# ThrottleCard — WiThrottle & DCC-EX controller

> Model railroad control app with vintage charm and advanced features. (iPhone/iPad app by Ryan Gant.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/throttlecard/id6739982126 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ryan Gant](https://appshunter.io/developer/941497897)
- Category: Utilities, Entertainment
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.30/5 from 11 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.5 · 117 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2025-01-09
- Data updated: 2026-07-06
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/throttlecard/id6739982126/reviews.md

## What is ThrottleCard?

All aboard! Take control of your model railroad with this elegantly designed app that brings vintage charm to modern model train control. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or just starting your journey in model railroading, ThrottleCard delivers powerful features wrapped in a beautiful, easy-to-use interface.

Hear what the community is saying:

"FINALLY! The BEST Model Railroad Mobile App for IPhone?" - DIY and Digital Railroad YouTube Channel

KEY FEATURES:

* Control multiple trains simultaneously with intuitive multi-throttle support
* Beautiful vintage-inspired gauges and controls with realistic animations
* Game Controller Support! Easily drive your Trains with a PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or MFi Game Controller with pre-mapped buttons
* Landscape mode on iPhone is optimized for excellent compatibility with handheld MFi Game Controllers. 
* Easily create consists on the fly right from within the app
* Automatic command station discovery
* Comprehensive locomotive function control
* Full turnout (switch) control
* Routes Support
* Fast Clock Support
* Supports WiThrottle and DCC-EX Protocols
* Roster with locomotive images
* A variety of classic railroad inspired themes
* Haptic Feedback for intuitive responsiveness and operation
* Mirror-Mode mode for comfortable operation in either hand
* Multiple classic railroad-inspired themes
* iPad support
* Apple Watch Support

With many more exciting features in the roadmap! 

To use ThrottleCard, simply connect to any WiThrottle Protocol enabled command station including JMRI, DCC-EX, and various commercial offerings. 
ThrottleCard can be used for free without a subscription to control the speed, direction, and functions of a single locomotive at a time, throw turnouts, and change to any of the railroad inspired themes.

Subscribe to Premium for $0.99/Month or $9.99/Year - 16% off - to unlock the ability to control multiple trains (cards), multiple locomotives in a consist, game controllers, routes, locomotive programming* and to support the future development of additional, exciting features! We’ll even give you a week free to try it out.

ThrottleCard Watch will mirror the throttles you have setup on your phone and will allow for remote control of speed with the Digital Crown as well as light, horn, and bell control right from your wrist. For best results, change the "Return to Clock" settings for ThrottleCard watch to "After 1 Hour" by going to Settings (on watch or watch iOS app) > General > Return To Clock > ThrottleCard > Choose "Custom" > Choose "After 1 Hour" below. This will keep ThrottleCard open on your watch longer while it's in the foreground.

We’re committed to making the best tools possible for the model railroad community and would love to hear your feedback on the features you’d like to see next.

Get started with the latest in model railroading today!

*DCC-EX Command Station is required for locomotive programming. 

The ‘WiThrottle protocol’ is a communications protocol developed by Brett Hoffman. ‘WiThrottle’ is a trademark owned by Brett Hoffman.

Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Privacy Policy: https://throttlecard.com/privacy.html

## Key features

- Multi-throttle support
- Vintage-inspired controls
- Game controller integration
- Automatic command station discovery
- Turnout and route control
- Apple Watch support

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ThrottleCard Premium - Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| ThrottleCard Premium - Yearly | $9.99 | per year |


## Recent user reviews (4 of 4)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/throttlecard/id6739982126/reviews.md

### 5/5 — DCC FTW

*2026-01-10*

The combination of DCC-EX and ThrottleCard was the *perfect* way for me to transition from DC to DCC. Very low cost compared to other DCC options, easy to operate, beautifully designed, and as a bonus the ability to run trains from my Apple Watch is a fun party trick. The devs have been very responsive to feature requests so the new 3.x is literally everything I’d hoped for.

### 5/5 — Amazing app

*2025-09-06*

It does everything I need.

**Developer response:** Thank you for taking the time to try out ThrottleCard and share your experience!

If you happen to think of a feature or suggestion, please feel free to send it to us through the “Send Feedback” button in settings.

Thanks again for using ThrottleCard!

- The ThrottleCard Team

### 3/5 — I mean, it works

*2025-08-01*

The app works very well, I just wish that the roster I create on my phone could sync with my JMRI / WiThrottle layout and vice versa.

**Developer response:** Thank you for trying out the app and taking the time to give us feedback! 

Unfortunately, the WiThrottle protocol only supports reading roster data, not updating it back to JMRI. JMRI also has limited ways of modifying this roster — usually requiring modification in the JMRI interface itself.

We’re working to support more command stations natively so JMRI won’t be needed to use ThrottleCard in those cases. Until then, let us know if there’s anything else we can do to give you a 5 star experience.

Thanks again for using ThrottleCard!

- The ThrottleCard Team

### 1/5 — Didn’t work on my doc layout

*2025-07-30*

Goodbye!

**Developer response:** Hi Dick,

Don’t say goodbye yet! We’re sorry to hear you’re having trouble and would love to help. Could you send us the details of your DCC setup to developer@ryangant.com? 

We’re working to make this easy and compatible with as many command stations as possible.

Sorry again about the bad experience and thanks in advance for helping out the ThrottleCard community!

- The ThrottleCard Team

## Frequently asked questions about ThrottleCard

### Does ThrottleCard have ads?

Yes, ThrottleCard contains advertisements. This is typical for free utility applications that offer premium upgrade options.

### What devices does ThrottleCard support?

ThrottleCard is available on Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Reality Composer.

