Even if they can all be controlled by LCS equipment, it is not cheap and you will not have access to all the digital goodies like cruise control (to maintain constant speed) or running multiple engines separately on the same track.  Unless you intend to buy new switches and new engines that make use of digital technology, why not just stay with the old analog transformer and controls?  Many modelers still run that way and enjoy the memories.

Chuck

If you really want to get into LCS, I would suggest buying a Legacy Lite ( Legacy L ) and a TPC-300 or TPC-400. These will let you run one engine on one track. ( some have run two on two loops with them, but you will not be able to run them as separate items. when you stop/start one, you will stop/start the other. But you will be able to control the speed and blow the horn/whistle with these and control the direction of the engine. If you upgrade to a TMCC or Legacy engine this control will operate both. This system will save you $125 - $200 instead of buying the full legacy system. Then you can get a taste of what you can do without spending $300.00+ for just the command system and still need the TPC-300 or 400

P.S. I use the legacy L and also have an original TMCC system I keep for back-up. I also run some trains conventionally. this is done by just putting a conventional engine on the track and controlling it with the throttle on the transformer, even thou the command signal is still going thru the track as the conventional engine can not read the signal. 

A quick comment on terminology. Lionel refers to their Layout Control System as LCS. LCS works with and is an add-on to the Legacy System. I think the initial question refers to the Legacy System. In any case Lionel has excellent descriptions of both systems and what they do on their website.

Where to start ?

As others have said, LCS is more like an advanced control system within Lionel's basic command control ("CC") systems. You wouldn't go from running conventional to an LCS system - you would want to first have the basic Lionel CC installed.

Lionel's wireless, remote CC systems range from the older TMCC/Cab 1 to Cab1L to the current Legacy/Cab2 system. Lionel has made their CC systems backwards compatible so, for instance, a TMCC locomotive can be operated on a newer Legacy system.

The TMCC/Legacy CC systems use remotes which can store many locomotives in them (up to 99) and you just bring up their individual ID # when you want to run one of them. Lionel also makes lower priced command control engines (Lionchief, Lionchief +) that operate through their own individual remote controllers. They also make a universal remote for these engines that can operate up to three of these kinds of engines.

With additional add-ons or depending upon what type of transformer you have, you can also control/operate your conventional engines on a layout that has TMCC or Legacy installed on it but, maybe not on the same track at the same time. 

As to track, Lionel's Fastrack (FT) switches work very well, but you would have to purchase adaptors for them to connect to tubular track and, depending on the kind of tubular track, there may be a height differential to compensate for. Depending on how much tubular track you now have, it may be more convenient to just change everything over to FT (you will get varying opinions on who likes or dislikes FT) and your conventional engines will run fine on FT. You don't need FT to run Lionel's CC systems.

Budget is also a factor in deciding how you want to proceed. If you had an unlimited budget and liked FT, I would just buy all new FT track and switches along with a Legacy system and the add-ons necessary to run conventionally as well as a new Legacy locomotive. If the budget were more limited, I would buy a Lionchief or Lionchief+ engine and run it on your existing track (you will need a transformer capable of delivering a constant 18 volts to the track) and see how you like it and if you want to keep going forward with digital technology. You can then add one of the Legacy CC systems and engines and sell (or keep) the Lionchief engine.

On totally newbie question on lcs. Can you expand by adding on a second lcs?

thanks john

David, if you intended LCS to mean Lionel's Layout Control System, that's best used in conjunction with their latest locomotives, which are equipped with the "Legacy system" (a proprietary form of wireless digital command control.)

If it's your intention to feature your 1950s - 1970s locos, they can be upgraded to command control using Electric Railroad (ERR) decoders.  But the performance and precision will not come close to the latest offerings.  I agree with Chuck.  If you want to primarily focus on what you already have then I would build a conventional layout using traditional hardware. 

On the other hand... if you like the idea of automated operation, controlling the whole railroad with your iPad, etc., then you should get a few of the latest Legacy locos; the Legacy system with CAB-2, some sensor tracks and the appropriate Layout Control System (LCS) modules.  Legacy decoder and sound boards are not sold as an upgrade kit.  Even if you wanted to transplant the whole board stack from a donor loco into an older loco that you already have, you would first have to convert to a DC "can" motor and flywheel (which is not trivial.)

You'll have fun either way but the latter approach to a fully automated layout will involve spending a lot more money!

On the assumption that you want to use your original postwar gear and add command control ...

1.  You need a command control hand-held and base.  You have 2 choices - the full Legacy Base and Cab2 handheld 6-14295, or the Legacy Lite 6-37156.  (You can also find the original 1990s TMCC system 6-12911 on the used market).  Spoiler alert: if you acquire a Legacy loco in the future, you will enjoy the full set of Legacy features only with the Legacy Base and Cab2.

2.  To run conventional postwar locos, you need a device(s) that regulates track power.  The Lionel Legacy Powermaster 6-37146 is recommended.  The Legacy Powermaster manual is found here and there are several videos to be found by web search.  With a bit of practice with the handheld buttons and speed knob, operating conventional locos is very enjoyable.  A plus is the Powermaster has a fast-acting circuit breaker.    The TPC 300 and 400 are older models and the original TPCs needed a firmware upgrade which is not apparent until you get one and find it is missing command features.  TPCs need to be wired to the command base using a serial comms cable that you may have to make.  The TPCs should also have fast-acting circuit breakers added between the TPC and track.  

3.  To control switches and accessories, you need a switch controller.  Two options:  The TMCC SC-2 Switch Controller 6-22980 is the current version of a controller that receives wireless commands from the command base and can control 6 switches or 12 accessories;  the other option is the LCS System which allows a chain of modules to be connected (wired) to the command base.  The LCS ASC2 module can control 4 switches and you can add more modules as needed.   The LCS system has a WiFi module which allows PCs, phones and iPads to control your layout (Lionel's iPad/iPhone software is free, non-Apple apps are available from 3rd parties).  Review Lionel's documentation and videos to learn what to buy to build a LCS system.

(I omitted mentioning the original ASC switch controllers.  Like the TPCs, they are older models that pre-date the LCS system modules).

My recommendation to get started:  1) get a command base and handheld based on your budget pain level, 2) get a Powermaster (and the cable needed to connect your post-war transformer), 3) get a SC-2 switch controller and wire up your post-war switches.

If you are changing over to Lionel's FasTrack, the command-controlled switches are nice because they don't need a separate switch controller.  Just set the switch address.  No wiring!

 tylertrainman - Just a thought, but if you're like me when I got back into trains several years ago all of the various terminology can be confusing and some people become overwhelmed.  Consequently perhaps - before making a final decision on how you want to proceed - you could make arrangements to attend either another train buff's layout who has some of the modern technology on his or her layout OR alternatively attend a train club's layout located in the general area in which you live.  This is a great Forum and people are always willing to help out, so if you Posted the 'general' locale of where you live, perhaps an individual or a club rep would extend an invitation to you directly by sending a note to your email address which presumably they could access in your personal profile.  Just an idea for you to consider.

Good Luck in your train endeavours!