Blue Lightning - E-Z App™ Train Control

[austrian]

Please could someone enlighten me on some questions regarding the Blue Lightning - E-Z App™ Train Control as I want to add Santa Fe and Western Pacific FTs to my roster?

1) Are these locos fitted with decoders that only can be controlled using a Bluetooth-supported smart device or are these like the DCC locos that can be run using a DCC command control center or an analogue controller?

2) Is the sound chip and speaker in the loco or is the sound only available on the Bluetooth-supported smart device?

3) "uses new Bluetooth Smart technology that allows you to run trains from up to 100 feet away" - will it work on a layout    with tunnels?

4) "Android version will follow" - does this mean a different loco or a different app? For example if I buy a new smartphone and decide that I want an iphone instead of my android phone will I still be able to run my loco?

Thomas
 

[Bucksco]

1. There is a Bluetooth chip mounted on the PC board (instead of a DCC decoder). The software communicates with the Bluetooth chip to control the train. Similar to DCC but a different type of control.
2.Currently the sound will come from the smart device.
3.It will work on a layout with tunnels.
4.Same hardware - different software version (to fit the myriad of Android device screens).

[Hunt]

Click Here to view video

[austrian]

Yardmaster % Hunt, thank you for your fast response!

I think this could work for me, or to be more precise to keep my children interested in running trains with dad (me).

Thomas

[jward]

do we have an estimated list price for these locomotives yet? and will the Bluetooth decoder be available as a separate item for refitting older locomotives?

[Hunt]

HO FT A Unit diesel with E-Z App Train Control
MSRP - $219.00

[Bucksco]

At this point in time the Bluetooth board is not available as a separate sale item.