Legacy Eventually but for now?

I do not know what "the book" you are referring to is.  there is not a legacy book per say.  as far as a newer system, who knows. 

Legacy with 1.51 is the most current system for all lionel engines.  TMCC means train master command control that covers all lionel command engines.  the early ones were called tmcc and operated with a cab1 and the later ones can be called tmcc legacy.  I would not get a cab1 system, one they are hard to find and two legacy will run all early tmcc any way.  look around on this forum you will learn that most who try the legacy are glad they did.

Legacy will run MTH in conventional mode.

Honestly why pay twice? You might as well go Legacy now and save money in the long run

You could wait a few months and get the new Cab-1L system when it comes out, but no one knows the pricing or exactly when it will be here (should be by summer)

If you are going to use DCS to run your conventional engines you would not need a PowerMaster or TPC, but will need one of those two if you want to use Lionel controllers to run the conventional engines

MTH should have a new Handheld soon, but no new entire system from either company in the near future.

Just to clarify you would have to add a PowerMaster or TPC 300/400 for Legacy to control any engine in conventional mode

The DCC book from MTH is the book.  The answers provided have made it very easy to understand what course to take.  Thanks Guys!  Looks like wait until the Red Carpet event and take the new thing when no one is looking!  HA!  Just kidding but with it being fairly close compared to introduction, I may wait on it and see if once out older ones get cheap.  Hasn't happened with the new Transformer yet but waiting!

The newer CAB-1L is scaled down  from the current Legacy system. It adds just a few legacy features to the old CAB-1/TMCC system. It shouldn't have any affect on full featured Legacy bases current prices

Check Charles Ro they had the Legacy system on sale at York for 290.00 that is a hard to beat price

I'll join the chorus, I'd bite the bullet and get the Legacy system right up front.  Legacy will also run your TMCC locomotives in TMCC mode instead of relative step mode, they'll run smoother than you're used to.

I'll join the chorus. Legacy is the way to go. When I purchased my first Legacy unit I intended to keep my cab1/ base and use it for a spare or second remote. After a few weeks it became very apparent to me that I wanted an all Legacy system so the cab1/base went to the buy/sell board and I purchased another Legacy system.

Ron

I don't own any Legacy engines at this point in time.  I got the CAB-2 and base about 3 months after they were released (impulse buy, dealer had ordered set for someone that never picked it up and offered me a good deal).  CAB-1 is in the basement and only used for "experiments".  The new system has a lot of features that make even original TMCC equipment run so much better it's hard to believe we put up with this for so long.  If you intend to run Lionel command equipment just buy the CAB-2 set and be done with it.

My CAB1 & Command Base is on my workbench for testing stuff on my wheel blocks, a perfect use for it.

It appears to be out of stock even at Charles Ro.  Probably the prudent thing will be to see what the story is at the red carpet event.  Just the excuse i was needing to go!

Rick that may be the case but....................I bet as soon as i commit to and buy one there is suddenly a NEW one available!  Seems to be my luck!  HA.  And nothing like a great excuse to go to the Red Carpet event

I have a Legacy set I picked up when a friend closed his LHS. I registered it and received some modules from Lionel [?] but it remains stored in the box.

I have a fairly large roster of TMCC engines and a few Conventional so it is unlikely that at my advanced age any new Legacy engines are in the cards.

However, Marty E, Chuck, [Gunner John above] and others have noted that my TMCC will run better with the Cab 2 so eventually when the railside paint and ballast glue are cleaned from the rails I might try it. If it is contrary, i.e; batteries, charging problems, etc, as many have noted, I will put it back in the box and return to old reliable TMCC.

Well, Lionel will fix the charging issue, and many here just use Alkaline batteries and turn off the charger.

If you're never going to use it, might as well turn it into cash.

And pay the increased cap gains tax, no way.

I am bound to have a substantial profit.

Dewey I think you're reading to much into the problems with Legacy. The battery issue isn't really anything. My 2 units work fine and the batteries are being charged in my regular battery charger. That way I can cycle through all my rechargeables in any device as they seem to last longer when being used all the time. As far as a new unit it's unlikely to happen anytime soon as the Legacy now is upgradeable. If you wait until the next unit comes out then you'll have to wait until they work out the bugs and by then you'll be waiting for the following model again. An endless loop.

Ron

I know I'd never go back to the CAB1 from the Legacy.

Neither would I. By making the 0-9 keys software controlled and displayed on the remote it makes everything a little easier. Not as much to remember. Let's see what did Aux-5 do? Now you see what the keys represent.

Ron

For anyone waiting to get a Legacy set, I've just received emails from Lionel stating that the TPC300, & #993 sets are back in stock, along with several other items I have been waiting for. Hopefully this means that #990 sets etc. have also arrived earlier than expected. 

Thanks for your comments regarding Legacy use guys.

I am not afraid of it --just want to remain simple on my dumbed-down,small senior citizen's layout. I only bought the early Command because it enabled me to run multiple engines in the same power district so I could eliminate tiresome toggling for block or "Cab" control of two trains, no other reason. My reason for using Legacy would be your collective Forum advice that TMCC engines run better on the system than on TMCC.

I quit engine smoke years ago, retired my ASC modules used for Ross/Tortoise turnout operation from Cab 1 in favor of single stroke activation by toggles mounted on a schematic and, more often than not I run quiet[unless the Domestic CEO in my former large layout room down the upstairs hall needs loud sound competition for her TV Soaps].

Lingering health issues since I started the little round-the-wall attic layout in 2/10 have really slowed my work so I may be late spring getting the rails back in operating condition. Been trying to work structures in the two rear corners which is a reach and shuts the railroad down for placing a plywood work platform on risers between the rails.

My "control center" shown below is basically a relic of the past. The plexiglas benchwork top is so I can see the indicator lights on my TPCs/PoHos in the power center down below.

I am doing what you say you want to do.  Prior to this past Christmas season I have been exclusively running Legacy.  Around Thanksgiving I got the urge to run my deceased father's 726.  I added the TPC and have had a ball running the old girl with real, original smoke pellets.  Then I saw the newly released Conventional Classics 726 set & thought I wanted one.  However, after looking back through youtube videos of the 1997 TMCC 726 with sounds I found a new one with the display case.  Been running these older tech locos lately.

Okay there's some background.  My current layout has grades which require a lot of attention if you're running conventional or TMCC without cruise control.  That said Ed, I would consider all aspects of not only what you want to run, but where you plan on running them.   I just got the TMCC 726 and it's a pain to run it up and downhill.  If I'm running the Legacy locos, I can easily set 4 small trains running on the two loops, two trains following each other.  I think it's really about being able to run many locos as easy as I can.  I have TMCC too but haven't turned it on since I got the Legacy control.  I like the screen for instance, and loading the modules.

Why pay twice?  

One last thing, I'm not that technically sharp & I like the symbols for things like opening the subway doors, smoke on high, etc.  Don't have to wonder which number stuff.  

Good luck, John