### How much does ThrottleCard Premium cost?

ThrottleCard Premium is available for $0.99 per month or $9.99 per year, offering a 16% discount for the annual plan. A 7-day free trial is included with both subscription options.

### What features are unlocked with ThrottleCard Premium?

The Premium subscription unlocks the ability to control multiple trains simultaneously, manage multiple locomotives in a consist, use game controllers, access route control, and perform locomotive programming (with a DCC-EX Command Station).

### How often is ThrottleCard updated?

The latest version, 3.0.1, was released on January 9, 2026, indicating a recent update. The app is actively developed with a roadmap for future features.

### What is the age rating for ThrottleCard?

ThrottleCard has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

### Can I use ThrottleCard without a subscription?

Yes, ThrottleCard can be used for free to control the speed, direction, and functions of a single locomotive, throw turnouts, and change themes. Premium features require a subscription.

### What protocols does ThrottleCard support?

ThrottleCard supports the WiThrottle and DCC-EX protocols, allowing it to connect to various command stations like JMRI and commercial offerings.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.0.1 — 2026-01-09

Version 3.0 is available now! This update is JAM PACKED with new features, bug fixes, and quality of life improvements! 

Some of the many new features include: 
* Consists can be created and saved directly in the roster
* Roster and settings data are now synced across devices via iCloud automatically - simply toggle cloud sync on in the settings menu
* Each Locomotive can be customized individually with a unique theme, control type, and speed display
* Users of DCC-EX Command Stations can now control up to 15 trains simultaneously
* Rosters on DCC-EX Command Stations are now displayed directly within the ThrottleCard Roster
* New Knob Control View offers an intuitive way to easily control a train and all its functions
* Every view has been refined and optimized to look beautiful on a variety of device types and display sizes. Wherever you use ThrottleCard - iPhone, iPad, Mac - it will deliver a consistent, intuitive experience to control your model railroad empire
* The all-new Quick Actions Bar allows you to quickly control and navigate the most frequently used items - accessories, routes, programming, iPhone orientation switching, the flashlight, and more! 
* For DCC-EX users, multiple accessory types are now controllable and can be added directly within the accessory menu in the app. 
* Support for ChooChooVision Cameras has been added - now you can control your trains with a first person view directly in ThrottleCard! 
* The Primary Control Interface has been redesigned and is easier to use than ever
* A variety of bug fixes and performance improvements including server based throttle parsing fixes

All this and more is available now! Check out ThrottleCard v3.0 today!

### 3.0.0 — 2026-01-08

Version 3.0 is available now! This update is JAM PACKED with new features, bug fixes, and quality of life improvements! 

Some of the many new features include: 
* Consists can be created and saved directly in the roster
* Roster and settings data are now synced across devices via iCloud automatically - simply toggle cloud sync on in the settings menu
* Each Locomotive can be customized individually with a unique theme, control type, and speed display
* Users of DCC-EX Command Stations can now control up to 15 trains simultaneously
* Rosters on DCC-EX Command Stations are now displayed directly within the ThrottleCard Roster
* New Knob Control View offers an intuitive way to easily control a train and all its functions
* Every view has been refined and optimized to look beautiful on a variety of device types and display sizes. Wherever you use ThrottleCard - iPhone, iPad, Mac - it will deliver a consistent, intuitive experience to control your model railroad empire
* The all-new Quick Actions Bar allows you to quickly control and navigate the most frequently used items - accessories, routes, programming, iPhone orientation switching, the flashlight, and more! 
* For DCC-EX users, multiple accessory types are now controllable and can be added directly within the accessory menu in the app. 
* Support for ChooChooVision Cameras has been added - now you can control your trains with a first person view directly in ThrottleCard! 
* The Primary Control Interface has been redesigned and is easier to use than ever
* A variety of bug fixes and performance improvements

All this and more is available now! Check out ThrottleCard V 3.0 today!

### 2.3.2 — 2025-10-10

This version has quite a few refinements and bug fixes -- the biggest of them fixing an issue communicating with some WiThrottle enabled command stations like the NCE w/WifiTrax.

There are some additional refinements around the roster, reconnection logic, railroad logos, throttle responsiveness, and more. Thanks to everyone who sent in feedback!

If you happen to run into any issues, use the "Send Feedback" button in settings. As always, thanks for using ThrottleCard!

### 2.3.1 — 2025-09-23

This version contains bug fixes and refinements to continue improving your model railroad experience.

If you run into any issues, use the "Send Feedback" button in settings.

If you're enjoying ThrottleCard, a 5 star review helps us a ton in the App Store!
As always, thanks for using ThrottleCard!

### 2.3.0 — 2025-09-18

This version makes the Roster available without a connection to your command station. We've also added some fixes in for WiThrottle command parsing.

If you run into any issues, use the "Send Feedback" button in settings.

If you're enjoying ThrottleCard, a 5 star review helps us a ton in the App Store!
As always, thanks for using ThrottleCard!

## Apps similar to ThrottleCard

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [WiThrottle](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/withrottle/id344172578) | 4.2 (37) | $9.99 | Utilities |
| [DCC-EX Cab](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dcc-ex-cab/id6695754417) | 3.0 (4) | Free | Utilities |
| [Train Throttle](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-throttle/id1662181863) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Utilities |
| [DCC Commander](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dcc-commander/id6498150761) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Utilities |
| [WiThrottle Cab](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/withrottle-cab/id6746695618) | — | Free | Utilities |
| [TrainNavigator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trainnavigator/id6738654983) | — | Free | Utilities |

## More apps by Ryan Gant

- [Quickies - Quick Games](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/quickies-quick-games/id1146259686)
- [AwSnap!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/awsnap/id1160912304)
- [ScreenPlays](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenplays/id6596777472)

All apps by Ryan Gant: https://appshunter.io/developer/941497897

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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 2026-07-06.*
