My suggestion would be to select the VS button, then set the VS to ~1000fpm, before takeoff, so that when you engage the AP in CMD mode, the nose will not "swiftly pull up". I do this, as it allows the L-1011 to both gain speed, and to not have too high of an AOA, to cause it to stall. It is surprising what the VS can get to by the time you turn the AP on, especially if you have too much nose up trim (I have never had to set the trim above 6, even at MTOW).

Another thing you could do, would be to set the AP to CWS mode, and gently lower the nose to attain a reasonable VS, then switch to CMD mode.

Note. The VS button will only become active if the FD switches are set to ON or SYNC.