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Real LocoLink product video · 3:06

How to build and operate a model railroad track plan in LocoLink

Watch the actual LocoLink 1.7.9 desktop app create a track plan, place turnouts and feedback, assign DCC addresses and switch from drawing to live layout control.

Real LocoLink 1.7.9 desktop capture. This is publisher-created product footage, not an independent review or a recording of live command-station hardware.

Download LocoLinkModel train control software guide

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Video chapters

Select a chapter to move the real product recording to that exact step.

  1. Build it, connect it, control itBuild a Track Plan from scratch in the LocoLink desktop app, connect interactive railway elements and move from editing to live control.
  2. Open a Track Plan tabOpen Track Plan from Layout and create a clean tab for a station, staging yard or another part of the railroad.
  3. Understand Edit and ControlEdit mode places and configures elements; Control mode turns the completed diagram into an operational switchboard.
  4. Place track on the gridChoose straight, curved, diagonal and linking pieces, place them on grid cells and rotate them to match the layout.
  5. Add turnoutsPlace left, right, crossing, double-slip and three-way turnout geometry where the real railroad branches.
  6. Add signals and feedbackSignals and occupancy feedback sensors use the same visual placement workflow.
  7. Map the drawing to DCC hardwareSet labels, rotation and DCC addresses; use a second turnout address when the decoder requires it.
  8. Switch from drawing to drivingControl mode sends configured turnout and signal commands and warns when an address is missing.
  9. Navigate a large railroadUse zoom, pan, fit-to-layout, labels, a minimap, diagnostics and separate track-plan tabs.
  10. Connect blocks and automationLink track sections and feedback so free, reserved and occupied states appear directly on the plan.
  11. Complete the control-room workflowCreate, draw, configure, verify and operate the model railroad from one LocoLink workspace.

What the recording proves

From track drawing to a working control panel

Operational track plan

This is a control diagram for real turnouts, signals and feedback—not general CAD or 3D layout-design software.

Hardware mapping

The tutorial shows where DCC accessory addresses and a second decoder address are configured before Control mode sends commands.

Edit and Control

Edit mode builds and configures the diagram. Control mode turns the same drawing into an operating switchboard.

Feedback and automation

Blocks and occupancy feedback can be added after manual turnout and signal operation has been verified.

Searchable transcript

Written walkthrough of the complete tutorial

The text below follows the spoken recording and keeps every demonstrated step accessible without playing audio.

0:00 — Build it, connect it, control it

Build a Track Plan from scratch in the LocoLink desktop app, connect interactive railway elements and move from editing to live control.

0:12 — Open a Track Plan tab

Open Track Plan from Layout and create a clean tab for a station, staging yard or another part of the railroad.

0:26 — Understand Edit and Control

Edit mode places and configures elements; Control mode turns the completed diagram into an operational switchboard.

0:42 — Place track on the grid

Choose straight, curved, diagonal and linking pieces, place them on grid cells and rotate them to match the layout.

1:01 — Add turnouts

Place left, right, crossing, double-slip and three-way turnout geometry where the real railroad branches.

1:15 — Add signals and feedback

Signals and occupancy feedback sensors use the same visual placement workflow.

1:31 — Map the drawing to DCC hardware

Set labels, rotation and DCC addresses; use a second turnout address when the decoder requires it.

1:51 — Switch from drawing to driving

Control mode sends configured turnout and signal commands and warns when an address is missing.

2:08 — Navigate a large railroad

Use zoom, pan, fit-to-layout, labels, a minimap, diagnostics and separate track-plan tabs.

2:28 — Connect blocks and automation

Link track sections and feedback so free, reserved and occupied states appear directly on the plan.

2:48 — Complete the control-room workflow

Create, draw, configure, verify and operate the model railroad from one LocoLink workspace.

FAQ

Track plan tutorial questions

Is this model railroad track-planning CAD?

No. The Track Plan in LocoLink is an operational control diagram for real turnouts, signals, feedback and blocks. It is not general-purpose CAD or 3D layout-design software.

Does the video show the real LocoLink app?

Yes. It is a real LocoLink 1.7.9 desktop capture. The recording is created by the publisher and is not presented as an independent review.

Can the track plan control real DCC turnouts?

Yes, after the supported command-station connection and the correct accessory addresses have been configured and verified. The video shows where those addresses are entered.

Do I need to build the complete plan before driving?

No. Start with one small test area, confirm manual train and turnout control, and add feedback, blocks and automation in stages.

Which systems can LocoLink connect to?

LocoLink fully supports the command stations listed in its compatibility adviser, including Z21, ECoS, DCC-EX, NCE and Märklin CS3 connection routes.

Verification

Product sources and clear disclosure

This watch page and recording are published by LocoLink. Product requirements and compatibility are linked to the current first-party pages; no independent review is claimed.

Reviewed by · Last reviewed .