TMCC, Legacy, DCS, Lionchief, Cab-1, 1L, 2, & 3. Comprehensive explanation of All Systems to Date!

This is Part 1. Be sure to watch Part 2.
Update: 3-28-23 - I re-uploaded this video with a small change. If you already watched this video, you can just jump to timestamp from about 15:27 to 20:27 for an Important Note. Otherwise grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!
Settle in for this one! It is longer than a Movie!
Parts 1 & 2 give comprehensive explanations in chronological order of every O Gauge control system released to date from Lionel & MTH.
Wondering how to decide what to buy? It is in here.
This video was an incredible amount of work for just the first half which covers all the Lionel systems.
The second half will cover the MTH system and include a final summary of the 2 systems interoperability and a summary of all the systems and what they can and cannot do.
I'm tired just reading this! HAHA.
Don't forget: Use my affiliate link to go to the Trainz website to support my Channel www.trainz.com/seanstraindepot
Use this coupon code at checkout to get 10.00 off an order of 50.00 or more on the Trainz website.
10.00 Coupon Code - SEANSTRAINDEPOT

[@craignoll3088]

This is a "must watch" for anyone new to the hobby, like myself!!! I've been looking for this for a while now and am so grateful for this video! Thanks Sean!!!

[@therosejewelrailroad489]

I am guilty of not leaving a comment till now. I’m always going back to this video to understand all the current systems. If I was a brand new employee at Lionel and worked customer service I would watch and study this video to do a better job helping people over the phone. Lionel and all of us is lucky to have someone like you to help us understand all these command systems.

[@AWIRELINK]

Sean I've been watching your videos since the very beginning. I can respectfully say I've learned so much more about the hobby from you than any other channels, including Lionel's official video sites. Your videos have helped me out in every way at the highest level. Thank you for all you do, for the time and effort you put into videos. God Bless.

[@cablemanf250]

After switching from HO & DCC Systems, just WOW, thank you for the break down.

[@Heart-Beliefs--SamWilliamson]

Really helpful. Wish I had seen this a year or two ago, but I learned a LOT watching it today. (And yesterday, the original version.)

[@ozarkmidlandsouthernrailway]

Great job, Sean! I was able to watch the entire video as I worked down in the train room. I've not seen such a comprehensive video on Lionel's control systems before. After listening to your explanation about the yet to be released Cab 3 I feel more comfortable placing a preorder for one. Thanks for doing this video. Bill B.

[@seanstraindepot]

The CAB-3 will be great. Don't hesitate to preorder one.

[@TheTrainboard]

Your are a master technician, videographer, and fine, fine teacher. Keep it coming because we rarely find just the right detail you offer. You actually brought me back to trains because I didnt have enough negative feeder wires in my star wiring to satisfy my proto 1 mth engines. First rate. Carry on. Gary

[@seanstraindepot]

Thanks so much!

[@alfonsolanzagorta5138]

Thank you! This is the Bible on the subject. And It comes on the right time for me, because I am making up my mind on which one to buy. Chapeau! 🎩

[@seanstraindepot]

HAHA, Thanks, it is just a broad overview and by no means shows all the possible combinations but wanted to give everyone a good base to start with and go from there.

[@TheSalsy1]

What a great video. Thank-you for making it. I love your technical and how-to videos. They're really the best online.

[@joegabuzda976]

Sean, VERY good video. From someone who is a bit overwhelmed by all the new tech, this certainly made things a bit easier for me to understand. Clear, precise explanation. You're the tops man. I am glad I got to finally meet you at Allentown meet. Hopefully see you at York. Joe

[@garygreene578]

Sean, thank you so much for putting this together. I am a newcomer to the hobby and this answers the questions and concerns I have had with the different systems. It takes the "mystery" out of it all!!

[@northpennvalleysteamrailroad]

Amazing command system collection 😊

[@kevinmacdowell1722]

Excellent walk through and explanation Sean...thanks for doing this and looking forward to learning more about the MTH system in part 2.

[@williamkolina3988]

Great video. Met you at Allentown Never stop being a nerd Nerd is a compliment. Your lessons are much appreciated I wish you would do a weekly history segment By the way the standard part of your layout is looking great

[@messiertwenty4564]

Thanks for doing this! I have a simple set up that I updated to have an incline and decline. This led me down a rabbit hole of command and control and much confusion, until now. Thanks for the clear explanation!!

