# Train Throttle vs Rail Model Calc

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Train Throttle | Rail Model Calc |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-throttle/id1662181863/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 14 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 6 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.1 | **15.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Drew Hoffman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1662181865) | [Nobuyuki Kumakura](https://appshunter.io/developer/1529070760) |

## What reviewers say

### Train Throttle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-throttle/id1662181863)

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:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Subscribe | $1.99 | per year |
| Tip a Coffee | $3.99 | one-time |
| Purchase | $12.99 | one-time |


### Rail Model Calc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rail-model-calc/id6474500872)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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.

---

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