Drive locomotives
A responsive speed control, direction, emergency stop and quick access to lighting and sound functions.
Model railway control software for the United Kingdom
Model railway control software.
Built around your layout.
LocoLink is model railway control software for driving locomotives, operating points and signals, building a visual track diagram, programming DCC decoders and adding automation in one modern workflow across Windows, Mac, iPhone and iPad.
Free download30-day Pro trialNo payment today
One layout, several screensUse a desktop overview and a phone or tablet around the railway.
Windows + ApplePlatforms
30 daysPro trial
NonePayment today
Z21 · ECoS · DCC-EXCore systems
“Making the hobby feel like it can keep up with modern technology is a joy. Whether it is asking Siri to 'stop Mallard' or using a PlayStation 5 controller — I constantly had a smile on my face.”★★★★★ App Store Review · United Kingdom Review evidence and repeatable test guide
Made for operating
A control room that grows with the railway
The best model railway software is not the one with the longest menu. It is the one that makes the next safe action clear.
Points, signals and routes
Switch accessories individually or prepare a route while the track diagram keeps the wider railway visible.
Mimic-style track plan
Build a clear visual panel for the layout instead of relying on addresses and disconnected accessory lists.
DCC decoder setup
Use guided CV workflows and speed tables for the changes that are difficult to remember at the command station.
Automatic operation
Create blocks, shuttle services, timetables and guarded routes as feedback becomes available.
Manual control stays available
Automatic and manual trains can be part of the same operating session rather than separate projects.
From first train to timetable
Build confidence before complexity
Use a small test path first, especially on an established railway.
Connect locally
Choose the exact command-station profile and confirm the network or cable interface before adding the full roster.
Prove the basics
Test stop, direction, one point and one function on a clear section of track.
Add the railway logic
Draw the panel, define feedback and blocks, then validate routes and stopping behaviour step by step.
Digital systems
Command-station compatibility without vague claims
Every digital system listed by LocoLink is fully supported. The direct, interface or gateway route only explains how the system connects.
| Digital system | Support | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Roco/Fleischmann Z21 | ● Fully supported | LAN/Wi-Fi; z21 start may require the official LAN unlock |
| ESU ECoS | ● Fully supported | Network connection; verify firmware-specific programming behaviour |
| DCC-EX EX-CommandStation | ● Fully supported | USB, Wi-Fi or Ethernet depending on the setup |
| Märklin CS3 / CS3 plus | ● Fully supported | Local-network connection using the Märklin CAN workflow |
| NCE Power Cab / Power Pro | ● Fully supported | Use the appropriate NCE serial/USB interface for the computer |
Compatibility reviewed . See the full compatibility adviser for the exact fully supported connection route, firmware notes and buying guidance.
Inside the real software
See the control room before choosing it
These are current LocoLink product screens, not stock images: the Windows workspace, visual track-diagram editor and guided DCC decoder tools.
Software comparison
LocoLink vs JMRI, Rocrail and iTrain
Compare by operating model and devices, not by a single feature count. Competitor details below come from their official documentation.
| Software | Best fit | Platforms and control model | Important trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| LocoLink | A guided control room shared between desktop and native Apple mobile devices | Windows, Mac, iPhone and iPad; driving, track diagram, decoder tools and automation in one workflow | Android and Linux editions are not available yet |
| JMRI | Broad documented hardware reach and open-source model railway tools | Windows, macOS and Linux; DecoderPro, PanelPro and extensive hardware integrations | Its depth and modular tools can require more technical configuration |
| Rocrail | Client/server operation, scripting and deep automatic control | Windows, macOS, Linux and PiOS with multiple client options | A server/client railway and advanced automation need careful setup |
| iTrain | Graphical block control and computer-centred automation | Windows, macOS and Linux with multiple networked computers | Confirm that its device and mobile workflow matches how you operate around the railway |
Published by LocoLink. LocoLink was checked in the current product; competitor facts were checked against the linked first-party pages on 31 July 2026.
