# Lionel Cab3

> Control Lionel Bluetooth locomotives and Base3 command systems for model trains. (iPhone/iPad app by Lionel, LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lionel-cab3/id1606814421 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Lionel, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/616773170)
- Category: Entertainment
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.71/5 from 41 App Store ratings · 22 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 134 MB
- Released: 2024-06-24
- Data updated: 2026-08-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lionel-cab3/id1606814421/reviews.md

## What is Lionel Cab3?

This APP allows you to control your Lionel engines in two different ways. 
1. Connect to Lionel Bluetooth-equipped locomotives in a one-to-one pairing, controlling them without the need of a command base.
2. Interface with Lionel's Base3 to unlock all the potential your Lionel model trains have to offer.

## Key features

- Bluetooth locomotive control
- One-to-one pairing
- Base3 system interface
- Unlock full train potential
- Direct locomotive control

## Recent user reviews (10 of 22)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lionel-cab3/id1606814421/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great app allowing control of bluetooth, TMCC, and Legacy engines with Base 3!

*2026-06-02, version 1.1.048*

I am really enjoying operating my layout with this app! I’m excited to see what future upgrades will offer. For now, I have one app that runs all my modern Lionel! Thank you.  Hope you add a way to sync images of engines from my iphone to my ipad.

### 1/5 — App crashes.

*2026-02-27, version 1.1.048*

It was working fine the other day, now the App crashes whenever I try to add the “Engine Configuration” parameters. It’s so frustrating!
On top of that, the Base 3 has the most antiquated WiFi system, probably circa 2011.
I had to create a backwards compatible WiFi hotspot just to run it, and even then, it always wants to disconnect. When it works, it works, when it doesn’t… it doesn’t.

### 1/5 — Cab 3 1.1.048 version full of bugs

*2025-12-27, version 1.1.048*

This version of the app has been out for over 8 months. It is still full of bugs and frustrating issues. Two major flaws still exist on my end with updated base firmware 1.32 and newest version of app 1.1.048.

1) When my iPhone does a screen lock it will randomly cause all connected IOS Cab3 app controllers to disconnect and it will not allow a reconnect to the base without power cycling of the Base3. If my phone doesn’t lock, I never have a connectivity issue. After power cycle all devices connect immediately.

2) Randomly Cab3 buttons will turn orange and stop responding. This affects accessories, engines, and switches. Seems to be totally random. By switching to Bluetooth and back to Base on the tabs at the top of the Cab3 app it will start working again.

This is very frustrating and disappointing this product has been on the market for as long as it has been and limited progress has been made on the reliability of the app.

### 2/5 — Legacy engine is recognized but doesn’t receive operational commands

*2025-11-14, version 1.1.048*

Upgraded my iphone os to 26. I can see the engine but the app is unable to send commands. This app is a major part of using the Base 3 and it hasn’t been upgraded in 6 months. What is Lionel thinking.  Please stay on top of your product. Conceptually the Base 3 and the app are great ideas but need attention. I will revise my rating when the functionality is fully working.

### 3/5 — It barely works

*2025-03-26, version 1.1.047*

The app just barely works but not for all engines.  It will not run the plain Lionchecf Plus engines.   It will run the 2.0.  Many of the functions do not work. It’s ok for very basic running of trains.  Need an update.

### 3/5 — Got some bugs

*2025-03-04, version 1.1.047*

I was running my hogwarts express and I turned on the bell but as soon as it stoped the throttle jumped down to zero.

### 2/5 — No Lashup

*2025-02-17, version 1.1.047*

Initially, everything worked pretty well. The app would crash periodically but nothing major. Then it updated Now, I cannot program a lashup at all. The trains blow the horns like they should when the programming but when you try to move or do anything with the lash up it doesn’t respond at all. The trains work fine in single engine.

Although my most recent purchases have had the same issue. The app/base identifies the trains but when you put them back to run they won’t do anything. They will only run with the Bluetooth and not legacy.

### 4/5 — Gettting better! But Some critical features still needed.

*2025-02-12, version 1.1.047*

Lots of things have been fixed so I’ll focus on features needed:  

 1) Really need to add the RECORD feature like the Legacy system but with the capability to store many recordings with more events. Memory should be no problem now that it’s a phone app. This is essential for layouts used at shows, demonstrations, and venues. When I bring a group over to see my trains I want to spend my time talking with guests not constantly fiddling with the controller to make things run. Should also work with command control cranes. 

2) Need to allow setting of the Restricted, Slow, Medium, Limited, Normal, Highball speeds!  All the pre-programmed speeds are sometimes too fast for how I run my trains and should allow adjustment for each engine. This would be a really easy thing to do.  Just double tap one of the speed keys and a menu should pop up allowing you to pick its speed setting.

