Since returning to the hobby DCS and Command Control are new. Need to know what I need to run both Lionel and MTH locomotives. My boys and I have several new to use locomotives that range from Lion Chief to Proto Sounds 2. I did some research and found that both manufacturers are not making the remotes anymore. Is there anything I can get to connect together to run everything from apps are a remote? Looking for something for my young boys to run with the least confusion.
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Lionel does make a remote, the cab-1L, but does not yet make a command base (the forthcoming Base 3). LionChief locos obviously have their own individual remote or the Universal Remote (which will also work with any Legacy loco that has Bluetooth).
With PS2 and PS3 locos, you are going to have to use the app unless you spring for a previously owned TIU and remote, since they have no plans to make either of these. The wi-fi TIU that is planned to be released will not respond to the older DCS remote unless it is connected by cable, and DCS remotes are pricey and thin on the ground given the lack of production. Same goes for Legacy command base and cab-2 from Lionel. You could purchase an old TMCC command base and cab-1 but these items are decades old and not worth the investment in many cases.
Sorry about that.
@Landsteiner posted:You could purchase an old TMCC command base and cab-1 but these items are decades old and not worth the investment in many cases.
I strongly disagree. The Cab-1 and Base-1 are actually the best value in today's mixed up situation.
You can get them for fairly little money because of their age, yet they still provide command control. Yes it's somewhat limited compared to Legacy but it's not bad.
They'll still provide substantial command functionality as long as you make sure that you're buying a functional set.
Mike
"They'll still provide substantial command functionality as long as you make sure that you're buying a functional set."
Point taken. But unless you know what you're doing, you're buying equipment that can be as much as 25 years old, and testing prior to purchase is a good idea. If your test loco(s) work fine and the price is right, I agree with you, it's a good solution. But if you cannot test the equipment or the price is steep, I'd wait for the Base 3 and use the app. Repairs and replacement parts for TMCC are not easily found is the other downside. So it boils down to your ability to evaluate the equipment, your tolerance for risk and the price is my thought. My 1997 or so TMCC is still working 
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Is there a date for the release of the Base3? Will the Base3 and app be able to control all Lionel locomotives? I assume conventional will be the only locomotives left it won’t control
"Is there a date for the release of the Base3? Will the Base3 and app be able to control all Lionel locomotives? I assume conventional will be the only locomotives left it won’t control"
Been delayed already, but promised for late this year. Should control all command locos, e.g., TMCC, Legacy, LionChief in its three incarnations (LionChief, LionChief +, LionChief +2.0). At least that's the intention.
@yellowtruck75 posted:Is there a date for the release of the Base3? Will the Base3 and app be able to control all Lionel locomotives? I assume conventional will be the only locomotives left it won’t control
With a Legacy Powermaster it will control conventional engines as always in Lionel's command world.
Sounds like waiting for the Base3 and app to come out is the best path. Let’s just hope it won’t take years.
what about controlling MTH trains? What’s my best bet or do I also wait until they release a new version?
"what about controlling MTH trains? What’s my best bet or do I also wait until they release a new version?"
Similar issues to waiting for the Base 3. In a good way . Anything you buy on the secondary market (whether TMCC, Legacy, DCS TIU/remote, etc.) will be second hand, without a warranty and likely very expensive compared with a newly issued product. If you buy the newly issued wi-fi TIU from MTH, which is expected "soon," it will have a warranty and more likely repairable if problems develop.
Look at it from a social utility standpoint. If you buy stuff used, you are not doing anything to stabilize the manufacturers and dealers at a difficult time in history. If you buy something new, you are keeping dealers , and Lionel and MTH, in business. Semi-seriously. This is not in any way meant to criticize or demean those who choose to buy their equipment on the second hand market.
But everyone's opinion differs and I'm sure you will hear alternative points of view.
Has MTH released anything about their upcoming release?
No formal announcement to my knowledge, but rumor is "spring 2023."
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