# Train Simulator vs Model Railways

Train Simulator and Model Railways both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 64% of Train Simulator's written reviews are positive against 24% of Model Railways's. Model Railways's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Train Simulator sells 14 one-off in-app purchases and Model Railways sells 15 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Train Simulator against 4.7 for Model Railways. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5.3K and 2.4K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 64% of Train Simulator's written reviews are positive against 24% of Model Railways's.

Train Simulator ships an update every 2 months, Model Railways every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Train Simulator | Model Railways |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (5.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-railroad-game/id1587704770/reviews)** | [4.7 (2.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-railways/id1660176890/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.3K** | 2.4K |
| Positive reviews | **64.2% of reviews** | 24.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 820 MB | 444 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AZUR INTERACTIVE GAMES LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1296347323) | [Linh Vu Pham](https://appshunter.io/developer/1609539693) |

## What reviewers say

### Train Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-railroad-game/id1587704770)

Become a train driver in this 2D simulator, delivering cargo and revitalizing regional economies. Upgrade your locomotives, manage infrastructure, and explore diverse landscapes. Experience realistic train gameplay with dynamic weather.

**Highlights:** Cargo delivery and economic management, Train upgrades and modifications, Diverse game world exploration, Realistic train simulation gameplay, Dynamic weather conditions, Challenging tasks and contracts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Engine Boost | $0.99 | one-time |
| Crew 4 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Starter pack sale | $2.99 | one-time |
| Starter Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| ChME3 Sale | $3.99 | one-time |
| WDM2 Sale | $5.99 | one-time |
| ChME3 Locomotive | $5.99 | one-time |
| More gold boxes | $7.99 | one-time |
| WDM2 Locomotive | $7.99 | one-time |
| EMD SD70 Sale | $7.99 | one-time |
| More silver boxes | $7.99 | one-time |
| FD20 Sale | $7.99 | one-time |
| EMD SD70 Locomotive | $9.99 | one-time |
| FD20 Locomotive | $10.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐️ Enjoyable and fun game
- 🚂 Realistic train simulation
- 👍 Good graphics and gameplay
- 💯 Great for train enthusiasts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🙄 Annoying ads
- 🚧 Difficult hills and terrain
- 🔧 Frequent need for repairs
- 🤔 Limited train selection

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes on startup for some users
- Inability to save progress or sync across devices
- Glitches with train performance and handling

**Requested features**

- Add more train types (steam, electric, etc.)
- Implement passenger service
- Improve hill climbing and traction
- Reduce reliance on ads or provide ad-free option


### Model Railways

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-railways/id1660176890)

Build and expand your dream model railway system. Collect and merge trains to level up, earn money, and unlock new track layouts. Experience the joy of creating your own miniature world.

**Highlights:** Build model railway systems, Collect and merge trains, Level up trains, Earn in-game money, Unlock new layouts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Engineer of Train | $0.99 | one-time |
| Engineer of Roller Coaster | $0.99 | one-time |
| Accountant of Train | $0.99 | one-time |
| Accountant of Roller Coaster | $0.99 | one-time |
| Money Pack 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| CEO of Train | $1.99 | one-time |
| CEO of Roller Coaster | $1.99 | one-time |
| Super Deal of Train | $2.99 | one-time |
| Epic Deal of Roller Coaster | $2.99 | one-time |
| Super Deal of Roller Coaster | $2.99 | one-time |
| Epic Deal of Train | $2.99 | one-time |
| Coin Pack 3 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Money Pack 3 | $3.99 | one-time |
| No Ads | $4.99 | one-time |
| Coin Pack 6 | $14.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good game
- 🚀 Lovely game to play

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Lots of bugs
- 🔒 Ads not removed despite purchase
- 🐛 Unable to unlock third area/track
- 🐛 Rewards not granted after watching ads

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to unlock third area/track
- Rewards not granted after watching ads
- Inconsistent progression and maxed out trains
- Game crashes after unlocking second track

**Requested features**

- More levels/areas
- Fix bugs and issues
- Improve progression and unlock system


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Train Simulator free?

Train Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Model Railways free?

Model Railways is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Train Simulator or Model Railways?

Train Simulator is rated higher. Train Simulator averages 4.7 out of 5 from 5.3K ratings, while Model Railways averages 4.7 from 2.4K ratings.

### Do Train Simulator or Model Railways have ads?

Both Train Simulator and Model Railways show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Train Simulator or Model Railways?

Train Simulator ships an update every 2 months, and Model Railways every 2 weeks. Most recently, Train Simulator was updated on October 30, 2026 and Model Railways on October 30, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*