3) The train brake does not work correctly.  It pulses the engine to a stop, not smoothly.  Also, the speed-up feature accelerates far to quickly to be useful. It doesn’t seem to match the momentum setting of the engine. (Still not great, but a little better)

4) The interface design, while functional, has the look and feel of a cheep Chinese product controller app. It does not reflect the sophistication and realism of the lionel catalog products.

5) Lash up works but with issues: Sequence control doesn’t work right - momentum is broken and some other features drop out until reset. For example the bell and whistle stop responding. 

6) An iPad version of the app would be very helpful and allow the display of additional controls, displays, or screens for which there is no room on a phone app.

7) Want to see VSR made available on the Cab3 side and furthermore available on all Bluetooth engines.

### 5/5 — I’m don’t have any problem with this app at all this cool apple

*2025-02-02, version 1.1.047*

Joey

### 4/5 — Gettting better! But Some critical features still needed.

*2025-01-30*

Lots of things have been fixed so I’ll focus on features needed:  

 1) Really need to add the RECORD feature like the Legacy system but with the capability to store many recordings with more events. Memory should be no problem now that it’s a phone app. This is essential for layouts used at shows, demonstrations, and venues. When I bring a group over to see my trains I want to spend my time talking with guests not constantly fiddling with the controller to make things run. Should also work with command control cranes. 

2) Need to allow setting of the Restricted, Slow, Medium, Limited, Normal, Highball speeds!  All the pre-programmed speeds are sometimes too fast for how I run my trains and should allow adjustment for each engine. This would be a really easy thing to do.  Just double tap one of the speed keys and a menu should pop up allowing you to pick its speed setting.

3) The train brake does not work correctly.  It pulses the engine to a stop, not smoothly.  Also, the speed-up feature accelerates far to quickly to be useful. It doesn’t seem to match the momentum setting of the engine. (Still not great, but a little better)

4) The interface design, while functional, has the look and feel of a cheep Chinese product controller app. It does not reflect the sophistication and realism of the lionel catalog products.

5) Lash up works but with issues: Sequence control doesn’t work right - momentum is broken and some other features drop out until reset. For example the bell and whistle stop responding. 

6) An iPad version of the app would be very helpful and allow the display of additional controls, displays, or screens for which there is no room on a phone app.

## Frequently asked questions about Lionel Cab3

### What does the Lionel Cab3 app do?

This app allows you to control your Lionel model trains. You can connect to Lionel Bluetooth-equipped locomotives for direct control or interface with Lionel's Base3 command system to unlock advanced features.

### How can I control my Lionel trains with this app?

You have two main options. First, you can connect directly to Lionel Bluetooth-equipped locomotives through a one-to-one pairing. Second, you can interface with Lionel's Base3 command system for more comprehensive control.

### Is this app free to use?

Yes, the application is available for free. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned.

### What Lionel train systems are compatible with this app?

The app is designed to work with Lionel Bluetooth-equipped locomotives and Lionel's Base3 command system. This allows for direct control of compatible engines and enhanced functionality with the Base3.

### What are the benefits of using the Base3 interface?

Interfacing with Lionel's Base3 system through the app unlocks the full potential of your Lionel model trains. This suggests access to a wider range of controls and features beyond basic locomotive operation.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.1.048 — 2025-04-15

Improved integration with the Lionel's Base3 Control System
1.  Faster reconnects when unlocking your device, fixed some issues that could cause the network connection to drop unexpectedly.
2. Implementation of TR/Transformer mode which allows you to use the Cab3 app to control voltage levels on supported transformers when working with conventional engines.
3. Implementation of TR/TrainLink mode which allows you to independently control TrainLink devices in a lash-up
4. Fixed issues with Boost/Brake functionality
5. Other miscellaneous bug fixes

### 1.1.047 — 2024-11-20

Fixed the issue with failure to update Cab3 firmware

### 1.1.046 — 2024-11-05

Bug fixes

### 1.1.035 — 2024-09-27

Bug fixes.

### 1.1.029 — 2024-09-17

Bug fixes.

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## More apps by Lionel, LLC

- [Lionel LCS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lionel-lcs/id666934678)
- [Lionel iCab](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lionel-icab/id920612683)
- [Lionel LionChief](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lionel-lionchief/id1155666350)
- [LionChief U Remote Updater](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lionchief-u-remote-updater/id1290304849)
- [Lionel Wireless Camera](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lionel-wireless-camera/id1297821311)

All apps by Lionel, LLC: https://appshunter.io/developer/616773170

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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 2026-08-10.*