Lionel Legacy control

You would need the 990 and a source of 18vac. Things are changing though, A new base is coming out to replace the base in the 990 set. And Lionel is proposing using an iPhone app to run the trains with the new base. The 990 handheld remote, however, can be used with the new base (base 3). If I were starting out, I’d still get the 990 for now and the new base later after it’s out for awhile.
990 prices are all over the place right now, but you can still find them reasonable if you look around.

Assuming that you have an adequate power supply or transformer that can supply 18 vac to the track, many of Lionel's newer models, including high end ones, come equipped with Bluetooth control which only requires that you download the Lionel app (a free download) to your device and you can also run them that way.

I have the full Legacy system. It has a lot of cool features. I also have the Cab 1 lite which I find myself probably using more often. The Cab 1 Lite is pretty much similar to the original Cab 1. The Legacy sets are priced in the stratosphere because they no longer will be produced. The engines you mentioned you would like to acquire are an electric or in the Amtrak’s case maybe a diesel. With the Legacy it’s cool to quill the whistle with slider, as well as playing with the labored chuff settings and adjusting the smoke output on a steamer.
I personally  don’t run electrics or diesels on a regular basis. The Legacy set I’m sure offers features for these engines. If you can find a reasonably priced original Cab 1 set. They originally sold for $100.00. They are reliable and still out there. They will run your Legacy engine in command with a minimal learning curve. I had a number of Legacy engines before upgrading my system. It might be a good way to get your feet wet before you dive in.

There are numerous threads about the new system that’s a ways out there from being on dealers shelves. I’d suggest reading up on it. You will be going from Transformer control to right into running them with a phone or tablet. The full Legacy remote is no longer going to be produced. You can supposedly still buy the Cab 1 Lite if you prefer a remote. For now. Not knowing how much you feel comfortable spending. They are available at a price. I just don’t see a huge difference in the way I run trains between the original Cab 1 and the Legacy Cab 1 Lite.

@Richie C. posted:

Assuming that you have an adequate power supply or transformer that can supply 18 vac to the track, many of Lionel's newer models, including high end ones, come equipped with Bluetooth control which only requires that you download the Lionel app (a free download) to your device and you can also run them that way.

Unless it's one of the brand new Lionel locomotives, the range of the Bluetooth is pathetic!  I have a fairly modest sized 12 x 24 main layout platform, and I can't be at one end and control any of my multiple Lionel engines with BlueTooth when they're at the other end of the layout!

Also, another roadblock for Bluetoot, the free application doesn't work on any older Android device.  I have a four year old phone, the Galaxy Note 4, that was retired and I figured it would be good for a spare remote.  BUZZ, WRONG! The Lionel application doesn't work on that one, but it does on my year old Galaxy S21.  Until the support and claimed "You can use your old phone as a remote" is actually true, I'd steer clear of depending on BlueTooth.  The BlueTooth application actually didn't work on any phone for months, finally an update was done that fixed it for new phones.

ok thanks guys

If the locomotive is recent and equipped with Bluetooth, it will also work with the Lionel Universal Remote, which costs about $50 and has most of the important command functions covered.  Then you can acquire some flavor of advanced command control when the dust settles (e.g., used Legacy 990 set or the new Base 3 when it arrives).  If it's an older Legacy loco without Bluetooth, a used TMCC cab-1 and command base might be an affordable and functional solution for you.