@Zildjianmeister68 posted:

Hello,

I don't currently have any Legacy products but just wanted to confirm something.  Am I correct that if I don't have a legacy setup I can still run legacy engines with a transformer/LC app, sans the special features other than the horn, bell, and whistle?  I often see deals on some legacy engines that are not much more $$ than the LC+ 2.0 products or at times the same price.  Had my eye on some of them.

Thank you,

Z

All Legacy models produced within the last 4ish years come with Bluetooth. If its older than that it may not have bluetooth. If youre going to buy something second hand check lionels website for the features, it will list bluetooth if the loco has it. You can run a legacy engine with bluetooth but you wont get all the fancy legacy features, you will be able to control volume, smoke, horn, whistle, crewtalk, speed and direction.

Perfect. Thank you @biscuitag97

Z

You can also run Legacy engines manufactured more than 4 years ago or without Bluetooth, strictly conventionally with transformer control, again without all the Legacy features.

Thank you @Richie C.

One other option for running legacy engines is the TMCC Cab1.  Or better yet, a person could use the Cab1L which will give access to the "quilling" whistle/horn.

I wonder where you are in the hobby? Are you a holiday operator? Do you have a permanent layout? I see you haven’t filled out the OGR Profile information so it’s a little difficult to direct you to someone that might live in your part of the country that could introduce you to Command Control by Lionel. If you are wanting to purchase Legacy equipped locomotives, I highly recommend getting a Cab 1L set. Wiring is not complicated, just 1 wire…. Good luck in your search for a system you will be happy with. Happy Railroading Everyone

You can also run Legacy engines that have Bluetooth by using the orange Lionchief Universal Remote, which is what I do. Doing so well enable you to have the basic functions (speed, direction, horn, whistle, electrocouplers, announcements), and run up to 3 legacy/LC+ locomotives with Bluetooth simultaneously.

I like to use the  LC Universal Remote so I can use my smartphone to take photos and videos instead of using the smartphone to run a locomotive.

Also, there is no wiring of any kind when using the the LC Universal Remote. It's very user friendly and only costs about $50.

@leapinlarry posted:

If you are wanting to purchase Legacy equipped locomotives, I highly recommend getting a Cab 1L set.

Where can you find one of those?

Lot of good info here and thanks to Arnold about the Lionel Universal Remote and its ability to run three trains.  I have one of those but don't use it because I tend to run just one train at a time on my outer line and just conventional equipment on my interior two lines.  Most of the time I just run engines on my lout loop and use Bluetooth, which I think is a game changer since it is so easy to use.

Below is the main screen, the buttons will light up when an engine is connected.  The little mouth on the top right is for voice command, which I have not used.

This the screen for selecting an engine.  the Bluetooth enable engines will automatically appear.

This is the screen that you get when the blue setting button is pressed on the first screen.  It has a nice feature of being able to limit the speed, in case you have kids run your equipment of if you have a tendency to drive fast. The is also the ability to turn on or off the smoke. 

Hope this helps a bit.

I second the idea of finding a CAB1L remote. Getting it up and running is really simple.  Literally one connection and power.  You can run trains right away but then have the option of exploring some of the more advanced features at your own pace.  

I got back into the hobby recently after the Legacy 990 was becoming hard to find.  (This was before the announcement it was discontinued in favor of the upcoming CAB3.). My local hobby shop had 2 “old” NIB (new In box) CAB1L.  I snagged one and have been really happy with it.  I suggest checking out local hobby shops and maybe you’ll luck out and come across one.  If you see an older-ish Legacy engine without BT, you’ll be able to run it.  👍🏼

The caveat, the upcoming CAB3 is going back to the CAB1 remote (in addition to an app).  The dusty CAB1Ls that may be out there might be harder and harder to find.  

@VJandP posted:

The caveat, the upcoming CAB3 is going back to the CAB1 remote (in addition to an app).  The dusty CAB1Ls that may be out there might be harder and harder to find.  

Actually, the Lionel CAB1L remote will continue to be made, the thing that will get dusty is the BASE1L that matches the CAB1L.  You will be able to use the CAB1L with the upcoming BASE3.  You'll also be able to use the CAB2 with the BASE3, but the CAB2 will no longer be produced.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Actually, the Lionel CAB1L remote will continue to be made, the thing that will get dusty is the BASE1L that matches the CAB1L.  You will be able to use the CAB1L with the upcoming BASE3.  You'll also be able to use the CAB2 with the BASE3, but the CAB2 will no longer be produced.

Thanks for the correction and additional info.  I left off the “L” when mentioning the CAB1.  You connected the CAB dots better than I did.  🙂

CAB1...CAB1L...CAB2...

No sweat, just connect the dots!

Thank you all for your excellent responses! I always learn when I come to the site and read/post question(s).

@leapinlarry  I'd say I'm very casually into the hobby at this point.  A few years back I found my old mpc trains from when I was a kid.  I got some new track and was excited to see they ran as good as the day we put them away. (for over 40 yrs I'd say).  I just have a small 4x8 loop that I put down on the carpet in the basement for a while and then pick it back up again at various times.  Some of the new Diesels I saw interested me and they happened to be Legacy. 

@Zildjianmeister68, wow, so you have some older trains, MPC Era, just uncovered and have set up a 4 by 8 layout on the floor. This is a great start in getting back into this great hobby. Now, if you can add one more piece of plywood, make an 8 by 8 area for your trains, you can have a larger diameter track and add those Legacy engines your thinking about. In reality, you need to use 054 curves allowing you to operate the scale size diesels and most of the mid sized steamers. Your going to go crazy listening to the new sounds and the command control aspect of this new modern way of controlling your trains. Also, add legs to your plywood empire, 45 inches off the floor. I encourage the larger curves because the trains look more at home on larger curves….
I understand that this is seasonal with you at this point, but this is the really fun time during the holidays to activate that train desire from your youth into a truly happy holiday season. Trains are fun, then add accessories, buildings, all that your Imagination can dream up. Thank you for that tid bit of information, now, do you have a first name, I’m Leapin Larry and we are glad your here with us on this fantastic OGR Forum. You might even post a picture for our review. Happy Railroading Everyone

BREAKING NEWS, Ok, these sets are hard to find, but my dealer has one, ABC Hobbyshop, Evansville Indiana. The Cab 1L complete set, remote with base. His phone number is 812-477-9661 and it’s readily available. Get it Now!
The Cab 1L set is a great way to have fun with your operation of your trains.  Happy Railroading Everyone