# Lionel iCab

> Mobile controller for Lionel TMCC and LEGACY model trains and accessories. (iPhone/iPad app by Lionel, LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lionel-icab/id920612683 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Lionel, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/616773170)
- Category: Utilities, Entertainment
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.33/5 from 18 App Store ratings · 10 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 7.0 · 15 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2014-10-22
- Data updated: 2026-06-04
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lionel-icab/id920612683/reviews.md

## What is Lionel iCab?

Use your Apple iPhone or iPod Touch device to operate Lionel TMCC and LEGACY engines, accessories and trains. iCab includes the most popular features from Lionel's flagship hardware-based LEGACY CAB2 remote including the Train Builder and Quilling Whistle. 

NOTE: Additional hardware is required to use iCab. 

iCab includes the operating features of the basic Lionel cab remote plus: 

- Extended Legacy locomotive control screens
- Speed Graph with target and actual speed 
- Six preset official railroad speeds 
- Quilling Whistle 
- Accessory control screen
- Special screen for Legacy StationSounds Diner car control
- Automatically loads Engine Roster (LEGACY Command Base required) 
- Train Builder combines multiple locomotives, rolling stock and accessories for unified operation

Also available is the Lionel LCS app for iPad. Use this companion app for easy control of layout switches and accessories. 

iCab app requirements: Lionel LCS WiFi (6-81325) to connect to your layout (up to 15 users can share a single LCS WiFi module). The iCab App works with the Lionel command base model Base-1L; a Legacy command base (v1.52 required) adds additional features. All available from Lionel LLC.

## Key features

- Control TMCC and LEGACY engines
- Accessory and train operation
- Extended Legacy locomotive controls
- Speed graph with target/actual speed
- Quilling Whistle feature
- Train Builder for unified operation

## Recent user reviews (10 of 10)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lionel-icab/id920612683/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Quit working on iPhone

*2024-12-14*

Works on tablet
Phone connects to Lionelwifi
Does not connect to base 
No problem with iPad
Why does my phone not connect to base?
Current iOS

### 1/5 — App has not been updated in 5 years

*2023-02-06*

The above say it all, if you are really serious about the app then get a real devsecops process in place and update regularly and make it really useful otherwise everyone will go to something else like maybe using JMRI or the DCS side instead. I bought lots of Lionel stuff as a new hobbyist and ordered the new base3 but here it is a year later and nothing and by the sound of it is not going to be released until end of summer if you look at preorder times at the moment. By the time it comes out it will be close to two years for a preorder!!

### 1/5 — Crashes

*2022-12-21*

Once again Lionel does not disappoint, does not even open.

### 1/5 — Not tactile

*2022-01-23*

This is no replacement for a CAB2. No tactile interactions and takes your focus off of the trains to see what button or slider your looking for.

### 3/5 — Needs Update

*2020-10-19*

Could use an updated user interface and attention to resolving bugs which have been reported to developer.

### 5/5 — It's so amazing

*2017-06-22*

I love this app.

### 1/5 — Too buggy to sell

*2017-03-07*

Lionel needs to rethink this very expensive app.  It's not functional at all on my 5s with current iOS.   If I can get a keyboard at all (usually a blank screen), the keypad does nothing and nothing can be addressed.  Also, there doesn't seem to be any documentation as the link on the App Store for documentation leads to an error screen.  Really sorry I paid $50, how do I get a refund?

### 4/5 — Cab2 Remote On Your Phone!

*2015-10-08*

This app is really cool. It gives all the control you get out of a normal cab 2 remote. Its great for people who want more remotes. My only problem is it price. I'm a teenager and 50 dollars is a lot. If I didn't love trains my money would have probably gone to video games. Lionel should try hard if they want to get younger people into the hobby.

### 5/5 — Impressive app

*2015-04-17*

This is the first app I paid more than $2.99 for and I'm very happy with it. It has a lot of features in a small package.  I use it more than I use the Legacy remote. I often use it with the LCS app on 2 different apple products. It was a good design idea to have different features on the 2 apps.