[@chrisricciardi1566]

AWESOME - thank you. This is incredibly helpful!

[@rexxumus]

Thank you for your very informative videos! I am fairly new to this hobby, and now that I've seen these 2 videos, I can finally get the right digital controller. I was going to pre-order a Base 3 unit, but now I am going with the MTH DCS WTIU unit coming out the end of March. It's a better choice for me.

[@chrismatteson494]

Great job Sean! Being new to the hobby, this really helped to educate me about the all control systems available.

[@biglouie69]

Fantastic video! Learned more from this than all other I have watched in the past. You have a new subscriber!

[@angelotizzoni1153]

Thank you for the detailed video!

[@markericson6418]

This has been the best informational video i hav ever seen. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@BriansModelTrains]

Thank you for the information. I always found Lionel to be so confusing compared to DCS and you cleared things up for me. I also run DCC on my HO and N scale layouts.

[@fredmelko5430]

Loved most of the videos, O and Ton Plate, great work.

[@danielanthonyestrada128]

Ive been collecting dept 56 christmas in the city village houses and finally,after many years got some trains. I couldnt decide on a scale and finally choose h/o even though its a little small. Ultimately it takes up less space and i like the two rail system. Im excited to watch more if your videos to educate and inform myself before i go any farther . This video is amazing thank you so much !!!!!

[@scotabot7826]

Well, if your after realness and scale fidelity, HO is the only way to go in my upinion. You made the correct choise!!

[@caseyvillemodelrailroad3877]

Thanks again just set up my universal remote , had the 1.1 software, up graded its software to 3.1 then followed info from Lionels video. Got all 5 Lionchief locos up and running . Took some time but aĺl and all about 1hrs time and its very cool and cost nothing...Thanks for the coffee...

[@caseyvillemodelrailroad3877]

The engines now run very slow at low speed, seams to have a bit more speedcontrol ...

[@kathleenpatterson3963]

From Arlin, thanks for doing this video, I am in my 70s and a tech pigmy.

[@ken0272]

Excellent, all I have is conventional locomotives, which I have wanted to control from a pad or pc or phone for some time, much like the DCC systems for HO/OO scale

[@TomzTrainzandAccessories]

Awesome Sean! As you said, you could probably spend hours making a video on all of the control systems out there, and then discuss how to integrate ALL of them together would be more time needed to do all of that. I personally thought about doing a video myself on that because I did link all of my conventional and command systems together to work as one, but I haven’t gotten myself to do that just yet. Following your lead though is inspirational.

[@seanstraindepot]

Go for it! That would be a fantastic video.

[@MrShain1611]

That would be worth a little money, and I would gladly contribute something.

[@nascarhyde]

Great informative video about all the operating systems! I just subscribed to your channel tonight! Keep up the great videos and thanks again Sean! Paul

[@caseyvillemodelrailroad3877]

Great vidio, great info that sorted out what id can use on my Yard layout... have universal remote so going to try that app conect. Thanks for the coffee...

[@andwolo3921]

Thanks for all the info

[@cathrynm]

My father set up ours as all Cab-1/conventional. I think we're sticking with this for now. I just have to be super careful to remove those batteries when I'm not using this so that they don't leak, but otherwise it's working good now.. I have no idea what happens with Base-3. We have no legacy locomotives, so right now it's not a big priority.

[@seanstraindepot]

I find that if you use quality rechargeables, they don't leak. Not sure why, maybe they have better casings, but I have never had one leak yet.

[@jameskoryta7197]

Thanks for all this worthwhile information!

[@fepatton]

Wow - this is an amazing overview. Must watch, indeed! I just added a Legacy Bluetooth locomotive to my roster, and was having some fun playing with it using the LC app the other evening, but I still prefer the 990 remote. It's been a while since I've paid attention to prices, and I was stunned at how much the 990 set seems to be commanding (hah!) on various sites. Crazy. I'm concerned that having control be app-only will be a recipe for later monetization ("Add quillable whistle functionality for just 50 cents a month!"), and I'm getting tired of "renting" everything. 😂 So, I hope they will eventually introduce a Cab 3 remote, or something more interactive than the 1L, with quillable whistle, etc. I guess I'm old, but I like physical remotes because you can feel for the buttons and not have to look where your fingers are placed so much. It's also nice to have a dedicated, physical e-stop button for emergencies!

