New to the forum

You should be able to run it with Legacy. I definitely think you'll be able to run it with the CAB3 base when it is released.

Glad you came back to the hobby and welcome to the forum!

Thanks for the reply! Yep both my grandad and dad still have their childhood lionel sets. My dad's set has a general mills logo on the box and the build quality is very poor. Guessing this was from a low point in the quality of locomotives and rolling stock.

Excuse my ignorance but what is the CAB3 base?

Welcome Aboard, Shaun! You’ll find plenty of folks to help bring you up to speed on the hobby here.

No ignorance, it's just a new product haha so you wouldn't be in the know unless you saw the catalog. The TMCC system used the CAB1 remote. The Legacy system uses a CAB2 remote (discontinued) and a CAB1L remote. A few days ago, Lionel official announced that the newest version of remote control would be the CAB3 base. It will combines all the remotes above, plus a few other Lionel remotes, and your smart phone/tablet.

That is some really cool functionality. I have been looking up used tmcc and legacy control systems. But it sounds like in my case it may be beneficial to wait for the CAB3 base to be released. Especially because i think the only way i would pick up a legacy or tmcc control would be second hand.

Welcome to the forum Shaun!

Yes, your Lionmaster SD80Mac can either run in command mode or conventional with an 8-18V AC transformer.

Lionel does a very good job about backwards compatibility of their command systems so you will be able to run it with the original tmcc, Legacy system, or the new CAB3 base. I personally would wait for the CAB3 since you will be able to control all of your future engines and utilize all of their features which are not always available when using an older system. Example: not being able to quill a legacy engine's horn/whistle with the traditional TMCC or Cab-1L systems

Bryce

You will still be able to get the CAB1L. It's a great remote in my opinion. It looks like the TMCC remote but works for Legacy. But you'll either need the CAB2 base or the CAB3 base to use it. CAB3 will be out later this year I think.

In the mean time, you can look at the new Lionel Catalog on their site and get the scoop on the new CAB3.

I agree with @BillYo414 , the Cab1L is an excellent system and I use it in conjunction with MTH's in-house command system (DCS)

I do like the idea of waiting for the CAB3 system. I can see more locomotives in my future so it makes sense to go ahead and get set up with a newer command system.

I suppose lionel's latest catalog is available online?

Yes, it is.

Here is the link to The Lionel Trains Catalogs the "Big Book" under 2022 has info about the CAB3 on pages 4-9

Excellent, thank you! I do like and appreciate that it sounds like Lionel is baking in backwards compatibility into their newer control systems.

I received the sd80mac yesterday that I purchased second hand. The detail on it is amazing to me and also it is much heavier than I expected.

Can't wait to run it!

Boy that things is cool enough that I kind of want a diesel now haha I'm usually all steam.

I was only interested in steam too. And that will probably be my focus going forward but I still wanted a nice diesel or two. The build quality and detail is impressive!

I think I would grow to like diesels more if I had one. They're just not as visually exciting in a photo as steam. I have two RS3s on the way. I'll know more when they arrive!

I agree. Almost all steam locomotives are works of art. Very appealing to look at!

Welcome, Shaun!

Peter

Welcome aboard, I too am a newbee here. These gentlemen have been extremely helpful and encouraging to me as I struggle to learn what has happened to the hobby in my 17 year hiatus. Good luck with your layout.

Welcome, Shaun.  I appreciate your choice of engines.

Thank you everyone! Those are some sharp looking NS locos you have turkey hollow rr!

I am with you there obxtrainman, last time I was messing around with Lionel trains fast track did not even exist. From what I understand that has been around awhile now

I am finding out that my newer locomotive may need to be reprogrammed. I plan to see if a train shop can do it or try to find someone local.

I plan to try to get the base3 system at some point. I suppose functionality like being able to reprogram my tmcc lionmaster engine should be available with this newer base 3 system using the cab 3 software?

I ended up pre ordering the BASE3 system. I haven't decided if I will run the cab1L remote yet or on my phone.

I like the fact that I can use any previous remote as well as my phone. I think I would prefer the feel of having physical buttons on a remote versus using the screen on my cell phone.

I like my CAB1L. I think you will too. I ran the CAB1L until I could save up for a CAB2 remote. I still use the CAB1L on occasion. It's something that just plain works, period. And that's a good thing.