### 3/5 — So much potential

*2015-04-01*

For an app this expensive, I frankly expected perfection. That being said, the LCS WiFi interface is rather new and I'm sure improvements are coming. 

My main complaint is the clunky interface. The companion iPad app, free by the way, is limited in its operation. It has one huge pro over this app, Yard Control Mode. A simple wave of the finger controls forward and backward fine controls. This app is missing that. 

The clunk continues with simple operations one must perform from the CAB2 remote: pressing and holding AUX1 to enable legacy sound controls. Can't be done here. 

The buttons are enormously huge and look crazy sized on an iPhone 6 plus. That is very clunky. 

And my final complaint, though I'm not sure if this is the app or the LCS WiFi module. You must be on the same subnet as the LCS to access the device. You can't hard code an IP address or a name to connect. It must be "discovered."  If you've separated your network for security, say if your internal network is for processing credit cards in your store, you can't hard code an address to run the icab software. Must change networks. Very, very clunky. 

Speaking of security, how about maybe a simple password so everyone who walks in to my layout can't start controlling it randomly?

My one major pro is being able to pick an engine from the manifest of all equipment rather than typing a road number.

## Frequently asked questions about Lionel iCab

### Does Lionel iCab have ads?

No, Lionel iCab does not contain advertisements.

### What devices support Lionel iCab?

Lionel iCab is supported on Apple iPhone and iPod Touch devices.

### What is the age rating for Lionel iCab?

Lionel iCab has an age rating of 4+.

### How often is Lionel iCab updated?

The latest version of Lionel iCab was released on March 15, 2017. It was originally released on October 22, 2014.

### What hardware is required to use Lionel iCab?

Additional hardware is required, including the Lionel LCS WiFi module (6-81325) to connect to your layout. A Lionel command base model Base-1L or a Legacy command base (v1.52 required) is also necessary.

### What are the main features of Lionel iCab?

Lionel iCab offers extended Legacy locomotive control screens, a speed graph, six preset railroad speeds, a quilling whistle, accessory control, and special control for the Legacy StationSounds Diner car.

### Can multiple users share a Lionel iCab connection?

Yes, up to 15 users can share a single LCS WiFi module when using Lionel iCab.

### What is the user rating for Lionel iCab?

Lionel iCab has a rating of 3.3 stars based on 18 ratings.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.0.2 — 2017-03-15

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Fixes a problem where the whistle, bell and direction buttons could not be clicked on iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus phones. Also improves operation of these buttons on non-Plus iPhone 6 & 7.

### 2.0 — 2017-01-10

Train Builder with the programming features of the Legacy CAB2 remote and new graphical interface
Three new locomotive key panels--swipe left or right to reveal the run-screen keys, a speed and configuration page and extended dialog panels.
New accessory control screen
Detailed support for Legacy StationSounds Diner Passenger cars.
"History" menu provides quick selection of recently used engines and trains

### 1.5 — 2016-01-14

Fixes a bug that prevented the manual ramping of the RPM sound effect in a TMCC Diesel locomotive.

Thank you for using the Lionel Layout Control System!

### 1.4 — 2015-09-11

Fixes bugs in Boost, Brake and Momentum features for TMCC and Legacy locomotives.

### 1.3 — 2015-05-28

For steam engines, throttle adjustments now automatically change the character of the chuffing sound, simulating the locomotive working a heavier or lighter load. EFX Trim buttons add or subtract an offset to this "engine laboring" sound and work in conjunction with changing throttle positions.

For diesel engines, throttle adjustments now automatically change the engine's RPM speed or "run level." The RPM up and down buttons add or subtract RPM speed and work in conjunction with changing throttle positions.

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## More apps by Lionel, LLC

- [Lionel LCS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lionel-lcs/id666934678)
- [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)
- [Lionel Cab3](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lionel-cab3/id1606814421)

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 2026-06-04.*