Legacy please explain why you use it!

Legacy locomotives tend to be more full featured and also more expensive.  Also, LionChief (especially not the Plus) are low end products with basic sounds, and semi-scale dimensions.  There's nothing wrong with them, but a comparison to a quality Legacy locomotive is simply an unfair comparison.

Dkokoszka,

    Because it is great, you can use Legacy to run all TMCC engines as well as Legacy engine. Legacy will not interfere with your LioneChief engine or they with Legacy.

    All Legacy and TMCC engine come programmed as Engine #1. Your dealer keeps them all programmed as #1 so he can say they are NIB. Usually people program their engines using the cab number so you don't forget the number you assigned. You can number them from 1 to 99. Take either the first two numbers or the last two. Takes the guess work out of the whole experience.

     You can also jump between two engine numbers by pressing the engine key. You can easily handle two engines at once. If your running four engine all on separate loops you can run four engines with little trouble. If you running all four on the same loop all with separate trains we will start to call you Gomez because there is going to be a wreck.

JohnB

If you're comparing it to having four LionChief remotes, it's different obviously.  Of course, you can have multiple Legacy remotes as well.

When I'm running for the modular club, there have been times that I'm running three or four locomotives on several mainlines.  In that case, I just use two remotes as a rule, makes the job simpler than keying in the numbers.

I do not have a layout in the house. But I have a 3 1/2' x 8' portable display and my first time using Legacy was great. I had a siding off of the loop and I was running 2 Legacy engines at once. To me there was no going back, I never thought I would have so much fun on this very small display

.

you only have to key two loco's one time.  after that, push eng button twice and the last number used shows up. push start and now that engine is controlled.  push eng button twice again and start and the other engine is controlled.   for me I run a lash-up so I push the trn button the same.

If I want to run more then 2 trains at once then I also have two controllers.

the cab2 has a picture screen that makes it easy to pick what I want to do in the way of control.  I have found it very easy to teach first time users what to push to have the loco respond to certain commands.

find a club near you or a train show and let someone show you a cab2, you will not be disappointed.

I'm new to legacy so I feel like my thoughts may help towards somebody think about switching. The thing that makes the legacy way better than the TMCC remote is the screen. Hit the engine button, punch in the number and it tells you on the screen which engine you are controlling. Hit engine to toggle back to the last engine. It is very clear which engine you are operating because of the screen on the remote. That said having four remotes or four transformer with handles it does take a second longer to press a button or two than to just grab a handle. 

I love it. My father who has been operating with a transformer for 50+ years spent two minutes with it and is now convinced to switch over!

I hope that helps answer your question.

If all you have is LC, then there is NO benefit for you to get Legacy, it will NOT control your locomotives.

 If you were to get a Legacy locomotive and control system, Legacy would control that locomotive, you would still be able to run your LC locomotives at the same time, with the appropriate remote for each engine, They would run fine on the same layout, but could only be controlled by their own respective systems.

Yes, there typically is a price difference between Legacy and LC, Just as there is a price difference between a Loaded Cadillac and a stripped Chevrolet. Legacy is going to have much better details and performance.

Each will pull a few cars around the Christmas Tree, if that is all you want from them, just as the Chevy will get you to the grocery store, the difference is in the price and details, and what is "Good Enough" for your needs and how much you want to spend, there is a whole Spectrum of trains out there, just as there is in autos and many other aspects of life, you just decide how much value you place in certain features and buy accordingly.

As far as "going back and forth on the controller to run different engines" is that any less convenient than having a separate controller for every locomotive? Either you are stuck in one place, which defeats the purpose of using a remote, or you carry around HOW MANY  remotes?  switching back and forth on the remote, especially the TMCC cab1 is not that big a deal, push the ENG button, then one or two numbers then any command, I usually blow the Whistle/Horn for an audible confirmation that the proper engine was selected, and you are off to go. To me that is less inconvenient that a box full of remotes, never mind buying all those batteries.

