In issue 12/01 of the german computer magazine ONLINE-TODAY a benchmark test of the five leading software programs for model railroad computer control was performed.  TrainController™ won the highest award! A summary of the test result is listed below. Please read also about the differences between TrainController™ and other programs from our own point of view.

Online Today Award 12/01

The test covers the program versions, that were current at the time of the test. The score and the comments are cited to the best of our knowledge. They reflect the point of view of the magazine's editor. No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of this information, especially with regard to competitive products (in the columns marked with xxx). The numbers enclosed by braces indicate the maximum score.
 

    
TrainController
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Range of Capabilities (50) 49 38 26 42 13
Supported Systems (10) 10 all popular 10 all popular   2 Motorola   7 sep. Versions available   2 Selectrix
Can run on older PC (5)   4 Pentium/Win 3.1 or higher   3 Pentium/Win 95 or higher   4 Pentium/Win 3.1 or higher   5 yes, DOS program   4 Pentium 100 or higher
Speed Profiles (5)   5 yes   5 yes   0 no   0 no   0 no
Virtual Contacts (10) 10 yes   0 no   0 no 10 yes   0 no
Automatic Operation (5)   5 yes   5 yes   5 yes   5 yes   2 limited
Manual Operation (5)   5 yes   5 yes   5 yes   5 yes   5 yes
Mixed Operation (10) 10 yes 10 yes 10 yes 10 yes   0 no
Usability (50) 47 42 47 23 28
User Interface (15) 15 clear 10 overcrowded 15 clear   3 antiquated   7 unclear
Installation (5)   5 very simple    5 very simple   5 very simple   0 complicated   5 very simple
Adaptability (10) 10 good 10 good 10 good   3 elaborate   3 elaborate
Operation (10) 10 good 10 good 10 good 10 good 10 good
Documentation / Help (10)   7 proper   7 proper   7 proper   7 proper   3 could be improved
Technical Score (100) 96 80 73 65 41
Value for Money (100) 66 51 56 43 76
Total Score (100) 89 73 69 60 50
Result Powerful, easy to learn program for novice users and professionals Powerful, but confusing program for advanced users Proper program for Owners of a Marklin model railroad Powerful, but not up-to-date DOS program for professionals Ambitious program for beginners using Selectrix