Original Cab1/Base1 system or MTH DCS system until Base 3 is available

Seeing you have no MTH engines. I’d pass on the DCS system. It will run Lionel engines in command. Only if you also have a Lionel command base to plug it into. The original TMCC is the most affordable. If you can find one at a good price. It will run your new engine.  I’m sure you can sell it down the road when the new Base 3 ships.

Good advice, thanks Dave.

When I recently got back into O gauge I pulled out my Cab1 system, which was packed away 10 or 12 years ago with my trains.  

I wanted a back up system so I started looking at what was available.  For the same reasons you found, I went with another Cab1 system. Another forum member sold me a good set. I've also seen them on forum sponsor trains.com at reasonable prices.  

I've also had good luck posting in the Wanted To Buy forum on this site.

Ward

@Corbin O'Reilly I have a 6-12969 I would be willing to part with, my email is under my profile if your interested.

Regarding purchasing a TIU to run TMCC locos ... you still need a Cab1 base connected to the TIU to transmit the TMCC signal.

Just get a Cab1 and run your Lionchief locos.  A legacy base will not add anything to the Cab1 capabilities.  When you buy a Legacy engine is when you want to transition to a Legacy base so you can access Legacy features.

I recently tested connecting the LCS WiFi to a Cab1 base using a null modem between a LCS Ser2 and the base.  I was able to run a TMCC loco, switches, and accessories with the Lionel WiFi apps.

As Tracker John said, you still need a TMCC device to use with a DCS TIU.

I use a CAB1 TMCC setup (original) and it's great. Add a powermaster and you can run you conventional locomotives with the CAB. In my experience the CAB1 is extremely reliable and I've yet to drop signal or have any issued whatsoever.

When you get the base 3 either sell the CAB1 or keep for backup. I wouldn't mind picking up a second set for around the Christmas tree.

@Tracker John posted:

Regarding purchasing a TIU to run TMCC locos ... you still need a Cab1 base connected to the TIU to transmit the TMCC signal.

Just get a Cab1 and run your Lionchief locos.  A legacy base will not add anything to the Cab1 capabilities.  When you buy a Legacy engine is when you want to transition to a Legacy base so you can access Legacy features.

I recently tested connecting the LCS WiFi to a Cab1 base using a null modem between a LCS Ser2 and the base.  I was able to run a TMCC loco, switches, and accessories with the Lionel WiFi apps.

Only lionchief 2.0 will run with Cab1 I believe, lionchief/lionchief+ only work with the Lionchief handheld controller . Lionchief 2.0 can work via the lionchief controller, the lionchief app (2.0 has bluetooth) or tmcc/legacy.

@bigkid posted:

Only lionchief 2.0 will run with Cab1 I believe, lionchief/lionchief+ only work with the Lionchief handheld controller . Lionchief 2.0 can work via the lionchief controller, the lionchief app (2.0 has bluetooth) or tmcc/legacy.

Correct, I have a few LC+ 2.0 engines, and they work great with TMCC, they're the only LC locomotives I'll consider.

I found a Cab1L system last year from a forum member. It works great and I glad I got it when I did.

Happy hunting.

Bob

I picked up a NIB Cab1 set at a meet a few months ago for a "reasonable" price - they are out there - it was on the table for a couple of hours when I got it.

When looking to buy a Cab1 base, be sure that it includes the power supply - it's not just a common wall wart.  You may see a base that is priced really low - a missing power supply is usually the reason.  There are workarounds - plenty of threads about that here on the forum.

@Casper posted:

@Corbin O'Reilly I have a 6-12969 I would be willing to part with, my email is under my profile if your interested.

Sent you an e-mail this afternoon.