So with several of my fellow club members not really liking the Cab2 and my desire to have a spare remote for legacy operations especially during train shows I ordered a Cab1L remote. I thought I would share my impressions of it.
1. I am not a big fan of the blue color of the case. I feel it makes it look cheap and I know that it is not but it just looks that way.
2. I do not like the velocity wheel without the detents like the Cab2. I prefer the feel of the detents on the Cab2. I just do not get the same feedback when running a locomotive using the Cab1L versus my preferred Cab2.
3. The buttons respond well and it does feel like an old friend so in this way it is very useable. This feel should help alleviate the concerns of those CAB1 users that are intimated by the Cab2 remote.
4. I do like the new Cab1L not having the antenna like the original Cab1. I know I have broken an antenna on one of my Cab1 units and I have heard of others breaking antennas so to me this is a big plus on this unit.
My conclusion is if you want a TMCC replacement or just want to try command control this is a great unit. If you are used to and like the Legacy Cab2 like me, it is an acceptable back up unit but really not my preference for primary everyday use. Again, I really like the Cab2 so this is my opinion and feeling only. Not stellar but it does do the job.