Comparison

RailPilot vs RailControl Unit

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

Head to head
About

RailPilot

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RailPilot – The smart control for your model railroad RailPilot lets you control your model trains easily with your iPhone – fast, intuitive, and reliable. The app is specifically designed for use with the Z21 command station and offers a modern alternative to classic model railroad control. Your locos, centrally stored RailPilot stores all locomotive data on a server in your local network – hosted by you. This means your data always stays with you, and there’s no need to sync between devices: everyone on your network accesses the same collection. At a glance: • Train control via the Z21 command station • Central locomotive management through a local server • No need to transfer data between devices • Easy, user-friendly interface • Fast access to your entire locomotive fleet Requirements: • Z21 command station from Roco/Fleischmann • Self-hosted RailPilot server on your local network Get RailPilot now and upgrade your model railroad control system!

About

RailControl Unit

Features
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Transform your iPhone or iPad into a retro-inspired model train controller. RailControl Unit connects wirelessly to your Märklin CS2 or CS3, giving you control over your locomotives and accessories. Fun Retro Control Experience Designed to mirror the look and feel of the Märklin Control Unit of the eighties and nineties, you're controlling your model trains the way they were meant to be controlled back in the day. Multiple Module Support - Control Unit – Your main locomotive controller with speed slider, direction control, and function buttons - Control 80 f – Add up to 9 additional controllers for multi-train operation - Keyboard – Switch turnouts and control accessories with up to 16 keyboard modules - Transformer – Just for fun, because every lay out needs it Key Features - Imitates the workings of the Märklin digital system to the smallest detail - Connect via your local network to your Märklin Central Station - Support for MM, MFX, and DCC decoder protocols for both locs and accessories - Real-time speed and direction control - Function buttons F0-F4 for lights and sounds - Stop/Go button on Control Unit and Control 80 f Multi-Platform Use RailControl Unit on iPhone for handheld control or on iPad for a larger view. Free to Try The Control Unit module is free forever. Unlock all additional modules with a single one-time purchase – no subscriptions. Requires a Märklin Central Station 2 or Central Station 3 with network connectivity. Märklin and Central Station are trademarks of Gebr. Märklin & Cie GmbH, registered in the U.S. and other countries. RailControl Unit is not affiliated in any way with Gebr. Märklin & Cie GmbH.

Screenshots

RailPilot3 screens
RailControl Unit4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: RailPilot at none against RailControl Unit's 1. On price, ads, 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 Unit sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. RailPilot asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference · 5 level
RailPilot versus RailControl Unit: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRailPilotRailControl Unit
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 months—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.0 — better18.5
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEric StaedlerBoterham

In-app purchases

None

RailPilot

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

RailControl Unit

One-time1
  • Unlock All Modules$2.99

Questions

Is RailPilot free?
RailPilot is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is RailControl Unit free?
RailControl Unit is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do RailPilot or RailControl Unit have ads?
Neither RailPilot nor RailControl Unit shows ads.

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