These are the major milestones of the development of RAILROAD & CO.:

Sep 19, 2006 Release of Version 5.8
Sep 26, 2005 Release of the surround sound extension +4DSound
June 2005
Release of Rocomotion 5.5 by ROCO.
May 10, 2005
Release of the network extension +Net
Apr 20, 2005
Release of Version 5.5
Oct 24, 2004: Release of TrainProgrammerVersion 5.0.
Feb 21, 2004: Release of TrainControllerVersion 5.0.
Jan 18, 2003: Release of Version 4.7
Oct 01, 2001: Release of Version 4.5
Oct 03, 2000: Release of Version 4.1
Oct 04, 1999: Release of Version 4.0
Feb 27, 1999: Release of Version 3.4
Jan 30, 1998: Upload of the English version of the User's Guide to the download area.
Oct 12, 1998: Added support of PC Interface Boards 8255 to Version 3.3
Jun 21, 1998: Release of Version 3.3
Dec 10, 1997: Release of Version 3.0 as bilingual edition (english / german)
Nov 05, 1997: Release of Version 3.0 (english only)
Mar 16, 1997: Release of Version 2.6
Dec 16, 1996: Release of Version 2.5
Sep 13, 1996: Release of Version 2.1
Jun 12, 1996: Release of Version 2.0
Dec 01, 1995: Upload of RAILROAD & CO. Version 1.0

Since the beginning RAILROAD & CO. has always been a very innovative software system. Many innovations and inventions were introduced for the first time by our products into model railroad computer control. The following list shows our most important innovations and inventions:

1996: Trains are controlled with scale speed (km/h or mph) rather than digital speed steps.
1996: The RAILROAD & CO. Library provides to third party developers a standard application programming interface for different digital systems and allows several simultaneously running applications to share a common digital system. (This library is not provided anymore).
1998: Special support of Stationary Block Decoders allows computer control of analog and digital locomotives in different blocks on the same track.
1999: With Virtual Contacts the number of control points used for train indication, braking and stopping can be increased without installing real contacts on the model railroad layout.
2000: The combination of Train Detection with Train Tracking allows display of train positions on all locations of the layout, that are equipped with feedback sensors.
2000: First Handheld provided in high volume, that is specifically designed for model railroad computer control (in cooperation with Oaktree Systems).
2001: Smart Turntable operation, that does not only allow to turn the bridge to a specific track, but also to turn each locomotive automatically and without manual intervention to a certain direction (e.g. heading to the left).
2001: "Freezing" in cases of emergency allows later seamless continuation of the operation.
2003: Virtual Occupancy indication.
2004: AutoTrain.
2005: +Net™ first peer-to-peer (non-client-server) system for network based model railroad computer control.
2005: +4DSound™ is the first true surround sound system for model railroads ready for marketing, that synchronizes locomotive sound with the location, speed and motion phases of running trains.
2006: +SmartHand™ is the world's first handheld railroad control system ready for marketing with graphical track layout/switchboard display. The ability to display signal aspects, that are calculated for the currently controlled train according to the current traffic situation on the layout is just as novel as the high sophisticated system of rules and privileges, with which each individual handheld in the system can be taylored to the skills, role and needs of the particular operator. Furthermore +SmartHand™ provides several other novel and unique features. More...

New features of Version 5.8:

The new Version 5.8 of TrainController™ comes again with more than 50 amazing improvements. More information...


New features of Version 5.5:

The new Version 5.5 of TrainController™ offers again more than 50 important and minor improvements. The most important and most interesting are listed below:

