TrainController alternative · beyond the Windows PC

The most powerful TrainController alternative
for model railroads

LocoLink is the most powerful TrainController alternative: one modern app for Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad and Android with a visual track plan, blocks, routes, automatic running, timetables and DCC decoder tools. No separate editions: one app on all your devices, with a native throttle in your hand.

Download LocoLink Check your command station

Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad and Android45+ listed systems fully supportedNative iPhone and iPad apps

LocoLinkTrainController alternative · 31 July 2026

LocoLink 2.0 · real screens

Real screens of LocoLink 2.0 on Windows, Mac, iPad and iPhone.

See your next control room.

Explore the current screens, choose your devices and see exactly which license you are buying. Start with the free 30-day Pro trial on your own layout.

Explore Pro Desktop (Windows, Mac & Linux)Explore Pro Mobile (iPhone & iPad)Explore Pro for all your devices

LocoLink Pro track plan on Mac — Current LocoLink App Store image · Mac

Runs onWindows · Mac · Linux · iPhone · iPad

TrainControllerWindows desktop only

Free trial30 days of Pro, no credit card

Fact-checked31 July 2026

Why switch

Your control room, no longer tied to one PC

LocoLink gives you the automation you know from TrainController and takes it to every screen, with a modern interface you learn in an evening.

Every device, one project

Windows, Mac or Linux in the control room and a native iPhone or iPad app along the layout. Same roster, same track plan, same automation.

Complete automation, set up visually

Blocks, feedback, routes, shuttle trains, automatic running and timetables with a model clock, built step by step on the track plan.

Start fast

Take over your locomotives from an ECoS or Märklin CS2/CS3 roster, import a JMRI or Z21 app list, and draw your track plan with the drawing tool. Quicker than you think.

Direct comparison

LocoLink vs TrainController in 2026

Based on current LocoLink product information and Freiwald Software’s official pages.

Decision point	LocoLink	TrainController	Your advantage
Devices	Windows, Mac and Ubuntu Linux, plus native iPhone and iPad apps	Windows desktop software	Drive from your Mac, your phone or your tablet as well.
Track plan and automation	Visual track plan, blocks, routes, shuttle trains, automatic running and timetables with a model clock	Automation on the Windows PC	The automation you need, in a modern interface that is quick to learn.
Editions	One app: every feature of your licence on every device	Bronze, Silver and Gold with different capabilities	No comparing editions: you know exactly what you get.
Decoder programming	Guided decoder wizard plus an expert CV mode, built in	Depends on the edition	Read and write CVs without a separate tool.
Command stations	All 45+ listed systems fully supported	Freiwald’s own list of digital systems	Keep the command station you already own.
Getting started	Locomotives from your ECoS or CS2/CS3 roster, JMRI and Z21 app import, a fast drawing tool	Your existing TrainController project	Up and running quickly with the locos you already have.
Trial	30 days of Pro, free, no credit card	Freiwald’s own demo and editions	Try everything on your own layout straight away.

This comparison is written and published by LocoLink. LocoLink capabilities were checked in the current product and public command-station adviser. TrainController facts are limited to Freiwald Software’s official product, edition-comparison and download pages. No affiliate payment or unperformed independent test is claimed.

Your first evening

From TrainController to LocoLink

Most of your layout is set up again in one evening, guided by LocoLink itself.

Connect your command station; LocoLink guides you through the 45+ fully supported systems.
Take over your locomotives from the ECoS or CS2/CS3 roster, or import a JMRI or Z21 app list.
Draw your track plan with turnouts, signals and feedback using the drawing tool.
Add blocks and routes, then let your trains run automatically.

Real LocoLink screens

See where you are switching to

Real screens of LocoLink 2.0.

One control room in LocoLink as a TrainController alternative — **One control room**Locomotives, turnouts and the track plan together in one window.

A track plan that drives in LocoLink as a TrainController alternative — **A track plan that drives**Draw and operate track, points, signals and feedback on one canvas.

Decoder programming built in in LocoLink as a TrainController alternative — **Decoder programming built in**Read and write CVs with the guided wizard or the expert mode.

Switching

Switch from TrainController in four steps

Download LocoLink

Install it on Windows, Mac or Linux and add the iPhone or iPad app. Pro is free for 30 days.

Connect your command station

Pick one of the 45+ fully supported systems; LocoLink finds most network stations by itself.

Bring your locomotives

Take them over from your ECoS or CS2/CS3 roster, or import a JMRI or Z21 app list.

Draw and drive

Draw the track plan, add blocks and routes, and switch on automatic running.

See it in action

Short video lessons with the real app.

All tutorials →

0:56Lesson 05Draw your track plan

0:43Lesson 08Blocks and feedback

0:43Lesson 09Automatic running

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about a TrainController alternative

What is the best TrainController alternative?

LocoLink. It is the most powerful TrainController alternative for anyone who wants complete layout automation on Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad and Android in one modern app, without choosing between editions.

Is LocoLink better than TrainController?

For a modern layout, yes. LocoLink adds Mac and Linux, native iPhone and iPad apps, a guided setup and one project on all your devices, while covering blocks, routes, automatic running and timetables.

Does LocoLink support my command station?

Every command station in the LocoLink adviser is fully supported: 45+ systems, directly or through the required interface or gateway.

How do I move my TrainController layout?

There is no universal TrainController converter, because TrainController stores projects in a closed format. The fastest route: take over your locomotives from your ECoS or CS2/CS3 roster (or import a JMRI or Z21 app list) and draw the track plan with LocoLink’s drawing tool. Quicker than you think.

Can LocoLink automate a model railroad?

Yes. Blocks, feedback, routes, shuttle trains, automatic running and timetables with a model clock are all part of LocoLink Pro.

Does LocoLink work on Mac, iPhone and iPad?

Yes. LocoLink runs on Windows, Mac and Ubuntu Linux, with native apps for iPhone and iPad.

Do I need to choose an edition?

No. LocoLink is one app. Pick the licence for your devices; the Everything licence covers 3 computers and 5 phones or tablets.

How long does switching take?

Usually one evening for the basics: connect, bring your locomotives, draw the track plan. Start with the free 30-day Pro trial; no credit card needed.

For a broader market comparison, read the model railroad control software guide.

Other languages: Deutsch

Sources and disclosure

Primary product sources used for this comparison

Written and maintained by Tom Westerman. Reviewed and fact-checked 31 July 2026.