A control system for at least a pair of motor powered rail vehicles coupled together in a model train railroad includes a controller, a control module installed on each of the at least pair of motor powered rail vehicles, a bi-directional communication between the controller and at least one control module in one of the at least pair of motor powered rail vehicles, a bi-directional communication between the at least pair of control modules, and at least one of the controller and the one of the pair of control modules configured to store in memory full load electrical power value and use the full load electrical power value in adjusting motor load for a respective motor powered rail vehicle. The control system also uses a subsonic motor signal to enhance low speed operation of rail vehicles and a graphical interface within the controller and capability to utilize previously unknown devices.