Why is cab 1 still in the catalog?

Are you sure it's not the CAB1L?  See a few years back many folks demanded something less "complicated", less expensive, and more robust for kids.  They touted the virtues of the previous Cab1 which was no longer being produced.  Lionel responded with the CAB1L.  It is physically identical to the TMCC CAB1sans the antenna.  It operates on the Legacy frequency so you can use it with your Legacy base and has some Legacy functionality.

To expand a bit on what MARTYE said, Cab1-L is now the "entry-level" Lionel command system. it is affordable and will run all TMCC engines from all manufacturers, plus it will run all Legacy engines, and includes quilling whistle. But it is still quite straightforward and intuitive to operate. If you have any TMCC or Legacy equipment you should really give it a try. Once you try command, you will be hooked if you are like many of the rest of us.

I use my CAB1L all the time, I got the system just to have a backup to the Legacy in case my base takes a dump, and the CAB1L has been very handy for running my TMCC stuff.  I don't lose any functionality with TMCC, and it's a bit more convenient, not to mention probably a bit more robust.

Knowing none of the above, I bought the Cab-1L when I couldn't find my old TMCC stuff in the wake of several moves.  It's GREAT!  I have no need for all the bells and whistles of a "That's not a moon, it's a Base Station!" and, unknown to me at the time, it has the flexibility to operate everything post-TMCC.

As Rod Stewart always says, "We are never too old to learn something, stupid...."  However, you'll note that I add a comma to ensure that I know he's talking to me.

GVDobler posted:

I don't own any command gear yet. But, why would I buy cab 1 stuff if cab 2 will run everything prior?

Just wondering. Even to save a few bucks, it would limit what you could run later.

this catalog from early 2014 only had the cab1L;

track and power

GVDOBLER,

     Lots of people like the Cab1L, almost purchased one myself, as Guns points out they do have their use.  I finally decided on just using the Legacy Cab2, because I owned no TMCC equipment at the time.  However I could be persuaded, if the price was right into owning a used Cab1L, just for convince sake.  Course then Willgee would have to upgrade the original Cab1L engineering, to make it fully rechargeable, repeat Battery replacement here on the PCRR is unacceptable engineering.

PCRR/Dave

s

I take my CAB1L on the road as it's considerably less fragile than the CAB2.  As long as I'm just running TMCC stuff, I don't really give up any functionality.

What advantages do you have with the Cab2 that you do not get with the Cab1L?

We added a Cab1L to our club layout and fills the  need for an affordable and user friendly addition to our Legacy system. The quilling feature works well though not as flexible as the slide on the Legacy.  This is not a factor with modern diesels anyway, but  the Legacy slide for the whistle is a must if you are running steam. 

Also I do miss the brake slide when running steam as the Legacy allows me to simulate heavy loads (and there is nothing that sounds better than power braking a steamer to a stop....got to keep 'em stretched!).    

Over all the Cab1L is a good value and a welcome addition to our operation.

Earl 

The one thing to keep in mind with CAB1 is, it's works on 27MHz which is right there with CB radio. If someone near you is transmitting with any kind of illegal power. It could interfere with your train and it may not respond and/or do things on it's own. CAB1L is on 2.4GHz which is much better and less likely to have any interference.

Rapid Transit Holmes posted:

Knowing none of the above, I bought the Cab-1L when I couldn't find my old TMCC stuff in the wake of several moves.  It's GREAT!  I have no need for all the bells and whistles of a "That's not a moon, it's a Base Station!" and, unknown to me at the time, it has the flexibility to operate everything post-TMCC.

As Rod Stewart always says, "We are never too old to learn something, stupid...."  However, you'll note that I add a comma to ensure that I know he's talking to me.

RTH; I had a huge laugh over that comment! 

Does the cab-1L talk to the legacy base? 

rboatertoo posted:

Does the cab-1L talk to the legacy base? 

Yes.

Thanks Marty

I am always running multiple trains on a large loop and I like to have one controller per engine in case of.......   I have two legacy controllers, but a 3rd would be nice. 

Thanks for all the great info guys!

I bought the Legacy base almost 4 years ago, and hooked it up as directed using the Y cable with my TMCC base. Unfortunately, all my trains took off at full speed, so I put it on the shelf and have just used TMCC ever since. As a result, I never paid any attention to all the discussion about the Cab-1L. I own 9 of the original Cab-1's, so I'll probably never get rid of my TMCC base.

This topic has prompted me to dig out my Legacy base and give it another shot. I still have 30+ engines on the rails, but at least now, I can isolate them. Anyway, if I do get this to work, and I need more controllers, the Cab-1L sounds like the way to go.