Comparison

WiThrottle Lite vs Rail Model Calc

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

WiThrottle Lite

Control your model railroad trains wirelessly from your mobile device. This app acts as a throttle, connecting to JMRI software or specific hardware modules for seamless operation. Enjoy basic DCC throttle functions, speed and direction control, and function access.

Highlights
  • Wireless DCC throttle
  • Speed and direction control
  • F0 - F68 function control
  • Acquire addresses wirelessly
  • Adjust throttle slider sensitivity
  • Automatic networking
  • Flashlight feature
Features
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Use your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad as a throttle for model railroad control! **PLEASE NOTE** This App is not a stand-alone product! Other hardware and software are required. WiThrottle Lite is the free version of WiThrottle. Link to the popular JMRI software through a local Wi-Fi network to access throttle, address, and function controls wirelessly. -or- Connect directly to an MRC Prodigy WiFi module. -or- Connect directly to a Digitrax LnWi module. -or- Connect directly to a WifiTrax WFD-30/31 module. Digital Command Control (DCC) is now the most common control method for earnest model railroaders, allowing multiple trains to be controlled simultaneously anywhere on the track. JMRI is an interface program that works with most brands of DCC and is very popular because it simplifies DCC programming, signaling, control, and many other aspects of running a permanent layout. It is also free and multi-platform. Instead of direct control through the DCC system, WiThrottle Lite links with JMRI or a dedicated module. This provides a universal interface to many possible combinations of technology and model railroads. As DCC evolves, JMRI is updated as needed to match current technology. JMRI Requirements: - JMRI 2.12 or higher, JMRI 5.2 or newer recommended - DCC system interfaced to a computer and a model railroad - Local Wi-Fi network MRC Prodigy WiFi Requirements: - MRC Prodigy WiFi module - MRC Prodigy DCC system Digitrax LnWi Requirements: - Digitrax LnWi module - Digitrax DCC system WifiTrax WFD-30/31 Requirements: - WifiTrax WFD module - NCE DCC system If you operate at either a club or private home that uses JMRI for operations and has Wi-Fi, access to the local network (host may need to share their password) is all you need. Multiple iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad mobile devices may use their own WiThrottle or WiThrottle Lite simultaneously during an operating session. WiThrottle Lite allows you to confirm compatibility at no cost before buying the full App. Please visit our website for additional information. Our goal is to enhance your model railroading experience by providing convenient, wireless control of your existing system. WiThrottle is the final piece of the puzzle. Features: - No time limits or expiration on use - Fully functional basic DCC throttle - Speed and direction control - F0 - F68 functions - Acquire addresses wirelessly - Adjust sensitivity of the throttle slider - Train idles if interrupted (e.g. phone call) - Automatic networking - Flashlight for devices equipped with camera flash WiThrottle Lite will integrate seamlessly if: - you can already control a train using the built-in throttles of JMRI 2.12 or later - your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad can access your local wireless network (not cellular or Bluetooth)

About

Rail Model Calc

Features
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Overview This is a calculator app that includes calculation functions necessary when playing with railroad model. How to use After launching the app,the first screen that appears is the Home screen, which also serves as a menu. Swipe and tap the menu on the Home screen to transition to various calculation modes. You can use various calculation modes to perform calculations necessary for railway model track length and railway model production. This App offer the following calculation modes. •Home mode Home is available simple calculations. Set F1-F10 memory on this screen. •Normal mode It is a normal calculator. •Straight mode This mode calculates horizontal and vertical lengths when laying a straight rail diagonally. •Curve mode This mode calculates the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lengths when laying a curve rail. •S-Curve mode This mode calculates the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lengths when laying a s-curve rail. •Scale X/Y mode This mode calculates the scale. •Inch to MM mode This mode converts yards and inches to millimeters. For details on how to use it, there is a manual on "?" button. Disclaimer This calculator is for the railroad modeling hobby. The calculation results is the numerical value which be calculated by the developer. It may be different from the numerical value by model manufacturer. In particular, commercially available railroad model rails allow for dimensional errors. Therefore, the calculation results do not necessarily represent what the track layout cannot or can be done. This application is subject to change without notice. The developer assumes no responsibility for any loss or claims by third parties which may arise from the use of this application.

Screenshots

WiThrottle Lite4 screens
Rail Model Calc4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: WiThrottle Lite at none against Rail Model Calc's shown. WiThrottle Lite also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 14 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.4). On price, in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WiThrottle Lite ships an update every 3 months, Rail Model Calc every 14 months. The most recent releases landed on August 17, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
WiThrottle Lite versus Rail Model Calc: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWiThrottle LiteRail Model Calc
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (34 ratings) — better
Positive reviews77.8% of reviews
Number of ratings34 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 months — betterEvery 14 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.4
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBeth HoffmanNobuyuki Kumakura

In-app purchases

None

WiThrottle Lite

No in-app purchases

None

Rail Model Calc

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is WiThrottle Lite free?
WiThrottle Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Rail Model Calc free?
Rail Model Calc is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do WiThrottle Lite or Rail Model Calc have ads?
Rail Model Calc shows ads; WiThrottle Lite does not.
Which is updated more often, WiThrottle Lite or Rail Model Calc?
WiThrottle Lite ships an update every 3 months, and Rail Model Calc every 14 months. Most recently, WiThrottle Lite was updated on August 17, 2026 and Rail Model Calc on September 13, 2026.

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