# John Allen's Timesaver Lite — Can you hostle?

> Strategic train puzzle game simulating rail yard operations and switching orders. (iPhone/iPad app by Scott Lagaly.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/john-allens-timesaver-lite/id1162009059 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Scott Lagaly](https://appshunter.io/developer/392805743)
- Category: Games, Puzzle, Strategy
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 91 App Store ratings · 19 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 93 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2016-11-26
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/john-allens-timesaver-lite/id1162009059/reviews.md

## What is John Allen's Timesaver Lite?

Train game meets puzzle game in this challenging world of the RG&H Railroad. Enjoy the nostalgia of a model train as you test your puzzle solving skills. This classic strategy puzzle, a favorite in the model railroading world for decades, has been re-imagined for iOS.

Just a few examples of what other players are saying about John Allen’s Timesaver Puzzle:

• “An excellent puzzle game.”

• “Challenges your thinking and logic skills.”

• “Great game!”

• “I love the game!”

• “Totally different from any puzzle game I have ever tried.”

In John Allen’s Timesaver Lite you will move trains in tight quarters to complete switching orders as you go from town to town.

Of course, no job is without its complications and the RG&H Railroad is no exception. Your difficulties grow and the workload increases as you navigate worker strikes, new safety regulations and more. But never fear, our engineer, Slim, will be there to keep you on track and remind you that the clock is ticking.

• Try for free! Buy the full version once hostling is in your blood!

• 20 puzzles, each playable at 2 difficulty levels.

• Sync game scores and progress across devices with iCloud.

• Enjoy our lively soundtrack or listen to your own music as you play.

Buy the full version of John Allen’s Timesaver Puzzle now and get:
• 100 challenging puzzles, playable at 4 difficulty levels
• Game Center leader boards and challenges

Download John Allen’s Timesaver Lite now and see if you have what it takes to be a ‘hostler’!

## Key features

- Train switching puzzles
- Logic and strategy challenges
- Increasing difficulty levels
- Nostalgic model train theme
- iCloud score syncing
- Lively soundtrack

## Recent user reviews (10 of 19)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/john-allens-timesaver-lite/id1162009059/reviews.md

### 5/5 — This game is actually very fun

*2024-01-01*

This railroad shunting game is actually pretty fun it is pretty easy to learn!

### 5/5 — Really fun game

*2023-08-09*

For anyone who likes trains an games this is a good device game to spend time on an there is some strategy to the switching actions.

### 5/5 — Bitter sweet

*2022-11-28*

I’m sad that it ended, but glad it happened.

I will like forward into buying the full version!

### 5/5 — Really fun!

*2022-08-02*

If you’re a train enthusiast this is a must have.

### 5/5 — Timesaver!

*2021-01-30*

Great time waster!
Awesome time killer...
Fun puzzle solver.

### 5/5 — Great fun

*2021-01-10*

Now I can "play with trains" wherever I am. Easy to learn. Hours of fun.

### 5/5 — Like It!

*2020-08-18*

This is a great train puzzle game. A real railroad would not switch like this. Who cares, it makes you think. Enjoy this game its fun!

### 4/5 — I wish you could actually control the loco

*2020-01-02*

This game is great, and one of the better shunting puzzles on the App Store. I would love to see an update where you can actually control the loco with forward/ backward and speed control. I think this would make the game even more engaging instead of waiting for the loco to make it’s way on its own.

**Developer response:** In the paid version of John Allen's Timesaver, once you reach Expert Level, it has this functionality.

### 5/5 — Unique puzzle game

*2019-10-06*

Timesaver is a fun, relaxing game. Moving train cars is a unique twist to a puzzle game. The train moves in “real” time, so it is advantageous to work out the most efficient route which tests your visual skills.

### 5/5 — Surprised how much I enjoyed

*2019-07-19*

Once you get a hang of how to issue the commands, the app is very enjoyable. I’m a model train hobbyist and I like solving problem, so this game was a great fit for me.

App is very well written and has some great logic built in. Works fine on my iPhone 7 Plus running iOS 12.3.1

## Frequently asked questions about John Allen's Timesaver Lite

### What is John Allen's Timesaver Lite?

John Allen's Timesaver Lite is a mobile game that blends train simulation with puzzle-solving. Players take on the role of a 'hostler,' managing train movements in tight rail yard environments to complete switching orders. It's designed to test your logic and strategic thinking skills.

### What are the key features of this app?

The app features challenging train switching puzzles, increasing difficulty levels, and a nostalgic model train theme. It also includes iCloud syncing for game scores and progress, and a lively soundtrack. The Lite version offers 20 puzzles at 2 difficulty levels.

### How much does John Allen's Timesaver Lite cost?

John Allen's Timesaver Lite is available for free, allowing players to try out the game. The description mentions a 'full version' that can be purchased, suggesting that the Lite version serves as a demo or introductory experience with an option to upgrade for more content.

### What kind of challenges can I expect in the game?

As you progress through the game, you will encounter increasing difficulties and workload. These challenges include managing worker strikes and adapting to new safety regulations, all while keeping the trains moving from town to town. The game emphasizes quick thinking and logic to overcome these obstacles.

### Who is this game designed for?

This game is designed for individuals who enjoy puzzle games that require strategic thinking and logic. It appeals to those who appreciate the nostalgic theme of model trains and railroading, offering a unique blend of simulation and brain-teasing challenges.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.0.4 — 2018-02-02

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

* Fixed an issue that was causing the app to crash in Potter Valley for a few users
* Improved the transition from Timesaver Lite to the full version
* Serviced the engine and checked the tracks while we were in there

If you are enjoying John Allen's Timesaver Puzzle Lite please consider giving us a 5 star rating and writing a review in the App Store. This helps us let other players know about the game and makes us feel warm fuzzies. Thanks and keep hostling!

### 1.0.3 — 2017-07-31

* Made improvements touch detection

Thank you for the feedback, keep it coming!

### 1.0.2 — 2017-02-27

Did a little behind the scenes maintenance as we continue to work on improving Timesaver for you.
If you have any questions, suggestions or feedback please contact us through our support link. We want to hear from you!
Hostle on!

### 1.0.1 — 2016-11-30

Fumigating bugs at the RG&H Railway Crew house.

### 1.0 — 2016-11-26

No release notes.

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## More apps by Scott Lagaly

- [Reciprocity](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reciprocity/id392805740)
- [John Allen's Timesaver Puzzle](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/john-allens-timesaver-puzzle/id1050764647)

All apps by Scott Lagaly: https://appshunter.io/developer/392805743

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*