[@AJScola-cq2ec]

Terrific video answered a lot of questions I have been trying to get answered with the Og forums.

[@echorad]

Thanks so much for such a detailed review!

[@sergeselr1687]

This is great Sean thanks for taking the time.

[@BhadriVisweswaran]

This is an incredible video. Thank you!

[@daveprasse6643]

Thank you for a clear explanation

[@dscottpeterson6653]

This video is perfect for me.

[@bryan3771]

Thank You Sean, Great information

[@geraldkimmich8018]

Very good video.

[@redsoil5821]

Very good video. Sean is correct about everything he said here.

[@NDFortMill]

Great tutorial. Thank you!!

[@Wiencourager]

My experience is with the older stuff. This sounds kinda complicated. I don’t have any new engines that need the new features. I’ll just stick to my 1950s ZW . I do have a basic 2 cab mainline block set up for when I want to run more trains at once. And some local cabs for switching areas.

[@Garlic227]

Sweet I love looking at model trains

[@thefuriousgamer2553]

Good to know I can use 990/993 for the cab1L system looking to get one of those instead of getting tmcc remote

[@tonyarsenault4256]

Thank you for a great review and you have convinced maybe to run DCS with conventional operation. As with all technology your control system may become obsolete but hopefully you can incorporate with a new system. New Cab 3 modeled after the Hell Gate just looks goofy ! !

[@seanstraindepot]

I agree about the BASE-3 case design. It's so goofy and makes it hard to place anywhere. They should of just made it a streamlined box, lol.

[@tonyarsenault4256]

lol yes I agree a stream lined box would look best. I think you have convinced me to run DCS with conventional operations. Thank you for the DCS overview !

[@dennishall8709]

Thank you this was so very helpful

[@RockStar-go2mh]

Good Job thank you sir!!!!!

[@KeithHeilner]

What I want from Lionel and MTH is for them to expose their control systems through software. I would love to write my own stuff via C++, Python etc and be able to roll my own. Just give me access via software, API, etc to ALL of the functions on a Cab. In other words view the model railroad control systems as IoT devices. I can control everything else on my layout with a computer, please let me do that for trains. I think it might open the hobby up to makers and hobbiests who are not model railroaders.

[@klopfew]

I'm commenting before I watch, but I'm hoping this helps me comprehend what's going on. I actually worked at Lionel in their last years of domestic manufacturing and I got a few trainmaster engines then I stepped away from the hobby. My dad kept up with emerging technologies, but he passed away before I could catch up. He has engines I don't know how to get the to run and a huge layout with only some smaller sections on conventional control. Hoping this can help me get up to speed. That C&O Hudson, I was on the line when that was being built.

[@robertcornelius3514]

As a former repair contractor I give the manufacturers of these new tech controls an F-. I worked my whole life to finally run trains and I run in to this mess. I truly believe this awful techno crap has scared millions a way from ever getting or staying in model railroading.

[@andy41417]

Lionel Powermaster will not run original MTH Protosounds without a capacitor placed across the track terminals. Licensee IC Controls Track Power Controller was bought out by Lionel to solve this problem allowing remote control of most conventional engines.

[@seanstraindepot]

Thats true. I couldn't go into every detail on how to run/setup every specific engine with each system. The goal was a broad overview of all the systems so new people to the hobby could get a handle on all the terms and what each one basically does. Then go research themselves once they knew which direction they wanted. I could have gone on for hours explaining every possible setup. Thanks!

[@chuckagonis2705]

Sean. I imagine a power supply will still be needed with the cab 3?

[@scotabot7826]

What I don't understand is why in the world these O Gauge companies don't use DCC like all the other gauges?? DCC is Great and can do so, so much!!

[@uravggamer4620]

This! I'm getting into O gauge and was confused why I couldn't find DCC engines, and now I know why😅

[@frankklaskov5485]

I run my +2.0 engines with cab1 & tmcc base. Funny is that the cab1 will run crew talk and crew chatter which 2.0 engines are not supposed to have. Crew chatter that is.

