Returned to Lionel after too long an absence...meaning I skipped from Conventional mode to Legacy in one 10-year step.
So,as a Command Control newbie, here's what I've seen so far with Legacy engines and controls.

Lionel Engines:
Legacy BB-- Worked for awhile, derailed sometimes on right O-72 turnouts, reason was loose screw on an articulated steam pipe, tightened, OK until it started twitching instead of moving, opened, tightened loose flywheel (quite loose), fine ever since. No help from Lionel needed. Loose flywheel = erratic timing track= completely confuses the motor speed control logic.

FEF-3-- Flawless in every way from day one.

Texas Special- Always worked perectly, had bad rear truck coupler casting that fatigued and failed, (obscure, no way anyone would have seen that during assembly), e-mailed Lionel with description, responded in less than 4 hours that a replacement truck was in the mail (I only asked for the casing part, sent the whole truck!), received only 3 days later. Fabulous service. Replacement is perfect.

Frisco GP7. Flawless from Day 1

Legacy Controller 1: Purchased one, always worked fine, when update announced I called Lionel and they sent modules in 2 days (had the silver dots). Upgrade installed fine, works fine.

Legacy Controller 2: Came with BB. Older, no silver dots, sent to Lionel for upgrade, returned in less than a week. Both work great.
=====
Service Grade: "A+"

Quality: "A" (the BB Loose Flywheel was a common problem, well documented on forums by the time I got one. I imagine nearly all were built and shipped to dealers before anyone knew the assembly spec for the setscrew was wrong. Easy fix. Forgiveable.)

Play Value: Fabulous!
//Mark

I had a similar experience on the BB and I had to tighen the mounting screws. Did you do anything else to secure them? I also had an FEF-3 motor board failure; however, Lionel delivered a new board within 3 days, and all repairs in the past two years have been great (all within 2 weeks) including the multiple Acela failures. Lionel by hiring Jon has started re-engineering the engine electronics to standardize their components to faciliate repair and improve quality. with Jon's input, I am sure that the R27 subway will not have the Acela issues when it is produced. By hiring Mike, they are addressing their customer service and product quality. Mike delayed a product delivery because he did not like the quality of the first units delivered. Knowing these two persons (one personally and one via email communication) I am confidant that Lionel will continue to improve its quality and support and I would not hesitate purchasing any of their engines. It is really nice now to be able to base a purchase decision on the engine features and not having to worry that the purchase will fail or not have post purchase support.