Cab-1 / Cab-1L / Cab-2

Do not buy a CAB-1 unless you ONLY intend to run older PowerMasters.  This is what it was designed for and that's about all it does well.  You can run TMCC and Legacy engines with a CAB-1 but they will not be able to run to their full potential.  The CAB-2 is currently available and allows you to access ALL of the Legacy features as well as control anything Lionel made with respect to command control with the exception of the original PowerMasters (which you can do by buying a "bridge" device).  

 

The CAB-1L isn't available yet but it will fall in between the two in terms of features.  You can access all CAB-1, AND TMCC commands and get to the main features of Legacy.  No train brake (my favorite feature on the CAB-2) and no LCD display (useful for set up and monitoring of program settings for an engine).  I'm happy to see the CAB-1L as most of the time you don't need all of the whiz bang features on the CAB-2.  I will probably pick up one of those to supplement the base Legacy system.

just my 2 cents, I would get the full legacy Cab2.  The LCD display makes setting things up very nice.  Also, you will have full access to all features of your new legacy engines.  I must admit, since the CAB1L is not out, I've never used it, but I can't imagine using it and thinking I wish I had that instead of my Cab2. 

 

I looked at it this way (right, wrong, or otherwise).  If I'm willing to spend 450$ or more on a legacy diesel, I might as well be willing to spend 290$ (that's what I paid for my Cab2) to get all the features out of that diesel.

 

hope this info is somewhat helpful!

I would agree that the Cab2 system is a wise choice considering that you already have two very nice Legacy diesels. Perhaps some steam lies in your future and then you'll really be pleased you did!

Don't start with outdated technology, get the Legacy system and don't look back.

 

You will only get access to all the advanced features or your Legacy engines by using the CAB2. With the Cab-1 you have no advanced Legacy features, the Cab-1L will give you a limited set of Legacy features

Thanks guys.

 

Thinking about it from the perspective of what I have in terms of the Legacy engines, it does make the price difference between systems as a drop in the bucket.

 

Who has the best price on them that you all know of?

 

Thanks for the help and advice.

I got mine from sommerfelds in butler Wisconsin. They do sell to anyone, just a phone call away. Can't say they will be best price or not. They were for me. They are also my local store and I do my best to give them all the train business I can. They are top notch, very helpful, nice, great selection and price.