Layout automation software has two main uses, to allow the simulatio of dispatchers on model railroads and to create automated displays for museums and similar situtations.
Automatic Train Control – “operate digital command controlled locomotive across the Internet or North Coast Engineering, Wangro System One, Digitrax, C/MRI.” Free. OS: WinXP
CTI – “a powerful, user-friendly software makes it easy to control every aspect of your model railroad from your PC.” Supplier of both hardware and software. USD: $40. OS: WinXP
JMRI – Java Model Railroad Interface – “The JMRI project is building tools for model railroad computer control written in Java.” Open Source Project. OS: Java
Model Railroad System – “is a software package that can help you run your railroad, from running trains to working your signals and switches. Software supports for a network of Bruce Chubb CMR/I USIC, SUSIC, and/or SMINI nodes and/or a network of Lenz’s XPressNet DCC nodes. Create switch lists for freight car forwarding and timetables.” Free download, open source. OS: WinXP and Linux.
PanelPro – is used for “creating schematic panels to handle the actual configuration for signals and Panel Editor providing exactly the appearance desired.” Open Source, OS: Java. Integrates with and created by JMRI above.
ProTrak – “Operations, control and design software for your model railroad.” USD: $349, OS: WinXP.
Rocrail – “is an Open Source Project that can control a model train layout from one or more computers.” Open Source Project. OS: WinXP
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The Model Railroad System runs under Linux and all versions of MS-Windows. Source code is included.
I have been a model railroder for more than 34 years and I never stop learning. I have used PanelPro. The great thing about model railroading is the variety the hobby has to offer. Everything from the technical side (like track planning), electronics (like wiring), the creative side (like scenery), woodworking (like building structures), and the fun side (train operation). Although in saying that it is all fun and certainly challenging at times.