Messwagen vs LocoLink
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Messwagen
Measure model railway systems with centimeter accuracy and detect gradients. This app transmits measurement data live via Wi-Fi to a mobile device or PC for graphical evaluation and speed determination, enabling precise measurements even in hidden areas.
- Centimeter-accurate system measurement
- Gradient detection (per thousand)
- Live data transmission via Wi-Fi
- Graphical evaluations on PC
- Average speed determination
- Measurement in non-visible areas
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The PIKO Measure Cars represents an absolute innovation in the model railway sector! Finally, it is possible to measure a complete system - and on the centimeter and gradients on per thousand! In conjunction with this mobile app or a PC, the measurement data and information can be played live using Wi-Fi. Graphical evaluations can be displayed on the PC and average speeds can be determined! This way, it is possible to perform accurate measurements even in non-visible layout areas.
LocoLink
Control your model railway layout wirelessly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Manage locomotives, switch turnouts and signals, and even automate train movements. Features include a track plan editor, block system, and CV programming.
- Wireless DCC command station control
- Locomotive speed and function control
- Turnout and signal switching
- Interactive track plan editor
- Block system and automation
- CV programming and speed table editing
- Game controller support
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LocoLink is the ultimate model railway control app for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Connect wirelessly to your digital command station and take full control of your layout. DRIVE & CONTROL - Control locomotives with an intuitive speed lever (vertical or horizontal) - Switch between Forward, Reverse and Emergency Stop instantly - Toggle decoder functions F0-F28 (lights, sound, smoke, couplers and more) - Use speed presets (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) for quick speed changes - Swipe between locomotives on iPhone, or use the sidebar on iPad/Mac TURNOUTS & SIGNALS - Switch turnouts and signals with one tap - Create routes that switch multiple turnouts and signals at once - Support for DCC and Motorola (MM2) address modes TRACK PLAN (SWITCHBOARD) - Draw your layout with tracks, turnouts, signals and stations - Operate everything visually from your track plan - Multiple tabs for different layout sections BLOCK SYSTEM & AUTOMATION - Automatic train detection with S88 feedback modules - Block routes with automatic stopping and departing - Shuttle service between two points - Timetables with model clock (1x to 60x speed) - Drive schedules with customizable steps CV PROGRAMMING - Step-by-step programming wizard - Expert mode for direct CV read/write - Speed table editing (CV67-94) GAME CONTROLLER - Use PlayStation via Bluetooth - Configurable button mapping Requires a compatible digital command station and WiFi connection. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://locolink.io/privacy.html
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: LocoLink at 4.0 against Messwagen's 1.0. LocoLink also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 6 months). Messwagen's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11) and review sentiment (60% vs 33%). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. LocoLink sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Messwagen asks for nothing beyond the download.
LocoLink holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 60% of Messwagen's written reviews are positive against 33% of LocoLink's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Messwagen ships an update every 6 months, LocoLink every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | Messwagen | LocoLink |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 1.0 (1 ratings) | 4.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews — better | 33.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 104 MB | 84 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | PIKO Spielwaren GmbH | Tom Westerman |
Customer experience
Messwagen
LocoLink
In-app purchases
Messwagen
No in-app purchases
LocoLink
- LocoLink Pro iOS1 Month trial$3.991 Month
- LocoLink Pro Mac1 Month trial$8.991 Month
- LocoLink Pro All Devices1 Month trial$9.991 Month
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- LocoLink+ iOS1 Month trial$17.991 Year
- LocoLink Pro iOS1 Month trial$34.991 Year
- LocoLink Pro Mac1 Month trial$69.991 Year
- LocoLink Pro All Devices1 Month trial$79.991 Year
- Upgrade to Pro$44.99
- LocoLink Pro iOS Forever$89.99
- LocoLink Pro Mac Forever$299.99
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- LocoLink Pro All Forever$399.99
Questions
Is Messwagen free?
Is LocoLink free?
Which has better reviews, Messwagen or LocoLink?
Do Messwagen or LocoLink have ads?
Which is updated more often, Messwagen or LocoLink?
Other comparisons
