# Model Rail: Railway modelling — Inspirational layout plans

> Magazine for model railway enthusiasts with layout plans, reviews, and guides. (iPhone/iPad app by Bauer Media (Publishing).)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-rail-railway-modelling/id561959863 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Bauer Media (Publishing)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1753963887)
- Category: Magazines & Newspapers, Lifestyle
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 109 App Store ratings · 59 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.0 · 97 MB
- Languages: American English, German (Germany)
- Released: 2012-11-06
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-rail-railway-modelling/id561959863/reviews.md

## What is Model Rail?

Model Rail is Britain's brightest and most informative magazine for model railway fans. We cover every stage of the hobby, from buying a first model train set right through to museum standard fine-scale modelling in a lively style that encourages readers to get involved in the world's greatest hobby. 


- The finest home and club layouts 

- Stunning photography 

- Unbiased and in-depth product reviews 

- Step-by-step articles 

- Inspirational layout plans 

- Expert tips 


As a Model Rail Subscriber, you will get: 

- Immediate access to all our content 

- Unlimited access to our archive 

- A selection of highlighted articles from the editor 

- Subscribers-only rewards including discounts, prizes, and freebies 


Features of the app we love: 

- Read or listen to articles (choice of three voices) 

- Browse all current and back issues 

- Free articles available to non-subscribers 

- Search content that interests you 

- Save articles from the content feed to enjoy later 

- Switch between Digital View and Magazine View for the best experience 

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced model railway enthusiast, the Model Rail app has something for everyone. 

Download the app today and join the community of model railway fans. 


Please Note: This app is optimised for iOS 14 and higher. If you're using an iPad 1 or 2, iPad Mini 1 or iPhone 5 (or before) you may struggle to run this app smoothly. 

Your subscription will automatically renew each billing period, and you will be charged through your iTunes account within 24-hours prior to the end of the current cycle. You can turn off auto-renew at any time from your iTunes account settings up until 24-hours before the end of the current period, but refunds will not be provided for any unused portion of the term. Please visit our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for more information: 


Terms of Use 
https://www.bauerlegal.co.uk/app-terms-of-use-03032025 

Privacy Policy 
https://www.bauerlegal.co.uk/privacy-policy-20250411

## Key features

- Inspirational layout plans
- Product reviews
- Step-by-step articles
- Read or listen to articles
- Access current and back issues
- Subscriber rewards

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Model Rail magazine Subscriptions | $39.99 | per year |
| Model Rail magazine Subscriptions | $19.99 | per 6 months |
| Model Rail magazine Subscriptions | $9.99 | per 3 months |
| Model Rail Summer Sale Subscription | $27.99 | per year |
| Model Rail - Annual Backissues | $32.99 | per year |
| Model Rail Monthly Sub | $2.99 | per month |
| Model Rail 50% Annual Sub | $30.99 | per year |
| Free trial - 1 Month | $4.99 | per month |
| Free trial - 1 Month | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Annual Subscription | $49.99 | per year |
| Model Rail SubDiscount 2599 | $28.49 | per year |
| MR Annual - 20% discount | $24.99 | per year |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Model Rail Magazine | $2.99 | one-time |
| Model Rail Magazine | $2.99 | one-time |
| Model Rail Magazine | $2.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Model Rail?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 👍 Great magazine content
- 👍 Excellent contributors
- 👍 Inspiring layouts
- 👍 Detailed reviews
- 👍 Stunning photography
- 👍 Easy to use (on iPad)
- 👍 Good value

**Cons**

- 🐛 App is unreadable on phone
- 🐛 App is difficult to use on portable devices
- 🐛 App is slow and unresponsive
- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🐛 Tedious download speeds
- 🐛 App doesn't recognize existing subscribers
- 🐛 Lost access to purchased issues after updates
- 🐛 Poor customer service
- 🐛 App doesn't remember position
- 🐛 Toolbars limit viewable area
- 🐛 Page joins in landscape mode are awful
- 🐛 Amateurish interface
- 🐛 Issues download unbelievably slowly
- 🐛 Downloads stuck at percentage
- 🐛 Not intuitive
- 🐛 Clumsy search
- 🐛 Icons don't work
- 🐛 Pricey for old content
- 🐛 Unreadable on phone
- 🐛 Poor support
- 🐛 Frustrating notifications
- 🐛 Gap between print and digital release
- 🐛 Cannot read on iMac
- 🐛 Need to stay on page for download
- 🐛 Over complicated to sign in
- 🐛 Requires new iPad for access
- 🐛 Blames poor internet for download failures
- 🐛 Not user friendly
- 🐛 Pages do not always fit properly
- 🐛 Limited zoom ability
- 🐛 Cannot download or read bought issues
- 🐛 Asked to pay for every issue despite subscription
- 🐛 No proper full screen
- 🐛 Loses current location when switching apps
- 🐛 Basic page-by-page copy
- 🐛 Blurred pages
- 🐛 Dull videos

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Unable to connect to read paid magazines
- Icons don't work
- Search is clumsy
- App does not recognize existing subscribers
- Cannot download March issue
- Lost access to all previously purchased issues
- Cannot download latest issue
- App won't open after update
- New version is very slow
- Downloaded version is behind printed version
- Cannot gain access to previously paid editions
- Cannot download latest edition despite paying
- App doesn't remember your position
- Toolbars stay in place as you read
- Download stuck at 95%
- App force closing constantly
- Downloads collapse and stop at 85%
- Download stopped at 5%

**Most requested features**

- More reader layouts for pleasure
- Invite readers to submit photos of their creations
- App to view on a PC
- Dark mode option
- Ability to turn off notifications
- Unsubscribe button for emails
- Option to revert to old app version
- Improve zoom ability
- Fix page joins in landscape mode
- Proper full screen view
- Remember current location when switching apps
- Improve download speeds
- Allow streaming
- Fix blurred pages
- Add more additional features

## Recent user reviews (10 of 59)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-rail-railway-modelling/id561959863/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Readers rails

*2026-07-07*

Great magazine. Would be really happy to see more of readers layouts the sort that are built purely for pleasure not exhibitions or clubs. To invite readers to submit photos of their creations would, I think, inspire others.

