new to legacy,problem with handheld

The batteries are rechargeable and a normally charged by the base.  They will take a few hours to charge.  You will see red lights on the base flash alternately as it charges.  The lights turn green when fully charged.

NOTE, if you put alkaline batteries in the hand held DO NOT PUT THE HAND HELD ON THE BASE unless you switch off the recharging circuit.

Read the manual carefully.

thanks dan,used the batterys that came with the set,,,,charging lights on base green,when I hit the ctc button,a red light comes on below the speed bar,is there a function that dims the lights on the handheld,,,but with it black,i wouldn't know how to get it back to bright,just a thought,tks

Terry, the red light below the SPEED bar should come on for a few moments when you start the remote (by pressing CTC),

Before you go too far, take out the 3 rechargeable AA batteries and replace them with 3 new alkaline batteries (don't put the remote back on the cradle).  This will remove possible defective rechargeable batteries from the equation.

Now press the CTC button once.  You should see the red light come on for a couple of seconds,  If you still cannot see the screen do this:

• Press the CTC button once
• press the SCROLL button 7 times
• press 1 (top left key on the control pad beneath the display)

This is the minimum contrast (most light) available.

If changing the batteries and changing the contrast doesn't work, you will need to return the unit to Lionel.  I believe they are repairing the Legacy control under warranty.  You will have to call them first for an RA number.

thanks,was hopeful that it would work,,,,sadly it didn't,,,calling lionel ,thanks again for everyones help,terry