Windows or Mac at the layout
Drive trains, operate accessories and build a visual control panel.
LocoLink 路 Rocrail
A Rocrail alternative that feels at home on your devices.
Keep the pleasure of running your model railroad. LocoLink brings driving, a visual track plan and automation together on Windows, Mac, iPhone and iPad. Start with the 30-day Pro trial and your existing command station; choose a license when the setup fits your railroad.
Why consider LocoLink?
If you are comparing Rocrail and LocoLink, begin with the work you do most: select a locomotive, change a turnout, follow a route and see feedback on the track plan. LocoLink puts these tasks in one product, with native Apple apps and a Windows application. The current App Store images on this page show the actual Apple presentation.
iPhone or iPad beside the track
Use the native Apple app for hands-on operation. Check the connection route for your command station.
Growing into automation
Choose Pro for the track plan, blocks, routes and timetables. Automation also needs suitable feedback and a correctly configured layout.
Rocrail vs LocoLink: choose the complete setup
Rocrail has its own ecosystem of desktop, server and mobile tools. Its documentation includes Windows, macOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi, as well as Rocweb and mobile clients. LocoLink is therefore not the only option for Mac or mobile operation. If Linux, Raspberry Pi or existing Rocrail scripts are essential, include that requirement in your decision. LocoLink currently offers Windows, Mac, iPhone and iPad apps.
Compare the edition, devices, command-station interface and migration work together. A LocoLink lifetime license in the shop is for the selected platform; buying a Mac license does not include Windows or iPhone/iPad. Check Rocrail鈥檚 own site for its current license and support conditions. This page does not assume that every Rocrail feature is free or that one product is best for every railroad.
Can I import my Rocrail layout?
The LocoLink Apple app includes a Rocrail XML import option with a preview and checks. Use a copy of the exported project, review the recognized data and confirm addresses and relationships before applying it. Import support is not a guarantee that every Rocrail project converts completely.
Rocrail actions, XMLScript and complex permissions may need manual rebuilding. Check route conditions, feedback assignments and stopping behaviour after import. Keep the original Rocrail project and configuration available until the new setup has passed repeated operating tests.
A practical way to try the alternative
Keep a complete backup
Preserve the original project, configuration and a note of the central station, interface and firmware.
Connect one locomotive
Check direction, lights and emergency stop at low speed using the exact connection guide.
Review imported data
On Apple, inspect the Rocrail XML preview. Verify one turnout and one feedback input against the real layout.
Add one route
Start with manual control. Add a short automated route only after feedback and stopping positions work reliably.
Using Rocrail with a Z21?
The command station and its network connection matter more than the software name. Follow the Z21 connection guide for the correct interface, network and operating mode. Test a single locomotive before transferring the full layout.
Read the Z21 connection guideSee your next control room.
Explore the current Apple screens, choose your platform and see exactly which license you are buying. Start with the 30-day Pro trial to check your own layout.
Choose the license for your platform
Plus focuses on manual driving and accessories. Pro adds the track plan and automation. Check the full product details and compatibility before buying.
View all licensesQuestions about switching from Rocrail
Is LocoLink a Rocrail download?
No. LocoLink is a separate product published by Westerman. For Rocrail downloads, documentation and support, use Rocrail鈥檚 own website.
Does a lifetime license cover all my devices?
The shop sells separate licenses for Mac, iPhone/iPad and Windows. Select the product for your platform and check its terms before purchasing.
Can I move all my Rocrail automation in one click?
No complete one-click conversion is promised. The Apple app can inspect a Rocrail XML import, but scripts, actions and complex permissions require review and may need rebuilding.
Sources and comparison notes
Published by LocoLink. Platform information comes from Rocrail鈥檚 official documentation; LocoLink import details were checked against the Apple app鈥檚 migration workflow. This is a product comparison, not an independent hardware test. Rocrail, iTrain and TrainController are names of their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.