TrainSpotting vs LocoScene
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
TrainSpotting
Log train sightings with detailed information including type, date, location, and photos. Track full journeys and analyze your data in various ways. Syncs across devices via iCloud.
- Log train sightings with details
- Track full journeys with Haulage feature
- Extensive locomotive database
- View and analyze data by date/location
- Import data via CSV
- iCloud synchronization
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TrainSpotting is the ultimate user-friendly and VoiceOver-compatible app built by a dedicated train enthusiast. The app replaces traditional paper records with an extensive and regularly updated database of locomotives, including diesel, electric and preserved mainline steam, as well as Diesel and Electric Units, all London Underground stock, and increasing numbers of preserved and scrapped vehicles. Trams and loco-hauled coaching stock are also included. Narrow gauge locomotives (steam and diesel) above 2’0” in the UK are covered, along with diesel fleets in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The app allows you to quickly log sightings with just a number, or enhance entries with date, location (including three-letter station codes), photos, and notes. The Haulage feature enables full journey logging including departure and arrival locations and times, making it ideal for RailMiles users. Your data can be viewed and analysed in multiple ways by date, location, or class, and you can choose to include or exclude scrapped locomotives. Existing data can also be imported in bulk via CSV. All data is synchronised securely across your devices using iCloud, including any photos you add. Premium Subscription The app is free to download. An optional subscription unlocks the full Premium Service database, which is updated regularly (typically every two weeks) and supports ongoing development of the app. Monthly and annual subscription options available 1-month free trial for new subscribers Special Offer for ICRS Members Eligible Intercity Railway Society members can redeem a unique code within the app to receive 3 months free access to the Premium Service. Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription in your App Store account settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
LocoScene
This app allows users to view and record train sightings and sessions, complete with photographs of locomotives. It serves as a mobile companion to a dedicated website, enabling users to easily contribute their own observations while on the go.
- View member-recorded sessions and sightings
- Browse locomotive photographs
- Add new sessions and sightings
- Upload photographs of locomotives
- Official companion to LocoScene website
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The LocoScene App is the official companion app of the LocoScene website. View sessions and sightings recorded by other members along with photographs of individual locomotives. While out and about trackside, easily add sessions, sightings and photographs to your records. Terms of use: https://www.locoscene.co.uk/terms Privacy Policy: https://www.locoscene.co.uk/privacy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: TrainSpotting at 87% against LocoScene's 0%. TrainSpotting also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 5 months) and device support (3 vs 1). LocoScene's advantage is monetization model (free vs freemium). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. TrainSpotting sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and LocoScene sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $11.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
TrainSpotting ships an update every 4 days, LocoScene every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | TrainSpotting | LocoScene |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 87.2% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days — better | Every 5 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 334 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Imagekings Limited | Ian Steel |
Customer experience
TrainSpotting
LocoScene
In-app purchases
TrainSpotting
- Monthly Purchase$1.991 Month
- Premium Subscription1 Month trial$19.991 Year
LocoScene
- Annual Subscription$11.991 Year







