Rocrail is an Innovative Model Railroad Control System that runs on Linux, Mac OS X and Windows. It is writtten in C/C++ based on the wxWidgets class library, and is Open Source. Rocrail supports many languages, including English, German, Dutch, French, and more. Check if yours is also supported.

It can control a model train layout from one or more computers. You can run trains directly from your computer, and you can have the computer run trains automatically for you. You can even have some of the trains on your layout running automatically while you control others by hand.

Rocrail is two programs; the Rocrail Server and the Rocview Client. These programs work with each other using Internet protocols, and do not need to be on the same computer. You can use Rocrail from a single computer connected directly to your layout, and you can also control your layout from any computer on your home network, or over the Internet. Rocrail also has a web interface, which will let you run the layout from a web browser such as Firefox.

The Rocrail program runs on a computer connected to the layout by one of the standard computer interface setups, and supports many controllers, just take a look at the supported Command Stations list if yours is in it.

Rocview connects to Rocrail over your network or just on the same computer. Rocview can also be used standalone to create and edit plan layouts without a physical connection to the layout.

• Automatic Train Control.
• Modular Layout support.
• R2Rnet network support for roaming trains.
• Workspaces
• Unlimited number of sectional track diagrams.
• Supports many Command Stations
• Manual controlled signals in automatic mode.
• User defined actions to control anything.
• Fiddle Yard control with shared sensors and FiFo.
• Critical section support to avoid dead locks.
• Schedules for a realistic train flow.
• Random automatic control.
• Build in Digital Direct Control Station.
• Operates unlimited digital systems simultaneously.
• Only one feedback contact per block required.
• Runs on Linux, Apple Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows.
• Multilanguage support.
• Sensor simulation for testing without a connected model railroad.
• Symbol themes in SVG.
• Extremely good supported in our Forum.
• iRoc: the ultimate iPhone and iPod Touch throttle/client.
• andRoc: the Android throttle/client.
• RocJ: the Java client for Pads and MIDs.
• Dynamic text for 'espeak' announcements.
• Track plan analyzer for finding and creating routes.
• padRoc: the ultimate iPad client.

The Rocrail Project is hosted at

The name “Rocrail” and the associated logo is our trademark.
Registration is official in Germany:

Register PDF

All images and text on this web site are Copyrighted ©; All rights reserved.
All of the source code, firmware, hardware, documentation and auxiliary files distributed by the Rocrail project are copyright; All rights reserved. See the next section for information on the usage license.

This software is distributed freely under the GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE V3. If you include portions of this software in other programs, then those programs must also be distributed freely in their entirety under the GNU PUBLIC LICENSE.
The Wiki documentation underlies the GNU Free Documentation License.
There is NO WARRANTY, to the extent permitted by law.

• The software supports most of the Control Stations used today, and does not need special hardware.
• The hardware is designed to work with the DCC standards as defined by the NMRA, and does not need special software.

You do not need to build the Rocrail hardware to use the software, and you do not need to run the Rocrail software to use the hardware.

• There is a forum where Rocrail Users can post questions, get answers, and just talk about their experiences using Rocrail.
• While the main language of Rocrail is currently English, there is an International Community from many Countries, and all are welcome.
• Round tables are organized at regular base, mainly in Germany and the Netherlands.

We hope you enjoy using Rocrail. Please note that this is an open-source effort. If you feel the code could use new features or fixes, or the documentation can be improved, please get involved and lend us a hand! The Rocrail team welcomes your participation. Let us know what you think! Post your feedback in the Rocrail Forum.