# CabForward — DCC-EX Model Railroad Control

> Advanced DCC model railroad control with multi-train throttles, roster, and automation. (iPhone/iPad app by JARED PHILIP HOLCOMB.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cabforward/id6777802417 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [JARED PHILIP HOLCOMB](https://appshunter.io/developer/6777802419)
- Category: Utilities
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 26.5 · 47 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-06-18
- Data updated: 2026-07-26
- Monetization: freemium
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cabforward/id6777802417/reviews.md

## What is CabForward?

CabForward speaks the DCC-EX native protocol directly — no clunky bridges, no compromises — so every throttle nudge, function toggle, and turnout throw lands instantly. Whether you're notching out a heavy drag freight or spotting a single boxcar at the team track, the whole railroad is at your fingertips.

Highlight bullets:

Train Controls — A multi-train throttle deck with real speed, direction, e-stop, and a full function grid. Choose per-loco control styles (mainline standard or yard switcher) and inputs (slider or rotary control). Build quick consists on the fly and run them like one engine.
Roster — A photo-rich locomotive library with short/long addresses, custom function names & icons, favorites, and on-device AI background removal for picture-perfect roster shots. Build consists with directional headlights, and catalog your freight, passenger, and MOW rolling stock.
Operations — Prototypically accurate switching games and operating sessions generated from your layout and roster: light-engine moves, locals, yard switching, interchange transfers, unit trains, and railfan runs — each with a briefing and a tickable switchlist. Or create your own!
Routes & Automations — Build EX-RAIL routines with a typed opcode palette, run them live in-app, fire off routes already on your command station, and export a compliant Automation file for the command station. 
Command Station — Auto-discovery, power & track management, power districts, and the fast clock display.
Locomotive Programming — Read and write addresses, CVs (byte & bit), and program-on-main, all with clear feedback.
A Theme for Every Era — Thirteen hand-crafted themes. Every screen restyles in a tap.

Goes everywhere you do:

Apple Watch companion — drive from your wrist with the Digital Crown.
Home Screen widget — tap to drive your favorite loco or consist instantly.
Siri & Shortcuts — "Emergency stop," "track power on," and drive any roster engine by voice.
Game-controller support — grab a physical controller and run your railroad with haptic feedback.
iCloud sync — your roster, routes, ops, and layout follow you across devices.
CabForward Pro unlocks the full yard: multi-train operation, consists, the Roster, Operations, Routes, Programming, themes, layout profiles, iCloud sync, and more. The free tier always lets you drive a single locomotive, manage and operate your accessories, and manage your command station.

A lifetime purchase option is available. 

Couple up and head out. CabForward is throttle-forward, full ahead.

Terms of Service (EULA): https://cabforwarddcc.com/terms.html

## Key features

- Multi-train throttle deck
- Photo-rich locomotive roster
- Prototypically accurate operations
- EX-RAIL routine builder
- Command station management
- Locomotive programming
- Customizable themes

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CabForward Pro | $0.99 | per month |
| CabForward Pro | $9.99 | per year |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CabForward Pro | $39.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cabforward/id6777802417/reviews.md

### 5/5 — OH MY GOSH

*2026-06-19*

Download this!
So freaking cool!

## Frequently asked questions about CabForward

### What is CabForward?

CabForward is a mobile application designed for controlling DCC model railroads. It allows users to manage locomotives, operate accessories, and automate routes directly from their iOS devices.

### What features are included in the free version of CabForward?

The free tier of CabForward allows you to drive a single locomotive, manage and operate your accessories, and manage your command station. It provides essential control for basic operations.

### What does CabForward Pro unlock?

CabForward Pro unlocks advanced features such as multi-train operation, the full locomotive roster, operations mode, route building, locomotive programming, multiple themes, layout profiles, and iCloud sync across devices.

### What are the subscription options for CabForward Pro?

CabForward Pro offers monthly and yearly subscription plans. The monthly plan is $0.99 with a 3-day free trial, and the yearly plan is $9.99 with a 7-day free trial.

### Does CabForward have ads?

No, CabForward does not contain advertisements. The application is free to download and offers optional in-app purchases for its Pro features.

### What devices is CabForward compatible with?

CabForward is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. It also supports Home Screen widgets, Siri, Shortcuts, and game controllers for enhanced usability.

### How often is CabForward updated?

CabForward was last updated on June 26, 2026, with version 1.2. The release date was June 18, 2026, indicating relatively recent development activity.

### What is the age rating for CabForward?

CabForward has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for users of all ages, with no mature content.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.2 — 2026-06-26

Added additional dialogs to the help system. Added information on how to use Siri, Shortcuts, and Widgets with CabForward in the Settings Menu. Bug fixes and improvements.

### 1.1 — 2026-06-23

Version 1.1 adds an onboarding process that walks you through the steps needed to connect CabForward to your DCC-EX Command Station and begin running trains. The app now also includes a help menu that can be accessed by pressing the "?" button in the upper right of each view. Finally, it now features additional themes and improvements around the theme system, including the ability to assign individual locomotives their own themes.

### 1.0 — 2026-06-19

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-26.*