  • The managament of all windows has been standardized. All additional windows can be docked to the main window or placed anywhere else on the computer screen. Each window can be made invisible at any time, the content of invisible windows is not deleted anymore. The access to each window is more convenient now by an improved window bar. The window bar can be customized to contain the windows, that are accessed most frequently.
  • Revised and more clear arrangement of menus and toolbars.
  • Full support of multi monitor configurations.
  • Automatic calculation of block diagrams. This is the most outstanding feature of the new version. In many cases it is not necessary anymore to draw a block diagram in the Dispatcher. TrainController™ is now able to create the block diagram itself, if desired. This is done by using the graphical information of the track diagram control panel in the switchboard. This feature shortens the learning curve  for using the software significantly and makes use of the software even more intuitive, convenient and simple. Novice users are able to run their first automatic trains after a short time.  A few symbols in the switchboard are already sufficient to start your first train under complete computer control. All routes, that are necessary for control or automatic operation of the layout, can be calculated automatically. Previously it took days to construct the block diagram for a complex layout and to record all necessary routes; now the software is able to perform the complete task in a fraction of a second! Experienced users benefit from this feature by using the calculated block diagram as starting point of individual extensions. The complete software is so much easier to be used now, that a separate easy mode is no longer necessary.
  • Additional options of the AutoTrain tool bar provide new possibilites to affect the search for available paths. It is now possible to enforce inclusion of certain blocks into the desired path and to take roundabout routes into account.
  • A new option in the schedule rules of the Dispatcher allows to postpone release of already passed blocks and routes until the stop indicator in a succeeding block is reached, if desired. In such case it can be usually assumed, that the complete train has entered the block. In the majority of all cases, where this assumption is fullfilled, it is not necessary anymore to equip your routes with a separate occupancy indication, because the rule already prevents your routes from being prematurely released.
  • Additional options to customize the display of traffic boxes in the switchboard. It is now possible, to show traffic boxes, when they are occupied or reserved or to hide traffic boxes permanently during operation. Such hidden traffic boxes are only made visible in the switchboard, when a train symbol is dragged over them to enable convenient assignment of trains to blocks through the switchboard also in cases, where display of traffic boxes in the switchboard is not desired.
  • New options allow quick adjustment of a simplified speed profile. This feature is very useful for all, who do not run automatic trains at all or who do not request absolute braking or stopping precision for automatically running trains. These users are not forced anymore to capture the complete and precise speed profile of each locomotive. Professional and ambitious users, however, can still fine tune the complete speed profile of each locomotive as in previous versions.
  • Offline mode can be turned off or on at any time now without the previous need to change the connection settings of configured digital systems.
  • Improved braking. The braking process of running trains looks more uniformly and prototypically now.
  • Support of the new Lenz USB computer interface.
  • Support of the new interface 10785 and the new feedback indicators 10787 of the Roco digital system.
  • Support of the binary protocol of the NCE system (Version Dec 21, 2004 and later).
  • Support of the new Tams EasyControl (Version 5.5 C5).
  • Support of the new LocoBuffer USB Interface (Version 5.5 C5).
  • Support of the new CTI USB Bridge (Version 5.5 C5).
  • Many more improvements of performance, details of use etc.
  • TrainProgrammer™ has been improved in Version 5.5 with regard to some details. The most important are:

  • Support of the new Lenz USB computer interface.
  • Support of the new interface 10785 of the Roco digital system.
  • With +Net™ it is now possible, to use TrainController™ in a network.
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    New features of TrainController Version 5.0:

