What is the best "first" Legacy for one just starting out?

Depends on what radii your are running.

But knowing what I know now.

Diesels: really a TMCC engine from 2003 or later are great. It will run great with Legacy too.

Steam: Bang for the buck I would get a Berkshire ; 765, 1225, or some of the newer ones being released with whistle steam. If you are buying an engine right away, look for specials, right now you can see some of the big 2-8-8-2 engines are on sale.

Depends on what you like? I think any one Legacy engine is as good as the next and would purchase any one that I liked and could afford.  I only have modern diesels, no steam, for no other reason than that's what I like and can afford.

http://marketplace.collector-m...-5.0-LN%25Box-226643        Don't know what you like or what your looking for but  check this out. Train Nerd Al          

Auctions can be great, but just be sure to read all the fine print on any auction like this BEFORE you bid, so that you are aware of things like the extra 15% buyer's fee that will be added to the final selling price. Also, be sure to check the shipping costs as well, which sometimes may be inflated to boost the seller's profit margin.

Bill in FtL

Should have added this to my first post (thought of this after seeing auction above). If you are just starting out, it might be wise to purchase something new from your local train store, hopefully an authorized Lionel dealer, if you have one. You will probably pay a little more, but you will have a warranty and someone to go back to for help if you have any problems. Especially when just starting out and trying to learn. I would wait on ebay and any other auctions or 2nd hand purchases until you are more experienced. 

Although the auction pricing may be very attractive there are also sometimes other costs involved as Bill Nielsen mentions above. There is a lot of value in having someone nearby to go to, like a local train store, for assistance when needed.

I would suggest a GP35. Nice model and runs/looks good on just about every layout. Great puller and can be used for whatever duty your railroad empire sees fit to do.

Like Jeff, I like their GP-35.  Also like the RS-11 diesels.

Buy from an Authorized Dealer, if at all possible, so you'll have the warranty protection.  I've never needed to make use of it, but it's nice to know it is available if needed.  Personally, I steer clear of buying trains from auction houses or sites.

I still haven't decided, but I have a few questions, first, are they still accepting orders or are the berks in stores? If either is true, where is the least expensive place to get it? Second, I really like the Mohawk, but want the newest version which is unpainted. I WONT TORLATE THAT. Third, any leaked info on a legacy Dreyfuss Hudson? 

Many of the larger dealers will still take orders for berks, the consensus being they will likely order extra for procrastinators like yourself. You won't get the "early buy" discount but you'll still get your berk. Peruse the forum sponsors and find the best price. Charles Ro for one, has them for $1050.

There are "painted" legacy mohawks still available, these can typically be had for under $1000. Not sure what you mean by the unpainted version being the newest, aside from the paint, or lack thereof, the models are identical, and likely produced at the same time.

Grzyboskis Trains has  a "takeout" "painted" mohawk from the water level set for $995 Mohawk at Grzyboskis I'd call to verify.

There won't be any "new product" hints/ leaks if at all until the beginning of 2015.

I would stick with a diesel the first time out.  GP35 or a GP9, buy it new from a known dealer, a lot of times the used market sellers have issues that they forget to mention.

I have a Legacy GP9 that is a great looking/running engine.  It came in Wabash colors but I repainted it in Seaboard Air Line Jolly Green Giant colors.

before:

after:

Excellent slow-speed control with either TMCC (Cab1-L/Command Base1-L) or DCS.

Diesels seem to be less expensive, steam engines are more expensive.

I also have an Atlas GP9 and there's not hardly any difference in the two.