Phone, tablet and computer control
Computer-controlled model railway software for the UK
A model railway control phone app is useful when the aim is to walk around the layout with a handheld throttle. LocoLink runs natively on iPhone and iPad, while the Windows and Mac editions provide a larger control-room view. The linked practical guide also explains how to control a model railway with a tablet and prove the local connection safely. The same layout-first workflow covers locomotives, points, signals, routes and the track diagram.
Complete model railway control software goes further than a phone throttle: it maintains the locomotive roster, shows points and signals on a track diagram, handles routes and feedback, programs DCC decoders and can automate repeatable movements. This makes LocoLink suitable for a computer-controlled model railway without forcing automation on day one.
British operators normally search for model railway rather than model railroad. They also expect points, coaches, goods wagons and a layout rather than switches, cars and a railroad. The wording on this page follows the UK hobby, while LocoLink projects themselves are portable across the supported platforms.
A modern option that grows with the railway
LocoLink is a strong fit when a clear multi-device interface, guided setup and a gradual move towards automation matter. Start with driving and points, then add the diagram, feedback and automatic movements when the layout is ready.
Read why LocoLink is the best model railway app, or see how a DCC controller app connects to the command station.
Do not replace working control software on the day of an exhibition. Test LocoLink in parallel, export or back up the current project, and validate every route and stop section before relying on automatic running.
Prefer a shorter app-first recommendation? See the evidence-led guide to the best model railway app. For handheld operation, follow the model railway control phone app guide. To build the complete control path, use the computer-controlled model railway UK setup guide. For an established Windows package, read the TrainController alternative comparison.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a DCC app and model railway software?
A DCC app may only provide a handset. Full control software can also manage the track plan, points, signals, routes, feedback, decoder programming and automation.
Can I use LocoLink with a Z21?
Yes. Z21 is fully supported over the local network. A z21 start may need the official LAN unlock package before third-party control is available.
Can manual and automatic trains run together?
Yes, when the project and feedback are configured for it. Begin with a small validated route before expanding mixed operation.
Does LocoLink need the internet to drive trains?
The control connection to a supported command station is local. Separate online services may be used for downloads, licensing or optional platform services.
Which Apple devices are supported?
LocoLink is available for iPhone, iPad and Mac, alongside the Windows edition.
Can I control a model railway with a phone or tablet?
Yes. LocoLink runs on iPhone and iPad for handheld control around the layout. Windows and Mac add a larger control-room view, while the command station remains the physical connection to the railway.
What software do I need for a computer-controlled model railway in the UK?
You need control software, a compatible digital command station and the supported network, USB or serial connection for that exact system. LocoLink combines the throttle, track diagram, points, signals, decoder tools, feedback and automation on Windows and Apple devices.
What is the best model railway control software?
LocoLink is the best fit when you want one modern workflow for Windows, Mac, iPhone and iPad that combines driving, a track diagram, DCC decoder tools and a gradual path to automation. JMRI is particularly strong for documented hardware breadth, Rocrail for a client/server architecture, and iTrain for desktop-centred graphical automation.
Is LocoLink better than iTrain?
LocoLink is the better fit when native iPhone and iPad operation, guided decoder tools and one consistent desktop-to-mobile workflow matter. iTrain is an established desktop-centred option and officially supports Windows, macOS and Linux. Compare digital system, import, automation and operation on the same test section before choosing.
Which model railway software works with Z21?
LocoLink fully supports Roco/Fleischmann Z21 over the local network. A z21 start may require the official LAN unlock. Confirm the exact model, firmware and connection route in the compatibility adviser.
Is there free model railway control software?
LocoLink is free to download and includes a 30-day Pro trial without payment today; continued Pro use is paid. If permanently free or open-source software is essential, compare JMRI and Rocrail separately against your exact digital system and operating needs.
Which model railway software works on Mac or iPad?
LocoLink runs natively on Mac, iPhone and iPad as well as Windows. Android and Linux editions are not currently released.
Is this railway track-design software or control software?
LocoLink is operational control software with an interactive track diagram for running trains, points, signals, feedback and automation. It is not a general 3D railway-design, CAD or collection-inventory program.
Verification
Primary sources and disclosed comparison
This guide is published by LocoLink. LocoLink capabilities are checked in the current product and public compatibility adviser; competitor facts come from the linked first-party documentation.