I am currently using a Cab-1 remote, command base, and TPC 400. Does the Legacy controller communicate with the TPC 400 just like the Cab 1? Is there anything else I need? Thanks. Tyler.
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Simple answer: Yes
Longer answer: You can just plug the TPC-400 into the DB-9 connector on the back of the Legacy and your good to go. This presents two issues: if you want to connect a computer to use the Legacy application you have to un-plug it, and you've now blocked the port if you want to use the new LCS modules.
The first one can be solved by using the splitter cable included with the Legacy system along with a null-modem adapter to plug the TCP-400 into the TMCC base labeled port on the splitter. I've been running my TPC-300 on my layout since I added it so I don't have to keep swapping between computer/TPC to use the Legacy application on-demand (I find it quickest to add a new local and customize the buttons).
The second one I believe requires moving your TPC connection to the Serial LCS module, but as I'm not doing LCS, I can't comment on if that's all.
Correct, the SER2 LCS module solves the second issue and also buffers the serial signal so it has more drive for multiple serial devices.
Thanks guys. It's on the way...
I came to post essentially the same question! And here is yours right at the top! Yesterday my new Legacy 990 box arrived (from one of the forum sponsors - support the folks that support this forum). I too had been using an original Cab1 along with a TPC300 (purchased directly from ICC before they were acquired). I haven't been active in the hobby for over a decade but got interested again putting up a small Christmas layout.
I had a DB9 cable from ICC that went from my Cab1 base to the TPC. I expect I can use the Y cable from the Legacy box and plug one end into the Cab1 base, one end into the Legacy base and the other end into the ICC DB9 cable and everything should work together.
I have a Lionmaster Challenger (TMCC not Legacy) along with a TMCC MoPac RS-11 (6-28522) and an "upgradeable" MoPac GP20 (6-28500) that I long ago converted to full TMCC with the upgrade boards for RailSounds, TMCC and ElectroCouplers. However, I think the RS-11 is a can motor and the GP20 is a Pullmor.
Without any Legacy engines for now, what should I look to do with the new Legacy that's different from the Cab1?
Can a lash up between the can motor RS-11 and pullmor GP20 work reliably?
Before I look to acquire any Legacy locos I plan to get the LCS WiFi module and the serial 2 module (to give me a different connection point for my TPC).
All comments appreciated as I renter the hobby after a 12 year hiatus.
I'd start here, Lionel Legacy System.
I suspect the MU with the can motor and Pullmor will be problematic, hard to believe those will have similar speed and/or torque curves.
Thanks GRJ. I expected the different motor types would be an issue. I probably asked that question at the turn of the century but long ago forgot the answer. I don't recall ever trying a lash up and maybe that's why. I think they were possible with the Cab1?
Thanks for the link. I hadn't come across that one. I did find the youtube videos and have watched a few. So far it's mostly been about how to set things up. But I think I have that down.
I'd be interested if other folks felt they got more enjoyment out of their TMCC trains with a CAB2 than they did with just a CAB1. I won't be getting another engine for awhile, so for now I'll only have the features of the CAB2 I can use with a straight TMCC engine.
The CAB2 came with 1.52 loaded. I'll need to get a black module or 2 before I can upgrade to 1.53. However, until I get the LCS WiFi module I don't think there's any benefit to 1.53 for me.
AFAIK, 1.52 is the latest version. Where did you see a 1.53 for Legacy? The latest on the Lionel site is 1.52.
I'm going to claim ignorance here as I'm not sure how I came to that conclusion. My best theory is that last week when I ordered the 990 set I wanted to browse the manual in PDF form. I went to Lionel's Service Manual page and searched on "#990" From there a number of LEGACY version manuals came up and the reference number next to the "Legacy version 1.52 Instruction Manual" was 71-4295-253. I'm guessing I made note of the "53" at the end of the manual's reference number when I saved the PDF to my hard drive.
But the good news is I now have no pressing reason to run out and buy any black modules - not even once I order the LCS WiFi.
Well, I'd have to have blue modules to make black ones. Since the only modules I have are the ones that came with the 990 I think I'm out of luck. Per your article (which I did save for some future point) the white ones won't work. And I'd want to keep those 1.52 modules that came with the 990 should I ever have to go back to "square 1" and start fresh. (Like perhaps when you jump out of the hobby and everything you have sits in boxes for 12 years. LOL )
Once you have 1.52 loaded, there's no reason to keep the 1.52 blue modules. If you want them as a security blanket, just create the black modules, then load 1.52 onto them, label them, and save them. Actually, if you do the mods and nothing else, 1.52 will still be on the modules.
When 1.53 and later releases do come along, you'll have the modules to load them. 
