Comparison

Z21Updater vs Model Train Script

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Automatic device recognition
  • Direct server updates
  • Simple and functional update process
  • Supports Z21, z21, z21start, smartRail
Read full description

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.

About

Model Train Script

Features
Read full description

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

Z21Updater3 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Model Train Script sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Z21Updater asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Z21Updater versus Model Train Script: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterZ21UpdaterModel Train Script
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 28 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.4 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size29 MB46 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperModelleisenbahn GmbHArjan Pragt

In-app purchases

None

Z21Updater

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Model Train Script

One-time2
  • Donation for ModelTrainScript$9.00
  • License$12.99

Questions

Is Z21Updater free?
Z21Updater is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Model Train Script free?
Model Train Script is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Z21Updater or Model Train Script have ads?
Neither Z21Updater nor Model Train Script shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Z21Updater or Model Train Script?
Z21Updater ships an update every 28 months, and Model Train Script every 3 weeks. Most recently, Z21Updater was updated on August 31, 2026 and Model Train Script on September 17, 2026.

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