Wi vs Lionel Cab3
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Wi
Control your model railroad with an iOS device. This app offers comprehensive and innovative control for M.T.H. Digital Command System (DCS) and can also manage TMCC® and Legacy® engines. It's designed for ease of use, allowing you to run multiple trains and control accessories.
- Comprehensive model railroad control
- Run MTH ProtoSound 2.0/3.0 locomotives
- Control Atlas O® ProtoSound 3.0
- Cross-platform control (TMCC®, Legacy®)
- Run multiple trains simultaneously
- Control switches and accessories
- Immersive sound and control features
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Control you entire model railroad from any iOS phone or tablet in this simple to use yet feature rich app! The M.T.H. Digital Command System (DCS) is the most comprehensive and innovative model train control system available. While, at the same time, the easiest to set up and use! You’ll be running your trains in just a few minutes after installing the Wi-Fi DCS app and connecting to any one of several M.T.H. DCS track interface units. The DCS system is capable of running conventional AC or DC powered model trains utilizing track power controls as well as the ultimate experience of full featured MTH ProtoSound 2.0 or 3.0 and Atlas O® ProtoSound 3.0 locomotives. In addition, DCS is the only cross-platform model railroad control system. When cabled to a Lionel® command base DCS also runs TMCC® and Legacy® engines all within the same app, on the same track, at the same time!! No other system has this capability. The DCS app is compatible with our entry level system, the DCS Explorer for those just starting their journey into model railroading. For more advanced users, the DCS Wi-Fi Interface Unit (WIU) in combination with the Track Interface Unit (TIU) or, the all new Wi-Fi Track Interface Unit (WTIU) opens up the vast array of features available within the world of DCS. Run multiple trains simultaneously on the same track, control switches and accessories, and immerse yourself in the depth of sound and control features that is Wi-Fi DCS. Simply the best way to run YOUR railroad!!
Lionel Cab3
Control your Lionel model trains directly via Bluetooth or by connecting to the Base3 command system. Experience enhanced control and unlock the full capabilities of your locomotives.
- Bluetooth locomotive control
- One-to-one pairing
- Base3 system interface
- Unlock full train potential
- Direct locomotive control
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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.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Lionel Cab3 at none against Wi's 3. Lionel Cab3 also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 17.0). Wi's advantage is review sentiment (36% vs 27%). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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. Wi sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Lionel Cab3 asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.7 for Wi against 3.7 for Lionel Cab3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 24 and 41 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 36% of Wi's written reviews are positive against 27% of Lionel Cab3's.
Wi ships an update every 3 months, Lionel Cab3 every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Wi | Lionel Cab3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (24 ratings) | 3.7 (41 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 36.1% of reviews — better | 27.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 24 | 41 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 9.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 26 MB | 134 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Mike's Train House, Inc. | Lionel, LLC |
Customer experience
Wi
Lionel Cab3
In-app purchases
Wi
- Standard$4.99
- Premium Upgrade$19.99
- Premium$24.99
Lionel Cab3
No in-app purchases









