Comparison

RailControl Pro vs Rail Model Calc

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

Head to head
About

RailControl Pro

Easily control your Märklin model train layout from your iPhone or iPad. Manage locomotives, accessories, and events with intuitive controls, keyboard shortcuts, and even game controllers. Offers a free trial before requiring a subscription.

Highlights
  • Connect Märklin CS2/CS3
  • Control locomotives (speed, direction, functions)
  • Control accessories (turnouts, signals)
  • Start events
  • Multi-window and Stage Manager support on iPad
  • Dark Mode
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Game controller support
Features
Read full description

Easy Control for Märklin CS2 and CS3 RailControl Pro is an easy-to-use app for controlling your model train layout with your iPhone or iPad. Connect With RailControl Pro it’s easier than ever to connect Märklin Central Station 2 or Central Station 3 to your iPhone or iPad. Control Locomotives Control speed, driving direction and the functions of your locomotives with just a touch, click, keystroke, or even a game controller. Control Articles Turnouts, signals, turntables and other accessories, can be controlled in the Track Diagram or Articles overview. Control Events Events can now be started straight from RailControl Pro as well. Real Multi Window Juggle with windows on iPad. Be it to host your favorite locs next to each other, or just to keep the track diagram within reach. Feeling brave? RailControl Pro also supports Stage Manager. Dark Mode RailControl Pro aims to blend in. Controlling your trains in a dark room, or outside in the sun? We have your back! Keyboard Shortcuts Pros use keyboard shortcuts. That's why RailControl Pro has them. Controlling locs with a keyboard turns out to be great. Game Controllers Connect up to four game controllers to your iPhone or iPad and hand it over to other people for even more fun! Free Trial Try RailControl Pro one week for free with the trial. After the trial period, RailControl Pro requires a yearly subscription to work. RailControl Pro requires Märklin Central Station 2 or Central Station 3. Märklin and Central Station are trademarks of Gebr. Märklin & Cie GmbH, registered in the U.S. and other countries. RailControl Pro is not affiliated in any way with Gebr. Märklin & Cie GmbH. Privacy Policy: https://www.railcontrol.pro/privacy/ Terms of Use: https://www.railcontrol.pro/terms-of-use/

About

Rail Model Calc

Features
Read full description

Overview This is a calculator app that includes calculation functions necessary when playing with railroad model. How to use After launching the app,the first screen that appears is the Home screen, which also serves as a menu. Swipe and tap the menu on the Home screen to transition to various calculation modes. You can use various calculation modes to perform calculations necessary for railway model track length and railway model production. This App offer the following calculation modes. •Home mode Home is available simple calculations. Set F1-F10 memory on this screen. •Normal mode It is a normal calculator. •Straight mode This mode calculates horizontal and vertical lengths when laying a straight rail diagonally. •Curve mode This mode calculates the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lengths when laying a curve rail. •S-Curve mode This mode calculates the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lengths when laying a s-curve rail. •Scale X/Y mode This mode calculates the scale. •Inch to MM mode This mode converts yards and inches to millimeters. For details on how to use it, there is a manual on "?" button. Disclaimer This calculator is for the railroad modeling hobby. The calculation results is the numerical value which be calculated by the developer. It may be different from the numerical value by model manufacturer. In particular, commercially available railroad model rails allow for dimensional errors. Therefore, the calculation results do not necessarily represent what the track layout cannot or can be done. This application is subject to change without notice. The developer assumes no responsibility for any loss or claims by third parties which may arise from the use of this application.

Screenshots

RailControl Pro4 screens
Rail Model Calc4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Rail Model Calc at none against RailControl Pro's 3. RailControl Pro's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (monthly vs every 14 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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. RailControl Pro sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per year. Rail Model Calc asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RailControl Pro ships an update monthly, Rail Model Calc every 14 months. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
RailControl Pro versus Rail Model Calc: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRailControl ProRail Model Calc
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews72.2% of reviews
Number of ratings6 — better
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 14 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS16.615.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBoterhamNobuyuki Kumakura

In-app purchases

3 purchases

RailControl Pro

Subscriptions3
  • Hobby7 Days trial$14.991 Year
  • Pro7 Days trial$24.991 Year
  • Family Pro7 Days trial$39.991 Year
None

Rail Model Calc

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is RailControl Pro free?
RailControl Pro is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Rail Model Calc free?
Rail Model Calc is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do RailControl Pro or Rail Model Calc have ads?
Rail Model Calc shows ads; RailControl Pro does not.
Which is updated more often, RailControl Pro or Rail Model Calc?
RailControl Pro ships an update monthly, and Rail Model Calc every 14 months. Most recently, RailControl Pro was updated on September 17, 2026 and Rail Model Calc on September 13, 2026.

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