    The new Version 5.0 of TrainController™ offers more then 100 improvements. The most important and interesting are listed below:
  • Complete redesign of the Dispatcher component. The data needed for automatic control and monitoring of the model railroad are now edited by using a graphical block diagram of the layout. This diagram describes the track layout of your entire model railroad in rough outline and clear overview. Using this diagram TrainController™ is able to perform automatic train movements or to trace moving trains without lengthy user input. No longer complex configuration of lines and schedules.
  • Schedules may contain branches and alternative paths now. This allows configuration of hidden yards with automatic track search or automatic passing of trains with a few mouse clicks.
  • With AutoTrain™ it is possible to start a computer controlled train movement at any time during operation without the need to configure a schedule or even line in advance.
  • There is also a simplified variant of AutoTrain™ based on drag & drop. By simply dragging a train symbol to another location on the computer screen it is possible to move a train automatically from one place of the layout to another. In this way trains can be moved on the layout without the need for manual entry of turnout and train commands. Trains moved in this way find their routes themselves and integrate smoothly into routing and interlocking of the running layout operation.
  • Train tracking of manually controlled trains is now based on the track layout of the block diagram. This increases reliability of train tracking considerably in comparison to previous versions. Train tracking is now almost as reliable as train detection performed by hardware based train detection systems.
  • The rules for reservation of blocks and routes during operation ("look ahead") are much more flexible now and can be customized to personal needs.
  • Extended possibilities to control opposing trains on single track sections.
  • A separate list of active schedules provides quick access to running schedules.
  • Locking of blocks during operation.
  • Locking of block exits during operation.
  • Assignment of trains to blocks by drag & drop instead of processing a dialog box.
  • Combined brake/stop indicators allow smooth deceleration and stop of trains with only one contact sensor per block.
  • Direction depend start and destination keys for schedules. Normal and reverse execution of the same schedule can be triggered with the same pair of keys.
  • With the new Traffic Control running trains can be monitored conveniently and train movements can be simulated effectively in offline mode.
  • A separate list of trains provides fast and convenient access to each train.
  • Traffic Boxes show train positions in the switchboard.
  • Certain route and signal symbols can be rotated.
  • Signal symbols can be combined in order to look like main and distant signal at the same mast. Such combinations are able to display up to 16 different signal aspects at the same mast.
  • Full screen mode of switchboard and block diagram utilizes the complete computer screen for display
  • With TrainAnimator™ you can import train images from arbitrary sources, image formats or screen savers, etc.
  • Adaptation to XP look & feel by maintaining the option to show the classic Win98 style on XP as well.
  • Support of high baud rates of the Lenz LI101
  • Support of the new interface Rautenhaus SLX 852
  • Support of the new train detection system TD88 by Littfinski (LDT)
  • New features of TrainProgrammer Version 5.0:

  • Redesign of the user interface with many visual improvements.
  • With the new open decoder database it is possible, to create your own decoder configurations, to customize existing configurations or to delete not needed configurations. It is also possible to add decoder configurations created by others, e.g. the manufacturer of the decoder, to your own database. Ask the manufacturer of your decoder for configurations, that are not yet contained in the database!
  • New programming methods for the Option Switches (OPSW) of LocoNet compatible devices, for Selectrix SX2 programming (e.g. SUSI parameters of new Selectrix compatible locomotive decoders) and for Selectrix compatible devices, that are connected to the SX Bus.
  • Possibility to include train images created with TrainAnimator™.
  • Adaptation to XP look & feel while maintaining the option to show the classic Win98 style on XP as well. 

  • New features of Version 4.7:

  • Improved look & feel of the graphical user interface of all RAILROAD & CO. programs enabled by complete change to 32-Bit technology.
  • Integrated Easy Mode simplifies the use of the most important program functions for novice users.
  • New options to customise the appearance of the track diagram individually to your convenience and taste. Examples can be viewed here.
  • Virtual Occupancy Indication that depends on the length of passing trains.
  • Individual real or virtual occupancy indication for routes allow refined release of routes during automatic operation.
  • Improved support for schedule selections during automatic operation.
  • Support for Digitrax PM4.
  • TrainProgrammer™ has been extended to support Selectrix compatible loco and accessory decoders.

  • New features of Version 4.5:

