lionel legacy cab1L command system.

It's easy to learn, but compared to the complete Legacy system it is really short in features. Go for the complete Legacy system, it's really not that tough and offers so much more

I have one and it is very easy to use and works very well.

If you've had the CAB1/BASE1, you know how the CAB1-L/BASE1-L rig works.  Other than some obscure features, it's like the old TMCC setup. 

Even if you like some TMCC engines a LEGACY CAB-2 is the way to go. They operate better in TMCC mode on the CAB-2 than they do with the CAB-1/CAB-1L.

I agree, if I had to choose, I'd keep the full Legacy system.  Since this is a free country, I use the CAB1-L as well, usually with TMCC engines and through the Legacy base.

The BASE1-L is a spare base in case I have issues with the Legacy base at some point.

I still have my LEGACY CAB-1L/BASE-1L as a backup also in the event that my LEGACY 990 Command Set ever needs serviced. It's nice to know that I can still run my trains in command mode if that ever occurs.

Before I got my 990 Command Set a couple months back I was content with my CAB-1L. Now that I have a CAB-2 I feel spoiled. I just love the fact that you can take complete control of a train by selecting any one of six railroad speeds, rolling the BOOST/BRAKE multi-controller and moving the train brake slider up or down and never once touch the velocity dial.

The CAB-2 does all of the work for you!

I like the CAB1L/BASE1L. It easy to learn and is compatible with the LCS components including the iCab and LCS iPad apps.  

Well, compatible, but you don't get some of the features like the engine roster as there is no database in the BASE1-L.

I don't understand no database. Does that mean you can't store the engine id after you turn the system off?

with the CAB1L that is correct.

What he said.   The CAB1-L has not database of locomotives.

The engine remembers its own ID number.  The base does not need to remember it. The Legacy base does store the info so that you can see it on your Legacy remote. It is an extra feature that the CAB 1L/BASE1L does not have, but is un needEd to operate TMCC and legacy engines. 

If you have Legacy engines, might as well get the Legacy 990 so you can use ALL the features of the Legacy system. I recently got one, it is not difficult to use. I also have MTH DCS and the two are a bit different, but neither is complicated, IMHO. I don't have a cab1L/base1L system, but might possibly consider one someday for back up purposes, in case my Legacy ever breaks.