

863769254

Creation date:

2017-01-23

Compatible devices:

Size:

67.13MB

URLs:

Website ,Privacy policy

Full description:

Source:

Apple Apps Store

Data ingested on:

2026-06-10

Compare stats and ranking:

Ranking

# 109,873 ▲ 102

Other platforms

Lionel LionChief (v2.6.35)

73,619 3.38

(505)

For Developers

Monetize with App Pass Boost with Extension Booster

Contact the developer

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

Developed by:

Lionel, LLC

Apple Apps Store

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lionel-lionchief/id1155666350

Website:

http://www.lionel.com/bluetooth/

User Reviews

The Lionel LionChief app is praised as a convenient remote substitute with voice commands and broad Lionel-line compatibility, but is hampered by Bluetooth instability, app crashes, and OS-version compatibility issues (notably on iOS/iPadOS 17). It struggles with multi-train setups and can feel unfinished, though it remains enjoyable when a single engine connects and operates smoothly.

Pros

Replaces lost remotes; convenient remote-style control.
Voice commands and ability to adjust horn/whistle pitch.
Broad compatibility across Lionel lines including Legacy.
Easy to connect locomotives and manage trains from iPad.
Useful for running trains when remotes are unavailable.

Cons

Frequent Bluetooth connection issues and random disconnects; often won’t stay connected.
App instability: freezes or crashes after connecting.
OS compatibility problems, especially with iOS/iPadOS 17 affecting voice features and connection.
Poor support for running multiple trains; not reliable for multi-train setups.
Perceived reliability and value concerns; some users deem it not worth the download or overall reliability.

Recent reviews

Every time I try to drive Thomas the tank engine the app says no engine connected

by Th*****, 2026-05-08

It’s not the best but it’s the first one made so it’s not the best

by Qe*****, 2026-04-06

On the Lionel ads, it always shows the engine popping up in the train and number icon but when I connect my engine, it shows the number but uses a place holder engine as the train icon.