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Introduction to RailKernel
RailKernel is a modern control, design and management platform for digital model railways. This introduction explains the ideas behind RailKernel and the usual path from installation to your first train movement.
What is RailKernel?
RailKernel brings layout design, command station control and railway operation together in one application. Instead of treating a layout as a static drawing, RailKernel builds a technical model of the railway: tracks are connected, accessories belong to physical track elements, feedbacks report occupancy and blocks define the areas in which trains can operate safely.
What can you do with RailKernel?
RailKernel supports the complete workflow from drawing a railway to operating it:
- Design a layout geometrically using manufacturer catalogues.
- Connect and manage one or more supported command stations.
- Place and operate turnouts, signals, decouplers and turntables.
- Monitor feedback contacts and occupancy in real time.
- Generate and edit operational blocks.
- Import and control locomotives and define trains.
- Create, inspect and preview routes.
- Run trains manually or under automatic control.
The RailKernel approach
The layout remains the central view. RailKernel uses the same physical model for drawing, monitoring, route calculation and train operation. Occupied and reserved blocks, accessory positions, feedback states and moving trains can therefore be shown directly on the railway they belong to. This makes operation transparent: you can see what RailKernel knows and what it is doing.
Before you begin
Install the current RailKernel release for Windows, Linux or macOS. A command station is optional while designing a layout, but is required to control a physical railway. Make sure the computer and command station can reach each other over the network and keep a backup of existing layout and command station data before changing hardware configuration.
A typical workflow
- Install and start RailKernel.
- Configure zero or more command stations under Connections.
- Create a project and select the catalogue used by your railway.
- Draw a new layout or import an existing TCD or TCDZ layout.
- Define accessories and feedback contacts and connect them to the correct command station.
- Generate the blocks and inspect the Project Statistics until the layout is consistent.
- Import or create a locomotive and define a train.
- Test accessories and feedbacks before allowing automatic operation.
- Start with a simple movement, then create and preview routes.
Where to continue
The help system will grow into focused chapters about installation, connections, layout design, accessories, feedbacks, blocks, locomotives, trains, routing and automatic driving. For now, the Documentation and Downloads pages contain the current release information and supporting material.