The CAB1L is still made and will work with all 3, a Legacy Base, if you can find one as they are discontinued and $$$$ on the secondary market, Base 1L, also discontinued but may be easier to find than a Legacy base, and a Base3 , not released yet.

A TMCC Cab and base, both discontinued, might be another option but parts will be hard to find for these if you need them.  If it were me I would go with the Cab 1L and Base 1L if you can find them both.  It is probably the best chance for Christmas and at a price that won't be painful.  I think the Base3 might be into next year before released. 

@MartyE posted:

The CAB1L is still made and will work with all 3, a Legacy Base, if you can find one as they are discontinued and $$$$ on the secondary market, Base 1L, also discontinued but may be easier to find than a Legacy base, and a Base3 , not released yet.

A TMCC Cab and base, both discontinued, might be another option but parts will be hard to find for these if you need them.  If it were me I would go with the Cab 1L and Base 1L if you can find them both.  It is probably the best chance for Christmas and at a price that won't be painful.  I think the Base3 might be into next year before released.

Thanks so much. I knew (OK was pretty sure) Lionel made a Cab1L but wasn't sure if there was a Base1L (which I presume looks like the original TMCC command base with newer features and tech.  That sound like my best bet if I can find one for the "boys."

Since I've got a functional original Command Base and back-up, I'm planning to stick with old school. Make sense?

@raising4daughters posted:

Base1L (which I presume looks like the original TMCC command base with newer features and tech.

Looks the same but blue.

Base 1L and Manual

Without any legacy engines, there's really no point in looking for a Cab1L and Base1L. They'll be a lot more expensive than a Cab 1 and Base 1, and you won't get any additional features. And they'll (Cab1 and Base1) operate any Legacy engines should they pick some up, just without additional Legacy features. They should do fine until the Base3 actually becomes available. That'll work with the app, or with a Cab 1L if they find they really need a limited handheld remote.

I could part with my CAB1L base if you're interested.

I have a a cab1 and a cab1 base in excellent condition if interested.

Ps see my email in my profile

This is a timely topic as I was getting ready to ask the same question.

I'm getting ready to install ERR cruise into my 4th loco and I have at least two more ERR installs planned. Most are late 90s/early 2000 MTH locos w/Proto Sounds.  I'm thrilled with the MTH 0-8-0 switcher upgrade of Cruise, Railsounds and GRJ's two smoke boards I recently did and just ordered all the parts to upgrade a recently purchased MTH Camelback.

With this investment in TMCC and no plans to buy any Lionel Legacy engines I was wondering about a back up/second Cab1 Remote and Command base or the next generation after the Cab1 (Cab1L) would have to offer.

Thanks

Ward

I love my CAB1. Simple and it works everyone I pick it up.

@Ward H posted:

This is a timely topic as I was getting ready to ask the same question.

I'm getting ready to install ERR cruise into my 4th loco and I have at least two more ERR installs planned. Most are late 90s/early 2000 MTH locos w/Proto Sounds.  I'm thrilled with the MTH 0-8-0 switcher upgrade of Cruise, Railsounds and GRJ's two smoke boards I recently did and just ordered all the parts to upgrade a recently purchased MTH Camelback.

With this investment in TMCC and no plans to buy any Lionel Legacy engines I was wondering about a back up/second Cab1 Remote and Command base or the next generation after the Cab1 (Cab1L) would have to offer.

Thanks

Ward

Again at minimum I would get the CAB1L and search for a BASE1L.  The original TMCC is good but it has been discontinued for years making parts, if you need them, harder to acquire.  It also let's you change your mind if, you do get a Legacy engine, to add least experience some Legacy features.

Just my inflation adjusted 8 cents.

@PRRick posted:

I love my CAB1. Simple and it works everyone I pick it up.

The CAB1L  has been an extension of this for me. I'm glad I started with the CAB1L. It was super simple and has been super easy to use. I teach my friends to run trains on the CAB1L.

Yes, go with the Cab 1L, and take up the Cab 1L base offered above, @BillYo414 as bases are hard to find. I also recommend getting a couple of the Cab1L remotes so visitors can enjoy running trains with you. By going Cab 1L, your able to run TMCC and Legacy engines. In fact, I only run command, Legacy/TMCC, and the Cab 1L remote allows slower starts most of the time with most of my engines. I really do not recommend getting the Cab 1, that’s so outdated. The Cab 1L base is the same base as the new Cab 3 System will be using when it’s released. Good Question. Happy Railroading Everyone

Call me a Luddite, I went from CAB-1L back to CAB-1 because I have 2.5 CAB1's (One is bit problematic), and one CAB1L (and one gray base and one blue base).  I found an eBay auction of a Cab1, a 135W brick and an early gray PowerMaster, which I should probably sell.

I second what leapinlarry stated above. I’ve been using a Base 1L and 2 Cab 1Ls since they first came out and love them. I have 4 TMCC engines, 2 Legacies, and 1 Lion Chief. All of them perform flawlessly with this simple system.