Reviews of Lionel Cab3

By: Lionel, LLC App

List of user reviews and ratings for Lionel Cab3

Total ratings

3.60 (Rating count: 55)

Receive review notifications

Get notified when new reviews are posted so you can respond quickly.

See reviews on Apple App Store

View and respond to reviews directly on the store page.

Visit

Review summary

The Lionel Cab3 app shows a strong concept and potential, but is hampered by frequent crashes, persistent connectivity problems (WiFi/Bluetooth) with Base3, an outdated WiFi hardware stack, unreliable lashups/engine control, and slow update cadence. Basic operation works for some engines, but overall reliability is inconsistent. Users want faster fixes, more features, and improvements in usability (navigation, iPad support) to unlock the app's potential.

Pros

Good concept with potential for high-quality control of Base3/Bluetooth; strong foundation.
Basic running works for some engines, enabling simple operation.
The app shows potential to be great and has garnered continued interest for improvements.

Cons

Frequent crashes and instability, especially around Engine Configuration and lashups.
Persistent connectivity issues between the Cab3 app and Base3 (WiFi/Bluetooth), including random disconnects after screen lock and throttle resets.
Outdated Base3 WiFi hardware leading to unreliable home-network connections and need for workarounds (hotspot, etc).
Lashups and advanced engine control are unreliable; sequences break and some features drop out.
Update/maintenance issues and slow release cadence; bugs persist and updates sometimes fail (Azure/JIT issues).

Upgrade to see all 16 reviews

User Reviews

Recent rating average: 2.50

All time rating average: 3.60

Upgrade to see all 16 reviews

25% (4)

