I have been trying to avoid taking the plunge into command control but now have figured out it is time given a lot of the Lionel offerings require Lionel Legacy systems. Could someone tell me what equipment I need to purchase, I.e. base unit, handheld, etc. in order to operate vision line and other TMCC equipment. Also, how can I operate post war engines once command control is established. If I have mixed terminology, I apologize.
Right now, your choices are limited by Lionel's inability to keep some sort of command base available. You may be able to scrounge something from a dealer that still has something available at reasonable cost (Legacy 990 set or cab-1L and base; or even an ancient cab1 and TMCC command base).
To control Legacy locomotives in command mode, you have a few choices. One is for those that are Bluetooth equipped. All you need is the free LionChief app and a smart device like an iPhone or iPad/Android equivalent. For older Legacy locos, you would need something ranging from the old TMCC cab-1 and command base (limited access to Legacy features), the 990 Legacy system that includes the command base and Cab-2 handheld, or the cab-1L and it's command base. All will control all TMCC or Legacy locos in command mode. One last option for the more recent Legacy locos with LionChief/Bluetooth capabilities if you want a handheld remote rather than a smart device and the app is the Universal Remote. Controls those recent Legacy locos in command mode for about $50 with some limitations.
The plan for the future is the Base 3, but that isn't going to be available for some months, maybe end of the year, one hears. It will allow control of Legacy, TMCC, LionChief locos in command mode using a new app, the Cab 3, also currently vaporware 
. The Base 3 also will respond to cab-2 handheld inputs and cab-1L handheld inputs. The cab-2 and its command base are discontinued. The TMCC versions are long discontinued. The cab-1L is planned to be continued, but right now there is no command base in current production, which I think is a serious problem for Lionel as a gap in their product line for new customers like yourself. Sorry about that. Don't pay exorbitant prices for used products with no warranty in the interim would be my advice. Use the Universal Remote or the app for newer Legacy locos if you cannot find a Legacy 990 set at a reasonable price.
For postwar and other conventional/non-Lionel locos, you'll need something called the Lionel Powermaster (there are two versions, depending on total wattage) that allows you to remotely control the track voltage using the cab2 or cab-1L handheld remote. TMCC had a similar device back in the day. I'd wait on that until you know what kind of handheld or app you're going to use for command locos. Just keep operating your conventional stuff separately with transformer control at present.
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