I have been through all this too.? I don't find that the automation in JMRI meets what I require so I have written Logix to check routes clear, switch points (turnouts) and then signals (BR2003) in a timed sequence.? The automated stuff a) works too fast, b) my electronics overruns itself and sometimes loses commands, c) odd things happen with (e.g.) signalling within a station area.
I have built a One Button Route Setting panel with Tokenless Block built in between my station and my fiddle yard.
Happy to share details if you wish?