[@tomwarrick4945]

I need help to restart my layout that worked 10 years ago.One starting problem might be helped if you know just a bit more about the old cmcc powermaster.There seems to be at least two versions.on the bottom one identifies as base one,as you presented in video,the other reads powermaster and has a different hook up. Unfortunately, I’m looking at both and not sure what is going on. I may in fact, I’m sure I have other problems but this one seems it might count for the problem at this time. I really could use help here

[@user-nu5pc2tq4t]

Can you run post war trains on Lionel base 3 system

[@smiller6217]

Sean, When are you going on the road with seminars on this subject.? I know I would pay to get all this info. This is wonderful because I'm totally lost with all of this electronics. However with this video the info is starting to soak into my concrete head. Thank you and I plan to watch the rest of your presentation.

[@seanstraindepot]

HAHA, Thanks. This is just an introduction, but if you have specific questions let me know!

[@rc4lifebnsf]

How do you match engine speeds in a lash up with the cab1L? I have 2 brand new lionchief plus 2.0 engines and one is a lil faster than the other and they fight. Any way to speed match them?

[@josiah9008]

So if I have 3 conventional trains from 1990's. The base1 would be my best option? Right? But I would have to use separate loops correct?

[@rc4lifebnsf]

Can you lash up engines with the cab1-L? Can is lash up and control lionchief engines?

[@rodrossi9749]

If you want the 990 legacy system prepare for STICKER SHOCK !! BUY THE BASE 3 AND A CAB 1.

[@seanstraindepot]

Yeah, it just depends on everyone's needs. I plan to get the Base 3 and the Cab3 App (which in the previews I have seen looks really well designed).

[@nautcasprt]

Great video. Trying to follow as a newbie and I think I would need the base3 for what I am trying to accomplish but want to confirm. I currently have an O scale rtr train set. It is powered by the powermax plus. How can I make it so that I can use it wirelessly with either bluetooth or wifi? Id prefer not to change the locomotive if possible.

[@seanstraindepot]

What is a powermax+ ? Is that a transformer? Which set do you have?

[@nautcasprt]

@@seanstraindepot Yes. It is a transformer. I have the A Christmas Story O scale set.

[@seanstraindepot]

Ok yeah that is a conventional engine. Although the Base 3 and a CAB1-L or CAB-2 remote would accomplish what you want, that is a lot of money for simple remote control of a conventional engine. It would be cheaper to get a used TMCC Cab-1 Set and a Powermaster. That would allow you to vary the voltage on the track with the remote. The Base 3 and Cab-3 App or a remote would be overkill unless you plan to get more Bluetooth or Command control engines in the future. The Powermaster gets controlled by the TMCC remote and varies voltage to the track just as if you were turning the transformer handle.

[@nautcasprt]

@@seanstraindepotOoof. Just checked on used items and that is even alot of money. I might just keep what I currently have and purchase new in the future. Thanks for the info. It was very helpful.

[@seanstraindepot]

Yeah, if you just have that one engine, I wouldn't spend that kind of money just for remote control.

[@rc4lifebnsf]

Can you lash up lionchief plus 2.0 engines with the cab1L ?

[@seanstraindepot]

Yes

[@geraldkimmich8018]

Can i use tmcc base and cab to operate my legacy engines. I cannot find a cab1l or base 1l set. I am a beginner and have no controller. Should i just buy a base 2 990?

[@redsoil5821]

The most comfortable and most easy remote to operate is Legacy cab1L. The worst one is MRH. Horor to operate - batteries goes flat quickly and constant problems with signal, freezing , and not finding engines on track. Never such problems with Lionel remote. Am I wrong ? PLEASE LET ME KNOW

[@seanstraindepot]

HAHA, well for me I like the CAB-2 the best. The MTH design is just different, and I do find more cumbersome, but as far as signal issues, not finding engines, etc. that has nothing to do with the system. It's all about the wiring (gauge, number of drops, power districts, etc.) I have 2 layouts that also have DCS, and they work perfectly.

[@zechariahfrink3707]

Do you know how to connect the cab1L remote to the 990 base? I got a 990 set with the cab2 remote but I have a cab1l because I got that first. I figured it would be better to use with tmcc engines and I think an older tmcc engine will be my first Lionel engine purchase.

[@seanstraindepot]

It just has to be on the same channel and it will communicate with the 990 base.

[@JohannTrains]

My dad has a TMCC diesel and a lionchief without bluetooth, what would we need to run both locomotives remotely?

[@seanstraindepot]

If you want a single control, there really is only 1 choice and that is the Base 3 coming out. It will be able to control all series of Lionel engines. Although you use an app and not a remote. The early Lionchief without BT were RF frequency radios, so only the remote that came with it or the new Base 3 will control it.

