Design the actual railway
Draw a connected geometric track plan with manufacturer catalogues, flextrack, turnouts, crossings, signals, feedback contacts and operational blocks.
Design, control and automate one connected railway
Digital model train software that understands your complete layout
RailKernel is model railroad and model railway control software for Windows, macOS and Linux. It combines track-plan design, DCC command-station integration, locomotive control, feedback, blocks, routes and automatic train operation in one visual application.
Control trains and infrastructure
Operate locomotives, functions, turnouts, signals and other accessories while live states remain visible directly on the layout.
Automate model train operation
Calculate and protect routes, coordinate multiple trains, use feedback and reservations, and understand why every movement starts, waits or stops.
One application from first track to automatic operation
- Connect supported Märklin CS3, ESU ECoS, Roco Z21 and YaMoRC command stations through dedicated RailKernel interfaces.
- Design and test a model railroad without owning the physical layout yet by using the built-in simulator and virtual command station.
- Manage locomotives, trains, decoder CVs, accessories, feedback contacts, blocks and routes in one portable project.
- Use RailScript to add readable custom automation, conditions, prompts, timers and train movements without maintaining XML action files.
- Run the same digital model railway software on Windows, macOS and Linux, with browser-based mobile controls available on the local network.
Digital model train software questions
What is digital model train control software?
Digital model train software connects a computer to a digital command station so locomotives, turnouts, signals and feedback sensors can be operated and automated. RailKernel also builds an operational model from the connected track plan, blocks and routes.
Is model train software the same as a DCC command station?
No. The command station produces the track signal and communicates with decoders. RailKernel is the control and automation software that uses the command station to operate and supervise the complete layout.
Can RailKernel control a model railroad automatically?
Yes. RailKernel can calculate routes, reserve blocks and track corridors, set turnouts, monitor feedback and coordinate multiple calibrated trains while keeping its decisions visible to the operator.
Can I test RailKernel without a physical model railway?
Yes. The built-in simulator can reproduce feedback changes and train movements so layouts, blocks, routes and automatic operation can be tested before the physical railway is available.
Which computers can run RailKernel?
RailKernel is available for Windows, macOS and Linux. Projects use the same concepts across all supported operating systems.
Discover RailKernel
Explore the application or download RailKernel for your operating system.