railroad icon Model Railway Software

There is a variety of programs available to aid railway modelers in creating and operating their layouts. This page is a compendium of many of these utilities. Suggestions and corrections can be offered using the contact info at the bottom of this page.

Waybills & Lists | Train Scheduling | Railway Control Systems
Computer Aided Design | Simulation | Calculators | Odds & Ends

Waybill and Switchlist Generators

Free Waybill/Switchlist Generators

  1. Automatic Waybill Generator; Ted Curphey [QBasic - open source] NOTE: needs YahooGroups id/pass!
  2. CarCard Generator for Microsoft Access 2000; David Husman NOTE: needs YahooGroups id/pass!
  3. JMRI includes an Operations Module that builds switchlists
  4. Manifests, Waybills and Timetables; James Stanford. Select Software [QBasic]
  5. Model Operations Procesing System; Brian Fairbairn
  6. MRRS and Freight Handling Software; Tim O'Connor.
  7. Programmable Traffic Generator (PTG); Tom Gloger. E-mail TomGloger@yahoo.com for a copy.
  8. TSL Freight Manager; Wayne Roderick

Commercial Waybill/Switchlist Generators

  1. Interchange: Model Railroad Car Dispatch System [$100]; J. Richard Wakefield [e-mail list]
  2. Protrak [$197]; Jim Moir [e-mail list]
  3. RailOp [$100]; [e-mail list]
  4. ShipIt [$90] and ShipIt CarCards Module [$45]
  5. MiniRail [$69]; Richard Gratias
  6. MiTrains Inventory [$50], WayBills [$40], [combo $60]; Shenandoah Software
  7. Model RailRoad Manager (MRRM) [$75]; Tom Stack
  8. Quaker Valley WayBills [$40];
  9. Railroad Management System [$60]; Sonora Software
  10. Decapod Systems offers CarRoute [$65] and PRR [$60]

Train Scheduling Systems

Many timetable operations use a stringline graph to schedule their trains. These can be constructed using a spreadsheet such as Excel. One template (Strngline.xls) that has been used by many resides in the Ops-Ind File Area of the Ry-ops-industrialSIG e-mail list [yahoo free membership.required]. To understand how the template works search messages using the keywords spreadsheet timetable.

Railway Control Systems

Train control systems have evolved from mechanically switched through switching relays to direct engine control via trackwork (command control) or radio (r/c). Digital command control is a standardized electronic protocol that allows multi-vendor solutions.

Most railway control systems use a mix of hardware and software to detect track occupancy, operate signals, align switches and control the trains. The software uses either commercial bus protocols [eg. CAN, GrapeVine, Loconet, XpressNET], homebrew designs or DCC to control the hardware. Hardware only solutions are available.

Do-It-Yourself and ShareWare

  1. Java Model Rail Interface (JMRI) is an open source software approach to computer control. Interfaces are available for most bus protocols.
  2. CATS is a JMRI software application that adds CTC signal logic to your railroad.
  3. XnTcp is a TCP interface for XpressNET.
  4. RR Automation is a LoCoNet software control package.
  5. Distributed Layout Control uses PICs and RS485 bus protocol (modern technology)
  6. Automatic Train Control for NCE, System One and C/MRI as well as internet control/view.
  7. Tapiola's Computerized Cab Control. Based on using parallel port and game port of a 8 bit computer. It could be adapted to use PC parallel port. Software is not displayed as it would be obsolete (MSX-Basic and Z80 assembler code), but it followed the footsteps of Chubb's C/MRI

Commercial Products

  1. CTI Electronics Train Brain hardware and software. Uses PC's serial|USB port, modular design IO (with microcontrollers) and a daisy-chained bus. A very high tech approach.
  2. Bruce Chubb's C/MRI is well documented in books and journal articles. [e-mail list].
  3. Richard Weyand's SECSI (serial extended control system interface).
  4. GPP Software's SSI Railway Control System.
  5. OakTree Systems
  6. RailRoad & Company

Other DCC Accessories

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Layouts can be designed, drawn and simulated using CAD software. The resulting plans can be shared with others for feedback or use.

Clean schematics can be drawn and printed circuit boards laid out using CAD software.

Simulation Programs

V-scale or virtual train modeling can overcome space, finances and time constraints. Read VirtualRailroader eMagazine to keep up to date.

Calculators

I have written a few interesting tools including a couple for model railroaders as part of my experiments in JavaScript. You can download and adapt these tools for your own site if you wish. To download, use File - Save As and then modify the html form. Also be sure to download the JavaScript code. Please provide feedback on usefulness and extra features wanted.

Scale Speed Calculator is a small utility in JavaScript that calculates scale miles per hour for the most commonly modeled scales by entering time and actual distance traveled.

Scale Speed Calculator
 

Track Gauge Calculator is a small utility in JavaScript that calculates the prototype gauge for most commonly modeled scales of engine and tracks. It helps to choose a correct combo when narrow gauge lines such as 2 footers are to be modeled.

Track Gauge Calculator
Engine ScaleTrack ScalePrototype

 

 

Odds and Ends

Richard Schumacher has written a comprehensive article on the use of computers in the model railway hobby. Well worth the read!

A general listing of railroad related software.

Model Railway Timetable provides a station display system for visitors to your layout. It is similar to the Arrivals/Departures signage but can also display other information, pictures and sound as appropriate.

Railroad Tycoon I board game - a free download

Stan's Trains has an interesting handy converter utility for all scales and metric|British. There is also a fast clock display for operations.

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