Comparison

Train Throttle vs Rail Model Calc

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Train Throttle

Control your DCC model trains wirelessly from your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Manage multiple engines, set turnouts, and toggle routes. A free trial offers core functionality, with a subscription unlocking advanced features.

Highlights
  • Wireless DCC train control
  • Control multiple engines/consists
  • Set turnouts and toggle routes
  • Free trial with core features
  • Full feature subscription
Features
Read full description

Train Throttle is a fully featured client for the JMRI WiThrottle server, which allows you to control your DCC equipped model trains using your mac (and a compatible WiThrottle server). You can control multiple engines or consists, set turnouts, toggle routes, and more. The free trial is unlimited! However, certain features are disabled, including: * Turnout control * Route control * Roster lists * Functions 13-68 * Some Customization features The use of this app is covered by Apple's EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ This app respects your privacy: https://drewhoffman.net/trainthrottle/privacy.html

About

Rail Model Calc

Features
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Overview This is a calculator app that includes calculation functions necessary when playing with railroad model. How to use After launching the app,the first screen that appears is the Home screen, which also serves as a menu. Swipe and tap the menu on the Home screen to transition to various calculation modes. You can use various calculation modes to perform calculations necessary for railway model track length and railway model production. This App offer the following calculation modes. •Home mode Home is available simple calculations. Set F1-F10 memory on this screen. •Normal mode It is a normal calculator. •Straight mode This mode calculates horizontal and vertical lengths when laying a straight rail diagonally. •Curve mode This mode calculates the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lengths when laying a curve rail. •S-Curve mode This mode calculates the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lengths when laying a s-curve rail. •Scale X/Y mode This mode calculates the scale. •Inch to MM mode This mode converts yards and inches to millimeters. For details on how to use it, there is a manual on "?" button. Disclaimer This calculator is for the railroad modeling hobby. The calculation results is the numerical value which be calculated by the developer. It may be different from the numerical value by model manufacturer. In particular, commercially available railroad model rails allow for dimensional errors. Therefore, the calculation results do not necessarily represent what the track layout cannot or can be done. This application is subject to change without notice. The developer assumes no responsibility for any loss or claims by third parties which may arise from the use of this application.

Screenshots

Train Throttle4 screens
Rail Model Calc4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Rail Model Calc at none against Train Throttle's 3. Train Throttle's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 14 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Train Throttle sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per year. Rail Model Calc asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Train Throttle ships an update every 2 months, Rail Model Calc every 14 months. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Train Throttle versus Rail Model Calc: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTrain ThrottleRail Model Calc
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 14 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS16.115.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDrew HoffmanNobuyuki Kumakura

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Train Throttle

Subscriptions1
  • Subscribe$1.991 Year
One-time2
  • Tip a Coffee$3.99
  • Purchase$12.99
None

Rail Model Calc

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Train Throttle free?
Train Throttle is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Rail Model Calc free?
Rail Model Calc is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Train Throttle or Rail Model Calc have ads?
Rail Model Calc shows ads; Train Throttle does not.
Which is updated more often, Train Throttle or Rail Model Calc?
Train Throttle ships an update every 2 months, and Rail Model Calc every 14 months. Most recently, Train Throttle was updated on September 10, 2026 and Rail Model Calc on September 13, 2026.

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