Any reason to keep my TMCC system?

The reason I kept mine is I use it for a test track in my shop, and also if the Legacy command base ever croaks, I can still run trains with my two CAB1's and the TMCC command base waiting for the repair.

I kept my 4 cab-1s along with my Legacy remote. The Cab-1's have been operating fine for close to 15 years now with very little maintenance.

Ron what is the advantage of the powermaster over the cab 1 and base? chief

The PowerMaster allows you to control conventional locomotives from the CAB1.  The Command Base controls TMCC locomotives, but needs a TPC to control conventional blocks.  The CAB1 speaks directly to the PowerMaster, no command base required for just those two.

John said it all. I use a powermaster to run conventional locomotives on my separate Christmas layout.

  Ron

Once you add a powermaster bridge to the set-up, you are eliminating the cab-1 and base to the mix as there is no output available to it from the legacy base. But, you will be able to talk to your powermasters if you have them from your legacy remote.

 If you have TPC's in your set-up and no powermasters, there is no need for the powermaster bridge and you can keep your cab-1 and base in the legacy set-up.

The other point about the PowerMaster Bridge is that it excludes using the CAB1.  The two transmit on the same frequency and will step on each other.

You can use the command base with a DCS system to run Lionel TMCC from the DCS controller with the PowerMaster Bridge I would imagine as you aren't transmitting from the base.

John,

Good point but I can't comment on that set-up as I don't have DCS. Only have the remote commander which is a very inexpensive remote from MTH that works great.

I confess to having never tried using a CAB1 and a PM Bridge together, as I assume there would be conflicts. 

 The bridge is just emulating a cab1 so my thoughts are it would work with other cab1s. You just wouldn't be able to add the TMCC command base to the mix. You should be able to control multiple conventional trains on different loops with any combination of cab1s and cab2s. No more cab1 to test the theory though. Second cab2 on its way.

Ron

Thanks for the advice everyone.  The few conventional locomotives I will run I can do through the variable channel on my TIU with the DCS handheld.  As for needing my TMCC setup, it doesn't look like I have a reason to keep it.  It will go up on the buy-sell board as soon as I have my Legacy all set up.

If you would like to sell your CAB-1 and Command Base, please email me.  I'd like to purchase them.  I picked up an old K-Line Illinois Central E-9 ABA and would like to take advantage of the all the TMCC functions that are available for those engines.

I use my CAB1s to control my ERR converted operating cars or as an additional controller for multiple operators exceeding my two CAB2s and multiple MTH DCS controllers.