Z21Updater vs Model Train Script
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Z21Updater
Easily update your Z21, z21, z21start, and smartRail devices. The app automatically detects connected hardware and fetches the latest firmware directly from the server when online, simplifying the update process.
- Automatic device recognition
- Direct server updates
- Simple and functional update process
- Supports Z21, z21, z21start, smartRail
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This app allows you to conveniently keep your Z21, z21, z21start and smartRail always up to date. The connected device is automatically recognized by the app. New updates are directly queried from the server when connected to the Internet thus the update process is very simple and functional.
Model Train Script
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ModelTrainScript offers you easy automation of your Z21 or ECoS controlled model train layout. It allows you to configure and run simple automation scripts directly from you iPhone, iPad or Mac. There are a lot of great open source solutions available to automate your layout, however ModelTrainScript has the focus to make automation as easy as possible. We try to do that by offering a user friendly interface for composing scripts and by reducing the amount of physical components you need. No need for a dedicated computer as central unit, just connect your iPhone (or iPad/Mac) and you are ready to go. In short ModelTrainScript has the following features: - Provide easy automation of your layout with scripts - Manual control your layout with graphical representation - Provide a catalog of your vehicle collection - Data is synced via iCloud over all your Apple devices - Ability to use your device camera to control your vehicles ModelTrainScript requires a command station supporting the Z21 or ECoS lan protocol, it supports the following standards: - Feedback: RBus, CBus and LBus (LocoNet) - RailCom (over CBus, LocoNet and ECoSLink) for occupancy detection. For more information visit our website or feel free to contact us in case of any questions or feedback!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Z21Updater at none against Model Train Script's 2. Z21Updater also leads on iOS requirement (13.4 vs 18.6). Model Train Script's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 28 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Model Train Script sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Z21Updater asks for nothing beyond the download.
Z21Updater ships an update every 28 months, Model Train Script every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 31, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Z21Updater | Model Train Script |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 28 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.4 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 29 MB | 46 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Modelleisenbahn GmbH | Arjan Pragt |
In-app purchases
Z21Updater
No in-app purchases
Model Train Script
- Donation for ModelTrainScript$9.00
- License$12.99





