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RailControl Unit IconRailControl Unit

Retro Märklin fun

Download
RailControl Unit on iPad and iPhone

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a retro-inspired model train controller and control your Märklin CS2 or CS3.

Modules

RailControl Unit has several Märklin digital modules in store, which all operate exactly like their physical copies.

An overview of all available modules.
Transformer module

Transformer

Just for fun, because every layout needs power.

Keyboard module

Keyboard

Switch turnouts and control accessories with up to sixteen keyboard modules.

Control Unit module

Control Unit

Your main loc controller with speed knob, direction control, and function buttons.

Control 80 f module

Control 80 f

Add up to nine additional Control 80 f modules for multi-train operation.

F.A.Q

What is RailControl Unit?
RailControl Unit is an app for iOS which lets you control model trains with Märklin Central Station but mimics the Märklin digital modules popular in the eighties and nineties.
Why should I use RailControl Unit?
Just for fun!
Do I need a Märklin Central Station to use this app?
Yes, if you want to control actual model trains on your layout. No, if you just feel nostalgic and want to tap some buttons or drag knobs.
Which Märklin hardware is supported?
RailControl Unit supports Märklin CS2 and CS3. It can handle locs equipped with an mm, mfx, or dcc decoder. It also supports decoders to control accessories, like Märklin Decoder m83.
What's the difference between RailControl Unit and RailControl Pro?
RailControl Pro is a full-featured app to control your Märklin CS2 or CS3. It has a graphical user interface with things like support for loc images and all their functions. It supports all accessories and any track diagram saved in your Central Station. It is everything you'd expect from a powerful but lightweight controller for the digital age. RailControl Unit is just for fun, for those wanting to relive the early digital model railroad era.
Is RailControl Unit free?
Yes, it's free to download and use the Control Unit module. All other modules can be added too, but a one-time in-app purchase is required to activate them. The in-app purchase is cheaper than a coffee at Starbucks.
Which languages are supported in RailControl Unit?
Currently RailControl Unit is localized in English and German.
Is RailControl Unit going to be updated as frequently as RailControl Pro?
Probably not, this is a small and simple app, made for fun. I'll make sure it keeps working on future OS-releases and might fix a bug from time-to-time, but don't expect big new features.
Why did you make RailControl Unit?
Because I needed a small app to test my new Swift CAN framework, which will be used in RailControl Pro. Before I knew it, that test app turned into this. It kind of just happened.
I have more questions, what now?
Just let me know.

What are you waiting for?

Requires iOS 18.5 or higher.