i am running JMRI on 2 machines. One is connected to the layout physically with USB interfaces. The other is remote, and is the one I use to design the JMRI panels. I have networked the JMRI files using my hub / home router and both machines use the same files. The remote machine is set for all connections (set in preferences) to be simulators. The connected machine, can access my Gaugemaster Prodigy (MRC) to set points (Switches or turnouts) and when I turn it on, it does work. I'm still getting to grips with using Loconet for sensors, not helped by the hurricane which stopped Digitrax manufacturing, Accessories will be controlled by a second Loconet system, so that a short circuit on the Prodigy can still be sorted out while still controlling accessories. Yes it might be a hodgepotch, but JMRI is good enough to sort it out if set up right. So, set your preferences right and it works. Happy New year and to the writers of JMRI, Have a good one.
SwissChris