How to choose model railway control software (JMRI, iTrain, Rocrail and more)
Compare the main options for computer control and automation by licence, price model, platforms and features, then try the best fit before you commit.
- Time
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- No extra cost
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Your command station's make and model
- A list of what you want to automate
Step by step
-
Step 1: List what you want to do
Manual driving from a screen? Panels with signals? Fully automatic running with block control? Decoder programming? Phones as throttles? Write it down – it decides the shortlist.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Check your command station is supported
Each package has its own hardware list. JMRI and iTrain both support a long list including LocoNet, XpressNet, Z21, ECoS and DCC-EX; Rocrail and Traintastic publish their own lists.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Compare the options
- JMRI – free, open source (GPL v2), Windows/macOS/Linux/Raspberry Pi. DecoderPro, PanelPro (panels, signals, Logix), DispatcherPro and OperationsPro.
- DCC-EX EXRAIL – free (GPL v3); automation scripts that run inside a DCC-EX command station.
- iTrain 6 – paid licence in four editions: Lite €139, Standard €239, Plus €309, Professional €399 (Berros website, October 2026). Fully automatic driving starts at Standard; decoder programming at Plus; networking at Professional. Runs on macOS, Windows and Linux; two-month full-function trial licence.
- Rocrail – Rocrail Basic is free; a SupportKey (a €12-per-year donation) unlocks Rocrail Pro extras. Native on macOS, Windows, Linux and Raspberry Pi.
- Traintastic – free and open source (Windows and Linux) with schematic layouts, sensor-based train tracking, RailCom identification and Lua scripting.
- TrainController – Freiwald Software's website states the business has ceased operations (checked October 2026), so check support before buying a licence.
-
Step 4: Try before you buy
JMRI, Rocrail Basic and Traintastic are free; iTrain offers a full trial licence. Build a small test layout in the software using a simulator connection where available.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Plan detection to match
All automatic running needs to know where trains are. Decide on detection (current sensing, RailCom, IR/Hall sensors) that your chosen software supports.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Start small
Automate one loop or shuttle first, then expand.
Tips
- Prices and editions change – check the vendor's own page before buying.
- iTrain's licence is personal and non-transferable; clubs need one licence per layout (Berros terms).
Questions people ask
Which is best for beginners?
It depends on your hardware and goals. Free options let you experiment at no cost; paid packages may offer more built-in automation.
Do I need a powerful PC?
Check each package's requirements. Rocrail says it runs natively without Java; JMRI needs Java 11 or later.
Sources
Checked 18 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- JMRI home page (jmri.org)
- JMRI copyright and licence (jmri.org)
- JMRI supported hardware (jmri.org)
- DCC-EX home (dcc-ex.com)
- DCC-EX CommandStation-EX licence (GPL v3) (github.com)
- iTrain: editions and prices (Berros) (berros.eu)
- iTrain: terms and conditions (berros.eu)
- iTrain: supported digital systems (berros.eu)
- Rocrail wiki home (rocrail-wiki.net)
- Rocrail SupportKey (rocrail-wiki.net)
- Traintastic (traintastic.org)
- Freiwald Software (TrainController) website (freiwaldsoftware.de)
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Printed from dcctrainautomation.uk/guides/choose-layout-control-software/ · Checked 18 October 2026 · General information only. Follow the maker’s instructions for your own equipment, and keep mains wiring inside properly made, enclosed power supplies.