There are four articulateds, that are duplicated in the Scale size pic, and one MTH Bi Boy in the first pic, but can you imagine needing to have a separate remote for EACH AND EVERY ONE of those? NO THANKS, toggling between locomotives on the remote would be MUCH simpler than that pile of remotes.

 I only have One Cab2 legacy remote, so if it broke, I wouldn't have access to some of the legacy features, but I have several TMCC cab1 remotes that will run ANY of my Legacy/TMCC locomotives, with Lion Chief, if the remote dies, your engine is out of service until the remote is repaired/replaced.

My collection has grown beyond where a Lion Chief system would be a viable option, and unfortunately Lionel did not include TMCC control for Lion Chief/LC+ engines, so there are several that I have passed on because of that.

When running multiple trains with Legacy/TMCC or DCS(MTH) when you change from one train to another, the current locomotive will continue doing whatever it is doing when you change. If it is parked, it will sit there waiting for a new command, if it is running forward at 25 SMPH(Scale Miles Per Hour) it will continue running at that speed until it is readdressed and given a new command. If on a large layout, running two trains at once isn't too bad, but 4 trains on a smaller layout there is a LOT to keep track(pun intended)of. Thank Goodness for the "ALL STOP" panic button. If running two trains at once I will often use two remotes, but that is not as hypocritical as it sounds, because those two remotes can command virtually any locomotive on the layout, and are not restricted to two particular locomotives.

Your dealer doesn't sound like a very good salesman, and maybe is in the wrong line of work. He should be SELLING the ADVANTAGES of command control, not disparaging his own products. As I already mentioned changing locomotives, Especially on the cab1 is EASY, and assigning the last two digits of a locomotives cab/road# as it's address is a simple and intuitive way to remember the locomotive's addresses.

Doug

This may help you most I know program there engines with either the last 2 numbers of the engine or the first 2 numbers of the engine I have on occasion used the middle 2 on a 4 digit number engine as the first 2 and last 2 where already used. But for most they normally use first or last and it keeps it simple for them. 

Hi Fellow modeler, and Thank You For Serving Our Country, which I read in your Profile.

If one really wants  to have Fun Running Model Trains, 3 Rail Close to Scale, Then, Legacy is a great way to control your engines....Its very easy to program each engine to its very own number....Its very easy to set up multiple unit consists (lash ups or double headers)

The owners manual is easy to understand, other Modelers in your area can help, and TM Videos is making a new instruction video....You can really enhance your Toy Train Enjoyment by going The Legacy System....Yes, you will spend a little more for engines, but you will get a lot better operation and enjoyment out of the hobby by using the Legacy System......Its like your Computer, it's fun to see how everyone enjoys the Greatest Hobby In The World, Model Railroading, by visiting the OGR FORUM....Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

As has been said, you could run 2 engines as ENG and just toggle between the two. You can also take 2 other engines and give them each a TR address (this is after they get an ENG address) and then toggle between those two address. No need to put in the ENG numbers once they are all set. Don't forget to delete the TR address's if your changing engines.

I use legacy because I can control my entire layout with one remote.  I can turn on blocks, throw switches, run an accessory, and run operating track from my Cab2. I can also create a control panel on my iPad and run the entire layout using Legacy and LCS modules. I can record and playback automated scenes.  I can control multiple engines and accessories.  I can control my ZWL and run conventional engines with the remote.  I can shut the whole thing down with the panic button on the remote. Legacy is much more than just engines and sounds.  

I do not find it an issue switching between 3 locomotives with the Cab-1 (TMCC), or 4 locomotives and the transformer (4 handles) with the Cab-2 (Legacy).  It could be because I have so few I can easily remember the ID number to enter in.

