Questions on a 990 compared to Cab 1L

From my understanding the CAB1L is just basically TMCC with the ability to run Legacy engines in Legacy mode. The #900 set havsthe CAB2 and base which is full blown Legacy with all the bells and whistles. I don't have the CAB1L and base setup so I don't know if it has the ability to add the LCS WiFi module or not. Hope this helps.

Well, you are going to get a lot of differing opinions concerning the technology. The 990 system has dedicated control options that the CAB1L does not but the latter can access many of the functions of both Legacy and TMCC engines.

At one point the CAB1L system was a very reasonable alternative but with the recent increases in price it might be best to look to the full Legacy 990 system instead. The one advantage of the CAB1L is you can purchase an additional remote.

I’ve had both. I got one of the first 990 systems from Lionel shortly after they were available. We demonstrated the system at various train shows around the country and I also used it on my home layout.

I sold it and a few others I’ve purchased and now use the CAB1L. I like the CAB1L. Simple, easy to use and can access most of the features that many model railroaders want. Also the signal range is superior to the 990. In order to increase the signal boost of the 990 you need to invest in a third party system and another type of antenna.

So, all things being equal I am very happy with the CAB1L. It has updated components not used in the original 990 system and from all reports is pretty much bulletproof.

Again, one of many opinions you are sure to get.

I just bought a Cab 1L system last Saturday at a train show. Seeing what the prices are for new bases and controllers...I stole it.  Compared to the Cab 1 I have...I yike it allot! The functions are the same. No more extended antenna. The Red throttle wheel is much stiffer and you can control the speed a bit better. May get a second controller for my other engine, so I don't have to keep reprogramming engine numbers so I can run multiple engines at one time. I know one will work, but two is more convenient.

Since I have a lot of TMCC stuff, the CAB1L is ideal for that, and I lose no functionality.  I also have several CAB2 remotes, I normally will select those for Legacy operation.