# Model Rail: Railway modelling — user reviews

> 59 indexed App Store user reviews of Model Rail by Bauer Media (Publishing), rated 4.80/5 from 109 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-rail-railway-modelling/id561959863/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-rail-railway-modelling/id561959863.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 93 · 4★ 13 · 3★ 0 · 2★ 1 · 1★ 2

## 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

## Newest reviews (10 of 59)

### 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

### 2/5 — Frustrating

*2019-12-22, version 7.17*

Rather disappointing - I get notification several days before the latest edition is released – why? Very annoying - don’t notify me until it is actually ready to download if at all (no apparent way to turn off the notification - I even unsuccessfully tried directing it to junk as I can’t find an unsubscribe button)
Downloaded version always appears to be about three days behind the printed version why?
The reviews of new models are usually good but even then they are tainted by value for money score - ridiculous, surely a model is worth what we are prepared to pay for it
Some decent articles quite varied and interesting and bulked up with copious pages of advertising

In response to your response push notifications are and have always been turned off - they are not the issue
it’s the email Spam - what is the point of sending an email several days before the magazine is available for download -send it on the day it is available for download and provide an unsubscribe button for emails 
also I am correct there is at least a three day gap between the printed version becoming available in the shops and the download version update 22/12/19 magazine has been in shops for at least three days no sight on app yet

### 4/5 — Mac

*2019-03-09, version 7.12*

Great magazine just a pity can’t read on iMac

### 4/5 — Review of app

*2019-02-02*

One of the drawbacks from your app is when downloading the latest issue. You need to stay on page for it to download witch is annoying when you are working away trying to other things on your iPad/ laptops. I like how there is videos/ slideshows within your magazine issues!

### 5/5 — Poor compared with alternatives

*2017-11-13*

This app is a long way behind the other rail model magazines available. Navigation is clumsy and reliability dreadful with frequent crashes. The truly awful aspect is the tedious download speeds. I have just downloaded one of the other mags in under a minute whereas 'Model Rail' is on its 5th attempt and requires 5 minutes and more every time. 
Content is excellent but please bring the app up to standard!
Update - just downloaded the latest app version and now I am stuck at November 2017. I can ‘see’ the December cover but it has a title bar of November and downloading it reveals only the November issue. Another spectacular fail. I have a brand new iPad Pro. Please please get your act together!

### 5/5 — New iPad needed

*2017-07-25*

Despite having moved from paper to digital on the premise that I could always access the editions purchased, I'm advised that in order to continue to access them I need a new iPad, notwithstanding that there is nothing wrong with my current one, save that I've had it for 4 years or so.

Not good.

### 1/5 — Rubbish Update

*2017-07-11*

Won't finish downloads blaming poor internet connection.
Lost access to all previous purchased issues 
Won't allow streaming.

### 1/5 — Not user friendly

*2017-07-03*

One star as I now have to download AGAIN all purchases. New app should have accessed all prior purchases.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 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

### 1/5 — Just a list of he magazine issues

*2021-01-26*

This app just lists the editions of the magazine you can buy.  I was hoping to see a small sample of one or two so I could decide if I wanted to spend my money on downloading one or more.

**Developer response:** Hi Jkmitchell56, Thank you for contacting us. It is actually possible to download previews of each magazine by tapping on the cover of the magazine. Then a download option of the preview will show up and you can download to view the beginning of each magazine to see if it is of interest to you. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to drop us a line at: appsupport_uk@bauermedia.com

### 1/5 — Stopped working again

*2021-01-22*

Since last update can’t get access to all the mags I have bought

**Developer response:** Hi eastsomerset, thank you for taking the time to inform us of the problems you have had accessing your copies. It might help if you try to restore your purchases. Otherwise you are welcome to contact appsupport_uk@bauermedia.com for further help. Kind regards

### 1/5 — Model Rail

*2020-03-01*

Buy a hard copy.  Can only read some i have bought, others cannot read. They keep playing with the software locking you out if you no longer subscribe.

**Developer response:** Hi, thank you for taking the time to inform us of the problems you have had accessing your issues.  Please contact us at appsupport_uk@bauermedia.com and we would be happy to help you out with this! Kind regards, the Model Rail app team.

### 1/5 — New Version

*2020-02-12, version 8.0*

New version of this app is very slow please revert to the old one

### 1/5 — Useless

*2019-06-01*

After repeated attempts to get it to work on a 4 yr old iPad I've given up  ( thought I could  view it on a laptop but no) wasted time and money cancelled my subscription

**Developer response:** Hi See box,  Thank you for contacting us about this.  I realize this is a bit late, but hope we can still get access to reading the issues you have purchased in the past. Please contact us at appsupport_uk@bauermedia.com so that we can do so! Hope to hear from you. Kind regards

### 1/5 — Buggy app!

*2019-04-23*

Paid for a magazine that I can’t even read!

A slow, unresponsive and clunky app that doesn’t make reading this magazine an enjoyable experience. 

Haven’t used this app in 5 years, thought I’d give it another go and just as bad.

Using an iPhone X

### 1/5 — Unable to load

*2018-12-26, version 7.12*

Current update prevents me opening the App. All previously purchased magazines are therefore unreadable. I also cannot renew my subscription. There’s always Railway Modeller on Amazon. That works.

### 1/5 — Ultimate cr*p app

*2018-08-31*

It's absolutely awful. Over complicated to sign into, takes ages to download anything, then when there finally something to read - it crashes. And the whole process has to begin again.......  A real shame because the mag is brilliant.

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 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

### 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.

### 5/5 — Model rail

*2021-01-07*

Absolutely love the magazine always full of quality layouts and hints and tips keep up the excellent work

**Developer response:** Hi very unbsppy, thank you for your feedback. We are pleased about every postive rating. Kind regards.

### 5/5 — Model Rail

*2020-06-02*

Signed up - surprisingly easy to use and online magazine very readable on an iPad.

**Developer response:** Hi, it is great to hear you are enjoying the app. Thanks so much for your support and taking the time to leave your feedback! Kind regards

### 5/5 — Failing download 😩

*2020-02-26*

Have uploaded the past twelve months successfully, but now you have updated to three horrible diesels on the front piece I can't download the latest issue.  Most frustrating.  In the past your customer service has been appalling without replying to emails.  Shall not be renewing my subscription.
Following this post, a further attempt to access the March edition proved that the fault had been fixed and I am pleased to up my star rate to 4.
'Merchantnavyman'

**Developer response:** Hi merchantnavyman,  I'm sorry to hear this happened after updating the app and can understand your frustration. The good news is, it can be solved, and we can make sure you receive access to your subscription again. Please contact us at: appsupport_uk@bauermedia.com. Kind regards

### 5/5 — Stopped, now sorted

*2020-02-26*

Had been good until latest update, then wouldn’t open. Got as far as Optimising Content, and no further. Uninstalled the app, then reinstalled; now works okay

**Developer response:** Hi shedliner, Thank you for taking the time to let us know here. I am sorry to hear your app has gotten stuck at this phase, but luckily, we can get you past it.  Please send us a message at appsupport_uk@bauermedia.com so that we can help you gain access to your issues again.  Kind regards

### 5/5 — Model Rail Magazine

*2019-11-12*

Model Rail is a really god monthly read, written by those who obviously have experience in their subject, thank you.

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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 2026-09-02.*