Dk,

   What these people are saying is absolutely correct and if you already have DCS the combination of both IMO is the very best way to run a layout, especially a fair sized layout.  Lots of great running options and the TMCC/Legacy opens up FasTrack wireless low voltage, Command Control Switching options, right form your Cab2 remote control.  As many as 99 switches can be operated in this manner.  IMO this is one of the biggest upgrades in O Gauge remote control layout running.  Yes the TMCC/Legacy with the DCS is definitely well worth the cost.

Save your money and invest in them both! 

PCRR/Dave

Legacy is a great control system.  Controlling 4 trains at one time, is going to be a bit of juggling regardless what control system you use.  Either 4 transformer controls, 4 Lion Chief remotes, or one Legacy remote.

Switching between engines on the Legacy remote is very easy.  I press the select button, type in the engine number, and press Engine.  The legacy remote allows you to toggle between the last two engines you accessed. 

Others have stated how feature rich legacy engines are.  You can select various smoke levels for a legacy engine.  You can fog out a room or just have wisp or somewhere in-between.  Legacy railsounds are incredible.  Have a legacy engine going at speed, set the momentum to high and apply the brake.  The engine will slow down gradually and you'll hear brake squeal the entire time.  And this is just the tip of the iceberg with what you can do.

I have 18 switches on my layout.  All switches are setup in my Legacy remote.  By pressing one button, the remote will throw a series of switches (a route).  I do not have to throw each one separately. 

I can also control all my accessories and my transformer with the remote.

If things get out of hand, there is a panic button on the remote which will kill all power and stop everything.

Your entire layout is at your fingertips.  Whats not to like?

It's how one operates an entire layout in 2015 with technology from the last decade. Anywhere in the train room and multiple operators if needed.

What Joe Fermani said.

No problem switching engines once you get comfortable. Same as grabbing a different LC remote. Engineers should be paying attention anyway.

Legacy speaks a language that I can understand. Simple. 

I love the retro looks of the handheld and base styling but the key factor is the soft keys and the screen information. I can read the handheld and do not have to memorize key stroke to get what I want. Doing a multiple unit consist and creating it to run several locomotives at once is fun. For me with TMCC it was a chore to remember. I understand that some operators will remember the key strokes and overlays, but for me not always. I just have to look at the remote and it tells me what I am doing and I understand which buttons do which control.

In short, it makes me smile and forget about the world for just a small moment in time.

Sure you can. But it will cost you a wiz and you'll still be using the LionChief remotes to run those.

how many loops do you have?  are you using more then one power pack on the same track?

Sir,

Many thank for your service to our country.

I could write quite a long time about the benefits of command control but, I am afraid my written comments would merely duplicate what many have said on this and other similar threads. 

I read on your profile you are in Swansea, Mass. I suggest you contact Marty Fitzhenry who lives in Dedham, Mass and go to see his layout. Marty is one of the nicest and most knowledgeable folks in the hobby and he will be happy to give you a layout tour and show you Legacy and DCS.

You are welcome to contact me, visit us here in Carmel, NY, or give us a call.

We'll be glad to hear from you.

Eliot Scher

The Munoz Lines

There is a 'middle ground' regarding multiple handhelds (LionChief) and Legacy.  If you are not interested in the higher end Legacy trains, then You may want to consider LionChief+. Lionel will soon be releasing a remote control that will control 3 individual engines with a push of a button. The remote will have three separate buttons... No interference issues either between Legacy and LionChief. Often my grandson will be running "his LC+" on the layout as I'm running one or two Legacy engines...great fun!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ed

I like legacy but TMCC is still OK also

I currently only have one Legacy loco because I have little to no luck with LIONEL locos. I will only buy UP engines from LIONEL because just the better looking details than the MTH. Now I say Legacy is for those who can afford the prices of LIONEL Locos. If you find TMCC sometimes it is the better way to go because the Korean built locos have little to no issues what so ever. Now if you get Lionchief Plus it is like they took TMCC and made it to have the Whistle bell,and crew talk with coupler(s). LIONEL needs to make Lionchief Plus evolve better, MTH still gets my vote for Starter set quality and quantity.