Lionel Command Switches, Legacy, Remotes

Dealer's choice.  If you like having the manual control, leave them on.  If you really think you'll never need them, take them out.  I kinda' like the option of having a control on a panel, but I don't usually use the big clunky Lionel controls, I go for a spring loaded mini-toggle.

I agree with GRJ above. I like the manual controls. In fact I installed manual controls first and have never bothered to automate them as I usually walk around while running trains and like having the manual switch controls at the switches. However, I don't have the Lionel command switches, was going to use an AIU.

I would at least leave the manual controls connected until I got some train running/operating in to see which method I preferred or whether I liked having both available.

On my layout, I went for a completely "glass cockpit"; using the iPad (or Cab2).  No physical switches, controls panels, etc.  I can always add a control panel later, but as of now, I am happy with the results.  I like the clean, change-able, iPad or Cab2 control for the layout. 

Disclaimer: I helped develop LCS.  Although I am a hobbyist and I am being honest with my thoughts and my execution on my layout.

I do it all on my cab-2.  I haven’t tried the iPad yet.

I do not have the IPad Control yet, but run the entire layout with the Cab 2.  I do have the switch controllers near the switches for friends that want to operate trains, however, I use the Cab 2....I highly recommend a command system.

Thanks all for the responses. After adding in the switch throw monitor to my LCS system I'm really satisfied with how it all works. Between the iPad control and the Legacy remote control I've decided to remove the out of the box switch controls from my layout. 

I like the LCS control for switches and accessories.  Not so much for operating trains.  I think you made a good decision.  A nice graphical representation of the layout with easy controls will be cool.