[@driverman8615]

Anwsured lots of my "newB" questions thanks.

[@105C09]

Lionel missed it....again...by not continuing to offer the Cab-2/base and not upgrading a handheld controller. For older hands, the phone apps are not too friendly.

[@seanstraindepot]

Luckily, they are still selling the CAB1-L Remote you can use with it, or if you have a CAB-2 already that will also work with it. So, you have some options.

[@brandonpittman4778]

So if you bought the 993 and you get the base 3 could you use the remote from the 993 expansion pack?

[@seanstraindepot]

Yes, that is what Lionel is currently saying and was tested at the NJ Hi-Railers, so we know it's in there.

[@Swenser]

Have two of the same model Bluetooth Lionel trains . They both pair in the app but operating one makes the other move too. How silly is that? Who designs this stuff?

[@jcdc6492]

Do I need a TMCC system for each separate loop? Ie just 2 old fashioned loops that arent connected, thanx.

[@seanstraindepot]

Not necessarily. It depends on what you are running (tmcc, conventional, etc.). One base can send signals to multiple loops. But you can't do conventional and command at the same time on the same loop. So really depends on what you are trying to run on each loop.

[@jcdc6492]

@@seanstraindepot So do I attach 1 wire each from the base to the outer rail of the 2 loops? Ive been overthinking TMCC since it came out. Im 45 and get confused lol. Id imagine, a lot of guys are like me and just kinda scratch their head and go back to conventional.

[@jcdc6492]

@@seanstraindepot ….also, for sake of questions, Im just using TMCC engines in my question. I have a Trainmaster but want to understand just the basics on TMCC first. Lol I went to York annually in the 90s and cant figure out 20 year old tech

[@thomasnichols1788]

Hi so if you have just the 993 cab 2L no base it will work with the new base 3 when it comes out right ????

[@seanstraindepot]

Cab 2 remotes that come with either 990 or 993 bases are the same. So the remote from either set will work with Base 3, the 993 or 990 bases would only be used to charge the remote as the Base 3 would be the one that connects to the track.

[@michaeldodd7640]

Hi will these control Williams locos?

[@seanstraindepot]

If they are TMCC they will. Depends on version. Also, if you have a conventional but use a Powermaster with TMCC then you can also control the track power with the remote.

[@escape150]

I’ve been using the Legacy system for quite awhile. I recently purchased a Cab 1L because I thought it would be easier for my grandson to operate. Do I have to buy the Base 1L power or will it connect wireless to the Legacy Base. If so will the Legacy Cab 1L talk to the base. Thanks! I would appreciate your feedback. I’m not real good with all the electronics

[@seanstraindepot]

The cab1-l will communicate with the 990 legacy base as they are on the same frequency. You just have to make sure the remote is on the same channel as the base. No need for a base1-l (not to mention they are impossible to find lol).

[@escape150]

@@seanstraindepot how do I know what channel the remote is on?

[@seanstraindepot]

Remove the cover on bottom of remote. Hold down the set key and you select the channel by pressing the number keys (1-9). The remote will beep. 1 beep means it found a base. 3 beeps mean no base responded. So first power up your Legacy remote and on home screen it will show channel you are on. Then set the CAB1-L remote to same channel and you should get a 1 beep confirmation.

[@escape150]

@@seanstraindepot Thank you Sean 👍🏻 That information was very very helpful. I appreciate it.

[@cnjrr1216]

One question, can I get a legacy 993 to pair to the base 3 to work. I have a base 3 on pre order. Thanks

[@seanstraindepot]

The Legacy 993 expansion set (which includes the CAB-2 Remote and Charging base) is supposed to be able to connect to the Base 3, so if Lionel sticks to what they advertised, then yes you can use it with the Base 3.

[@cnjrr1216]

Cool!! Thanks for the info.

[@zechariahfrink3707]

Would you be interested in selling the Cab1L base1L set?

[@seanstraindepot]

I am using it on my Standard Gauge Layout, sorry. Those things are harder to get than the Legacy systems! But if you are out at train shows and find only a base, grab it! You can get the other pieces that you need new.

[@SpaceDad42]

Sounds like Lionel needs to make up their minds and stop changing tech every couple of hears to scam money out of folks.