  • New component for control of Turntables and Transfer Tables from all leading manufacturers. Turntables and Transfer Tables can be integrated into routes and lines for automatic operation. The orientation of trains can be adjusted during automatic operation, for example on entry or exit of roundhouses. TrainController™ is the first computer program providing digital control of the Fleischmann turntable. Generic turntables / transfer tables allow operation of home made driver devices.
  • Routes, Schedules and Macros can be operated with start and destination keys now. Using feedback indicators as start/destination keys allow operation based on start and destination keys from external keyboards.
  • Braking and stopping distances of brake and stop indicators can be adjusted now. In the most simple setup a train can halt smoothly with one single sensor per block. Braking and stopping indicators can optionally be setup to trigger braking or stopping on the middle or tail of the train.
  • With contact spots the offset of the first sensoring axle or the magnet in case of reed contacts from the head/tail of a train can be taken in account for improved precision for braking on stopping.
  • A new, unique TrainFreeze™ feature allows freezing of the complete layout status at any time, for example on session end or in order to clear derailments. Frozen layout status can be automatically stored on session end and reloaded as starting point on beginning of the next session. The layout can be frozen and unfrozen by pressing or releasing emergency stop on the digital system (not supported for all digital systems).
  • Train Tracking can now detect or track the direction of travel / orientation of a train.
  • Engine data can be exported and imported to other layout files. In this way engine data can be moved between different layout files.
  • Improved multi unit operation allows coupling of trains with different direction of travel. Function buttons are accessible for all engines in a multiple unit now. Function forwarding allows automatic operation of functions in the second, third, ... engine of a multiple unit; for example to control the lights in the cars separately.
  • A new minimal mode for the Train Window allows reduction of the size to show the most important controls only.
  • More possibilities to start the successors of a schedule: random selection, start by specified order, all successors, enforce train change or selection of the train waiting the longest time.
  • Two aspect signals optionally show red/yellow state now.
  • Optional unlocking of turnouts and signals contained in route operations, but not in the route itself. This feature allows usage of protected turnouts and signals by other routes.
  • New option for global delay between any two turnout commands provides improved operation of capacitor discharge units.
  • And many further minor but useful improvements.

  • New features of Version 4.1:

  • The name of RAILROAD & CO. has been changed to RAILROAD & CO. TrainController™, because now there are several products available under the RAILROAD & CO. logo.
  • TrainController™ now provides intelligent train detection and train tracking based on train identification systems such as Digitrax Transponding or HELMO in combination with simple track contacts.
  • Indicators located in the track diagram of the Switchboard are now able to control the speed, direction or functions of passing trains. This makes it possible to perform simple semi-automatic train operation without the need to setup the Dispatcher first.
  • The new RAILROAD & CO. Handheld is the first remote control especially designed for model railroad computer control.
  • The new TrainProgrammer™ allows programming of NMRA compatible decoders with a few mouse clicks.
  • Support for Muet Digirail, Lenz Digital Plus Version 3 and HSI-88 by Littfinski DatenTechnik.

  • New features of Version 4.0:

  • The Inspector helps to have an overview of the objects of your model railroad.
  • With Virtual Contacts the numbers of control points used for train indication, braking and stopping can be increased without installing real contacts on the model railroad layout. Virtual Contacts are also used for automatic train stops in the middle of a platform.
  • The usage of schedules can be restricted to certain trains or even to a single engine, if desired. This makes it possible to run certain schedules for example only by freight trains or only by electric engines. Another application is automatic track selection according to the length of trains.
  • Sound files can be assigned to push buttons in the Switchboard or played automatically during operating sessions.
  • For each engine you can now arrange up to 9 different engine functions. This does not only include operation of build-in decoder functions but also playing individual sound files and defining so called Macros, with which more complex sequences of functions can be triggered (for example whistle on - wait 2 seconds - whistle off).
  • The automatic measurement of the speed profile can now be done using track occupancy detectors. The speed profile can be conveniently viewed and edited with a graphical editor.
  • The operation of turnouts and signals can be setup with much more flexibility. Especially for controlling light signals or objects with more than two states (triple switches, double slip switches or signals with more than two aspects) it is possible to turn on or off individual contact outputs of an accessory decoder.
  • Assigning of digital addresses to turnouts and signals has been made more easy. Now it is possible to specify the address in the same way as done with the concerning digital system you are already familiar with.
  • Support for RCI
  • Interface boards based on 8255 can not only be used for monitoring of track sensors like before but now also for operation of switches, signals and routes.
  • Support for the HELMO train identification system
  • It is possible now to display the contents of bitmap files as images in the track diagram of the Switchboard.
  • New track elements in the Switchboard: the place saving narrow curve and the Y-Switch.