### 5/5 — First class read

*2024-05-31*

This is by far the best of its kind in the market. The contributors are excellent and I’m learning lots from them and getting a better idea of how to proceed with my own layout which is in its early stages.

**Developer response:** Hello Big E53. Thank you so much for your kind words! We really appreciate your positive review and it's nice to have you as a customer

### 4/5 — All my monies lost

*2023-06-11*

Because of failing memories I am un able to connect to read magazines I have paid good money for. Very disappointed.

**Developer response:** Hi, thank you for contacting us here. We are very sorry for any problems that have occurred and would be happy to answer any questions you have about the app at appsupport_uk@bauermedia.com, so that you can access your issues that you have paid for. Kind regards, your app team

### 3/5 — Awful upgrade or rather downgrade

*2023-03-29*

The magazine is illserved by this app. The previous upgrade was bad enough. This one has rendered reading the magazine impossible. The icons don’t work. The search is clumsy. The whole renders the subscription worthless and unless there is a very swift resolution will simply cancel online subscription and buy paper even if I lose ALL my bookmarks. Such a shame. Just cancelled subscription

**Developer response:** Hi, thank you for leaving your experience here. We are sorry to hear of the trouble you have had using the app. Your feedback will be sent to the product team for improvements. Please contact appsupport_uk@bauermedia.com if you have further feedback or trouble using the app. Kind regards

### 4/5 — Not working

*2023-02-21*

Since the app was upgraded it is not possible to look at the magazines even though the direct debit has been taken. Deleting and reinstalling does not work even though you can log in. The app does not recognise existing subscribers.

**Developer response:** HI, thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. We regret that you have encountered technical problems using the updated app. Our customer service would be happy to help you. To contact us, you may use the contact form in the app or just send an email to: appsupport_uk@bauermedia.com. Kind regards, your app team

### 1/5 — Unreadable

*2022-12-10, version 8.6*

Really need an app to view on a pc. The mag is great but unreadable on a phone.

### 1/5 — Pricey

*2022-06-25*

I’m not gonna pay $2.99 for something that came out in 2012 that’s crazy

### 5/5 — See the detail without a magnifying glass!

*2022-05-30*

Fantastic value… See the detail without a magnifying glass!

Model Rail is simply the best magazine out there for premier layouts, detailed and independent reviews of models and tools and Chris Nevard’s photos and scratch built modelling is stunning.
If you are looking for inspiration… look no further!

**Developer response:** Hi! Thank you for your feedback! We are pleased about every postive rating. Kind regards.

### 5/5 — Poor support

*2022-02-19*

I renew via annual subscription and usually receive the new issues on my iPad mini successfully. However since my recent subscription renewal in January I have had problems with the monthly downloads and now I cannot download the March issue.
I have tried fixing the problem via FAQ, I have also emailed a screenshot and phoned Bauer media and so far they have not fixed the problem or contacted me. I will think twice about renewing the subscription in the future and would not recommend this App to anybody.

### 5/5 — Difficult

*2021-01-31*

Very difficult to use on portable devices; not intuitive.

## Frequently asked questions about Model Rail

### What is Model Rail?

Model Rail is a digital magazine for model railway enthusiasts. It covers all aspects of the hobby, from starting out with model trains to advanced fine-scale modelling. The app provides inspirational content, product reviews, and practical guides to help users enjoy their hobby.

### What are the key features of the Model Rail app?

Key features include access to inspirational layout plans, stunning photography, unbiased product reviews, and step-by-step articles. Users can also read or listen to articles, browse current and back issues, and save content for later. Subscribers receive additional benefits like discounts and prizes.

### How much does Model Rail cost?

The app offers free articles to non-subscribers. A subscription provides immediate and unlimited access to all content, including the archive. Subscriptions automatically renew and are charged through your iTunes account. You can manage auto-renewal in your iTunes account settings.

### What devices is Model Rail compatible with?

This app is optimized for iOS 14 and higher. Users with older devices such as iPad 1 or 2, iPad Mini 1, or iPhone 5 (or earlier) may experience performance issues.

### Who would benefit from using the Model Rail app?

The app is designed for both beginner and experienced model railway enthusiasts. Whether you're just starting your collection or are a seasoned modeller looking for inspiration and expert advice, the app offers valuable content for all levels of interest in the hobby.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 8.12 — 2025-09-23

Performance improvements.

### 8.11 — 2025-07-31

Performance improvements.

### 8.10 — 2025-04-11

Performance improvements.

### 8.9 — 2024-08-19

Performance improvements.

### 8.8 — 2023-08-02

Performance improvements.

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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 2026-08-24.*