Not wanting a Base3 yet. What do I need to run Lionel equipment NOW?

The only remotes Lionel is currently manufacturing are the Universal Remote and CAB1L. The CAB1L requires either a CAB1L Base or BASE 2 and is compatible with the BASE3 when it arrives.

You would need to upgrade to a BASE2, and LCS Wifi module to run Lionel trains with the current iCab app. If you want to use the new soon-to-be-released Lionel CAB3 app, you must purchase a BASE3. The CAB3 app by itself will only run Bluetooth equipped engines, if you only have newer Legacy engines with Bluetooth this could also be an option for you.

Given all of the equipment you have now and assuming you have the MTH cable that connects your TIU to your TMCC Base, you can add an MTH WIU to your TIU and control all of your MTH & Lionel engines using the MTH App (or DCS Remote). The only thing you'll need to purchase is a WIU (around $160) and the Premium App upgrade ($25).

@c.sam posted:

I have a TMCC base, MTH TIU and Remote and can run my Legacy/TMCC equipment with these 3 items at present. I would like to be able to use the Lionel App and my iphone as well at some point. What additional equipment will I need to do so please?  Will the Cab2L or something similar be produced again? Am not likely to be acquiring any Lionel other than Legacy (No Lionchief) as my primary interest is Scale 3rail.

Thanks, Sa

The phone app will work with all Bluetooth equipped locomotives without any other base.  The TMCC base is not equipped to add wifi.  The new Base 3 has wifi built in.  The base 3 is due this summer (yes it really is).  Put an order in for the base 3 and sell your older equipment when you get the new base.  That way your net cost to upgrade will be very low,  The new application that will work only with the Base 3 is great.  I have seen extensive demonstrations.

It looks like the Cab1L is available again from several vendors but can't tell for sure if the  Base-1L is yet. 

H1000 said "Given all of the equipment you have now and assuming you have the MTH cable that connects your TIU to your TMCC Base, you can add an MTH WIU to your TIU and control all of your MTH & Lionel engines using the MTH App (or DCS Remote). The only thing you'll need to purchase is a WIU (around $160) and the Premium App upgrade ($25)."

Yes, I have that cable. Thanks, I didn't think of using the MTH app. I think I have their old one still on my phone...

The BASE1L is no longer in production, only the CAB1L remote. The BASE1L is hard to find on the second-hand market and they are also expensive when they do pop up.

@c.sam posted:

I have a TMCC base, MTH TIU and Remote and can run my Legacy/TMCC equipment with these 3 items at present. I would like to be able to use the Lionel App and my iphone as well at some point. What additional equipment will I need to do so please?  Will the Cab2L or something similar be produced again? Am not likely to be acquiring any Lionel other than Legacy (No Lionchief) as my primary interest is Scale 3rail.

Thanks, Sam

Sam, wait six months and after the BASE3 hits, there will be a bunch of Legacy command bases for sale cheap.  Now, I expect if you want the CAB2 with it, you'll pay through the nose.  However, you can still buy the CAB1L and pair it with the surplus Legacy command base and you're all set.

Now, that sounds like a good idea - Thanks John!

Actually I traded my 990 set (freshly back from Lionel) awhile back at a 'fair' price for a nice PW 726 Berkshire plus some cash thinking along these lines that eventually something better would come along and I would enjoy using my phone in lieu of the Cab2