Date	Author	Comment
2026-02-27	Wi*****	It was working fine the other day, now the App crashes whenever I try to add the “Engine Configuration” parameters. It’s so frustrating! On top of that, the Base 3 has the most antiquated WiFi system, probably circa 2011. I had to create a backwards compatible WiFi hotspot just to run it, and even then, it always wants to disconnect. When it works, it works, when it doesn’t… it doesn’t.
It was working fine the other day, now the App crashes whenever I try to add the “Engine Configuration” parameters. It’s so frustrating! On top of that, the Base 3 has the most antiquated WiFi system, probably circa 2011. I had to create a backwards compatible WiFi hotspot just to run it, and even then, it always wants to disconnect. When it works, it works, when it doesn’t… it doesn’t.
2025-12-27	W6*****	This version of the app has been out for over 8 months. It is still full of bugs and frustrating issues. Two major flaws still exist on my end with updated base firmware 1.32 and newest version of app 1.1.048. 1) When my iPhone does a screen lock it will randomly cause all connected IOS Cab3 app controllers to disconnect and it will not allow a reconnect to the base without power cycling of the Base3. If my phone doesn’t lock, I never have a connectivity issue. After power cycle all devices connect immediately. 2) Randomly Cab3 buttons will turn orange and stop responding. This affects accessories, engines, and switches. Seems to be totally random. By switching to Bluetooth and back to Base on the tabs at the top of the Cab3 app it will start working again. This is very frustrating and disappointing this product has been on the market for as long as it has been and limited progress has been made on the reliability of the app.
This version of the app has been out for over 8 months. It is still full of bugs and frustrating issues. Two major flaws still exist on my end with updated base firmware 1.32 and newest version of app 1.1.048. 1) When my iPhone does a screen lock it will randomly cause all connected IOS Cab3 app controllers to disconnect and it will not allow a reconnect to the base without power cycling of the Base3. If my phone doesn’t lock, I never have a connectivity issue. After power cycle all devices connect immediately. 2) Randomly Cab3 buttons will turn orange and stop responding. This affects accessories, engines, and switches. Seems to be totally random. By switching to Bluetooth and back to Base on the tabs at the top of the Cab3 app it will start working again. This is very frustrating and disappointing this product has been on the market for as long as it has been and limited progress has been made on the reliability of the app.
2025-11-14	vt*****	Upgraded my iphone os to 26. I can see the engine but the app is unable to send commands. This app is a major part of using the Base 3 and it hasn’t been upgraded in 6 months. What is Lionel thinking. Please stay on top of your product. Conceptually the Base 3 and the app are great ideas but need attention. I will revise my rating when the functionality is fully working.
Upgraded my iphone os to 26. I can see the engine but the app is unable to send commands. This app is a major part of using the Base 3 and it hasn’t been upgraded in 6 months. What is Lionel thinking. Please stay on top of your product. Conceptually the Base 3 and the app are great ideas but need attention. I will revise my rating when the functionality is fully working.
2025-03-26	Bo*****	The app just barely works but not for all engines. It will not run the plain Lionchecf Plus engines. It will run the 2.0. Many of the functions do not work. It’s ok for very basic running of trains. Need an update.
The app just barely works but not for all engines. It will not run the plain Lionchecf Plus engines. It will run the 2.0. Many of the functions do not work. It’s ok for very basic running of trains. Need an update.
2025-03-04	LO*****	I was running my hogwarts express and I turned on the bell but as soon as it stoped the throttle jumped down to zero.
I was running my hogwarts express and I turned on the bell but as soon as it stoped the throttle jumped down to zero.
2025-02-17	Tr*****	Initially, everything worked pretty well. The app would crash periodically but nothing major. Then it updated Now, I cannot program a lashup at all. The trains blow the horns like they should when the programming but when you try to move or do anything with the lash up it doesn’t respond at all. The trains work fine in single engine. Although my most recent purchases have had the same issue. The app/base identifies the trains but when you put them back to run they won’t do anything. They will only run with the Bluetooth and not legacy.
Initially, everything worked pretty well. The app would crash periodically but nothing major. Then it updated Now, I cannot program a lashup at all. The trains blow the horns like they should when the programming but when you try to move or do anything with the lash up it doesn’t respond at all. The trains work fine in single engine. Although my most recent purchases have had the same issue. The app/base identifies the trains but when you put them back to run they won’t do anything. They will only run with the Bluetooth and not legacy.
2025-02-12	He*****	Lots of things have been fixed so I’ll focus on features needed: 1) Really need to add the RECORD feature like the Legacy system but with the capability to store many recordings with more events. Memory should be no problem now that it’s a phone app. This is essential for layouts used at shows, demonstrations, and venues. When I bring a group over to see my trains I want to spend my time talking with guests not constantly fiddling with the controller to make things run. Should also work with command control cranes. 2) Need to allow setting of the Restricted, Slow, Medium, Limited, Normal, Highball speeds! All the pre-programmed speeds are sometimes too fast for how I run my trains and should allow adjustment for each engine. This would be a really easy thing to do. Just double tap one of the speed keys and a menu should pop up allowing you to pick its speed setting. 3) The train brake does not work correctly. It pulses the engine to a stop, not smoothly. Also, the speed-up feature accelerates far to quickly to be useful. It doesn’t seem to match the momentum setting of the engine. (Still not great, but a little better) 4) The interface design, while functional, has the look and feel of a cheep Chinese product controller app. It does not reflect the sophistication and realism of the lionel catalog products. 5) Lash up works but with issues: Sequence control doesn’t work right - momentum is broken and some other features drop out until reset. For example the bell and whistle stop responding. 6) An iPad version of the app would be very helpful and allow the display of additional controls, displays, or screens for which there is no room on a phone app. 7) Want to see VSR made available on the Cab3 side and furthermore available on all Bluetooth engines.
Lots of things have been fixed so I’ll focus on features needed: 1) Really need to add the RECORD feature like the Legacy system but with the capability to store many recordings with more events. Memory should be no problem now that it’s a phone app. This is essential for layouts used at shows, demonstrations, and venues. When I bring a group over to see my trains I want to spend my time talking with guests not constantly fiddling with the controller to make things run. Should also work with command control cranes. 2) Need to allow setting of the Restricted, Slow, Medium, Limited, Normal, Highball speeds! All the pre-programmed speeds are sometimes too fast for how I run my trains and should allow adjustment for each engine. This would be a really easy thing to do. Just double tap one of the speed keys and a menu should pop up allowing you to pick its speed setting. 3) The train brake does not work correctly. It pulses the engine to a stop, not smoothly. Also, the speed-up feature accelerates far to quickly to be useful. It doesn’t seem to match the momentum setting of the engine. (Still not great, but a little better) 4) The interface design, while functional, has the look and feel of a cheep Chinese product controller app. It does not reflect the sophistication and realism of the lionel catalog products. 5) Lash up works but with issues: Sequence control doesn’t work right - momentum is broken and some other features drop out until reset. For example the bell and whistle stop responding. 6) An iPad version of the app would be very helpful and allow the display of additional controls, displays, or screens for which there is no room on a phone app. 7) Want to see VSR made available on the Cab3 side and furthermore available on all Bluetooth engines.
2025-02-02	Li*****	Joey
Joey
2025-01-11	Ma*****	When in Bluetooth mode and you slide the page over to adjust sounds the throttle jumps down to zero and then back up to the speed you had set every second and makes the locomotive act on those commands. Bringing the engine to a stop and then back up to speed and then back to stop and so on. Also in Bluetooth mode when operating multiple locomotives when you swipe to change between engines the throttles zero out. The locomotive doesn’t slow down but as soon as you touch the throttle slider the engine will come to a stop and you have to reset you speed again. Kind of annoying on running locomotives that cost $1,600.
When in Bluetooth mode and you slide the page over to adjust sounds the throttle jumps down to zero and then back up to the speed you had set every second and makes the locomotive act on those commands. Bringing the engine to a stop and then back up to speed and then back to stop and so on. Also in Bluetooth mode when operating multiple locomotives when you swipe to change between engines the throttles zero out. The locomotive doesn’t slow down but as soon as you touch the throttle slider the engine will come to a stop and you have to reset you speed again. Kind of annoying on running locomotives that cost $1,600.
2024-09-11	wi*****	This app has the potential to get great, however there are bugs and glitches with the app. Unfortunately with Lionel being a small company they are painstakingly slow at getting updates out.
This app has the potential to get great, however there are bugs and glitches with the app. Unfortunately with Lionel being a small company they are painstakingly slow at getting updates out.