What are my options?

It's a complicated question, but basically if you want the Legacy features, you need to have the Legacy system.  Same with the DCS system.  You can run TMCC locomotives through the DCS remote if you have a TMCC or Legacy command base connected as well.  However, you only get TMCC functionality and not the expanded functions of the Legacy locomotive.

Both have their champions and detractors.  I finally settled the argument for myself and have both Legacy and DCS.

Well that was easy hahaha. So basically if I have a DCS Locomotive its best to use the Mth DCS Controller and If I have a Legacy Locomotive its best to have the Legacy Controller.

I will briefly, state that I bought a used DCS system because I am on a tight budget.  If it weren't for budgetary reasons I might make a different decision, I am not sure.

So far what I like about DCS

1. My 6x12 layout has signal strength 10 with no alterations.  It was built without any concern for DCS, I did not think I could get any system this soon.

2. On the used market, I think I can make the most of my available funds on engine purchases with PS2 vs Legacy.

3. Once you figure it out, it is pretty simple.

What I found to be annoying:

1. I had to get better power.  My stable of CW80s were not compatible.

2. Most of the written material on instructions was written by engineer types which made it cumbersome to wade through to find out what you wanted to know.

3. The remote is very poorly designed and they threw the word "intuitive" out the window during the design stage.  Once you figure it out, it is simple and not very robust.

Consider I have never used or held a Legacy controller so I have no idea if Legacy is better or worse.  In the long run, I will probably end up with both systems, but for now, I will be putting my TIU through it's paces as I add engines.

I bought a used engine that had a few minor issues and those small issues were a gift in the sense that I had trouble shoot with the help of others on the forum, I had to take both the loco and tender a part a few times a work on them and send the board out for a check up.  I had to reset the engine to factory defaults.  All of that helped me understand the system and the loco at a level I never would have if everything was working perfectly the day I got it.

Currently, three more PS2 or #3 engines are on the wish list.  I watch the used market for deals when they come around.

Last,  I will roll the dice on some items that might entail some risk.  So far I have been lucky and have not been burnt on any purchases so far.

Well thanks for your input tmack... I am also on a budget because I am saving up for my wedding next year so I only been buying used items. I just recently had to purchase 2 atlas #5 switches because I could not find any pre owned. Once my track layout is complete I have to focus on power and controllers that fit my budget.

TMack,

Most of the written material on instructions was written by engineer types which made it cumbersome to wade through to find out what you wanted to know.

That's one of the reasons that I wrote The DCS O Gauge Companion, now in its second edition.

Everything that you need to know about DCS is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

I'll break out my Nomex suit and offer the opinion that I believe the Legacy controller is more intuitive to use than the DCS remote.  I will say that there are a ton of options on the DCS remote, but it's not as well organized, at least IMO.

You'll see the reason for the Nomex suit soon right here in this thread!

When I made the jump into command control, I chose the DCS system.  My main reason was that on my smaller layout (6 x 13.5), the MTH Railking line looks better on the tighter curves.  To me you can't beat the features that you get for the price.  

I eventually will purchase the Legacy system as well, but chose to start with the DCS. The Railking line fits my budget for now as Legacy locomotives are more expensive.  Just my opinion.

I agree that Legacy stuff is generally more expensive.  I started with TMCC, and a lot of that stuff on the used market is actually dirt cheap.  However, I do like many of the features of PS/2 locomotives, and eventually I had to bite the bullet and have both systems.