  • New features of Version 3.4:

  • Support for Digitrax LocoNet
  • Support for Uhlenbrock Intellibox:
  • thanks to the extended protocol it is possible now to control the direction of Maerklin loks with new Motorola decoder directly.
  • Support for TracTronics SECSI

  • New features of Version 3.3:

  • Support of conventional locomotives:
  • conventional locomotives without own digital decoder can now be operated with stationary decoders.
  • More than one digital system can now be operated on different serial ports of your computer.
  • Support for new digital systems:
  • EasyDCC, CTI and PC Interface Boards 8255.
  • Improved Dispatcher.
  • Improved support for the Edits system

  • New features of Version 3.0:

  • New logo.
  • New component Dispatcher:
  • automatic and time-table dependent operation of parts of your railroad or the whole can be arranged with the ease of point and click
  • Route elements as new Switchboard elements support switching and locking of routes like the prototype.
  • Train indicators show the current locations of your trains in the Switchboard.
  • Complete redesign of the  Train Window
  • More realistic simulation of train momentum according to horsepower, engine type, train tonnage and even track grade.
  • An optional brake control provides more realistic train operation.
  • Multiple-Unit operation.
  • The speed curve of a train can now be initialized automatically.
  • Cab-Signals are indicated according to the operational rules of the Dispatcher
  • External Throttles:
  • External throttles and handhelds can now be connected to your computer to combine the advantages of handhelds with all the simulation features provided by the software.
  • The signals generated by the system throttles of the digital system can be monitored and reflected in the train window.
  • Maintenance Interval:
  • The time of operation can be monitored for each engine. So you get an idea when the lubrication or change of the carbon brushes is to be done next.
  • Train names are sorted alphabetically.
  • Hot-Keys allow quick access to routes, switches, signals and other accessories through the computer keyboard.
  • Text-Elements are much more intelligent now and can also be used for train tracking.
  • Rotation:
  • Blocks of elements can be rotated in the Switchboard. This is also possible for text labels.
  • Global Element Operations:
  • Element operations can include global operations (like system and train stop, indication of messages, call of external programs (e.g. for playing sound files)).
  • A new message window has been implemented, which keeps you up to date with the events occuring in the system.
  • Support for new digital systems:
  • Trix Selectrix
  • Improvement of the graphic speed.
  • Improvement of memory consumptions.

  • New features of Version 2.6:

  • Improved flagman indicators
  • Support for new digital systems:
  • Fleischmann FMZ and ZIMO

    New features of Version 2.5:

  • automation:
  • automatic triggering of operation sequences by track contacts, push button clicks or under even more complex conditions
  • New Switchboard elements:
  • track contacts, flagman indicators, text labels, four aspect signals, on-off switches, bridge elements
  • Selectable signal images
  • Selectable color for push buttons, on-off switches, toggle switches and indicator elements
  • Operation Restrictions:
  • Operation of accessories can be restricted to certain conditions "e.g. set signal x to green only if turnout y is in straight state"
  • Improved Switchboard editing:
  • element box, right mouse button, extended selection with shift-key
  • Improved support of double slip switches:
  • the numbers of solenoids and states (2 or 4) of a double slip switch can now be configured dynamically
  • Refresh-Function:
  • Set all accessories of your railroad to the state, which is currently indicated by the software.
  • Automatic Save/Restore of current session state

  • New features of Version 2.1:

  • Support for new digital systems:
  • Wangrow System One and MegaDecoder
  • Track diagrams can be copied to clipboard in BMP-format

  • New features of Version 2.0:

  • Integration of the user interface:
  • all components run within one multi window application (MDI architecture)
  • Data integration:
  • the data of all components is stored in one file
  • New component
  • The Train Window allows realistic train operation with on-screen throttles and various cab instruments
  • Support for new digital systems:
  • Lenz Digital Plus and Lionel TrainMaster

    Features of Version 1.0:

  • First release of RAILROAD & CO.:
  • two components Switchboard and the Clock run as seperate single window applications
  • Supported digital system:
  • Maerklin Digital