Because the Cab2/Base2 is no longer available is there any other equipment that will allow me to run all aspects of Legacy engines or do I have to wait for the Base3?
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The CAB1L will do the job but you'll still need a base. I think we might need to know which engines you're asking about because I think some Legacy engines are bluetooth compatible (your phone/tablet) and some are not.
@Chad LaRock posted:Because the Cab2/Base2 is no longer available is there any other equipment that will allow me to run all aspects of Legacy engines or do I have to wait for the Base3?
Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but, although you can certainly operate Legacy engines with a Cab1 or Cab 1L system and use most of the features, I don't believe you will get access to all "aspects" and features of the Legacy engines.
One of the engines is the GEORGIA LEGACY USRA LIGHT 2-8-2 #300 which I know does not have the Bluetooth capability. I think it is bad that if a new person wanted to purchase a new Legacy controlled train he will have to wait until the Base 3 is available to access all the features. I believe you can run it conventional but who wants to do that after you have purchased a new Legacy engine.
Oh, sorry, this engine does have the blue tooth capability but I still don't think you can access all the Legacy capabilities.
I think @Richie C. is right. The CAB1L might not be able to take care of business.
You might have to hunt around for a CAB2 system if you can't wait. You'll want to find smaller local hobby shops.
The CAB1L does not give you access to some Legacy specific features, for that you need a CAB2 or the vaporware CAB3 application.
It is frustrating to someone new to the hobby. Lionel is pretty much marketing the new engines for the seasoned operator that has all the equipment. If this is all new to you or if you have more entry level stuff and decide to take the plunge and move up to Legacy. No stores have the equipment needed to sell you to run them.
Never have tried it but the Bluetooth as mentioned is an option. You will be running the new stuff with your phone anyways when the base 3 comes out. Or a Cab1 lite without all the features. MTH Proto 2’s we’re introduced years ago with all the features as DCS was still getting beta tested. Back then though many were still running conventional so the wait wasn’t as bad. I don’t get it. What good is touting all the features in the catalog with no way to access them for a new hobbyist unless they pay a kings ransom for second hand gear. Lionel should have had the new Base 3 close to being on the shelves while dealers still had Cab 2’s in stock.
Seriously? I’m not up on the new Legacy systems, but are you saying you have to run your trains on your phone with the new Base3. If that is the case I’m glad I gave up on upgrading past TMCC. I didn’t like the Cab2, but having to use your phone is another step too far.
You can buy the CAB1L which will work with the BASE3, but Lionel has no new full up Legacy remote planned, only the CAB3 app. Obviously, the CAB1L runs your stuff like a TMCC engine.
Thanks for the responses. I have the older TMCC and getting ready to build a new layout but it's been about 10 years. I guess I should have purchased the Legacy remote and base when they were available. You snooze you lose 
@Dave_C posted:Lionel should have had the new Base 3 close to being on the shelves while dealers still had Cab 2’s in stock.
Dave,
This topic has been discussed to death here on the forum since the announcement of the Base-3 earlier in the year.
There are no more parts with which to build Cab-2/Base-2, largely but not totally because of the chip shortage that's affecting everything under the sun.
We're currently living through the biggest disruption to supply chains and manufacturing since WWII. How was Lionel supposed to predict that this was coming, and how was it going to deal with it any faster than it did?
Remember that zero trains and accessories were produced for the duration of the war. We're lucky today that all Lionel production hasn't shut down for years.
Mike
@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:We're currently living through the biggest disruption to supply chains and manufacturing since WWII. How was Lionel supposed to predict that this was coming, and how was it going to deal with it any faster than it did?
Remember that zero trains and accessories were produced for the duration of the war. We're lucky today that all Lionel production hasn't shut down for years.
That never occurred to me. That's a pretty wild thought! 
