# Model Rail vs Fermentation

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Model Rail at 51% against Fermentation's 0%. Model Rail also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 5 months vs every 23 months). Fermentation's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Model Rail sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Fermentation sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Fermentation holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Model Rail has 112 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 51% of Model Rail's written reviews are positive against 0% of Fermentation's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Model Rail ships an update every 5 months, Fermentation every 23 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Model Rail | Fermentation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (112 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-rail-railway-modelling/id561959863/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fermentation/id1515589211/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **112** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | **50.8% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 months** | Every 23 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 97 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bauer Media (Publishing)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1753963887) | [Ogden Publications, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/450808661) |

## What reviewers say

### Model Rail

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-rail-railway-modelling/id561959863)

Explore inspirational layout plans, product reviews, and step-by-step guides for model railway enthusiasts. Access current and back issues, read or listen to articles, and enjoy subscriber-exclusive rewards. Perfect for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.

**Highlights:** Inspirational layout plans, Product reviews, Step-by-step articles, Read or listen to articles, Access current and back issues, Subscriber rewards

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Model Rail Monthly Sub | $2.99 | per month |
| Free trial - 1 Month | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Model Rail magazine Subscriptions | $9.99 | per 3 months |
| Model Rail magazine Subscriptions | $19.99 | per 6 months |
| Model Rail Summer Sale Subscription | $27.99 | per year |
| Model Rail - Annual Backissues | $32.99 | per year |
| Model Rail magazine Subscriptions | $39.99 | per year |
| Model Rail Magazine | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great magazine content
- 👍 Excellent contributors
- 👍 Inspiring layouts
- 👍 Detailed reviews
- 👍 Stunning photography

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App is unreadable on phone
- 🐛 App is difficult to use on portable devices
- 🐛 App is slow and unresponsive
- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🐛 Tedious download speeds

**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

**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


### Fermentation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fermentation/id1515589211)

Explore the world of culinary fermentation with this magazine app. Discover recipes, expert tips, and in-depth features on creating delicious and healthy fermented foods at home. Perfect for beginners and small business owners alike.

**Highlights:** Expert tips and tricks, Extensive recipes, In-depth features on concoctions, Editorial board insights, Money-saving culinary techniques, Health benefits of fermented foods

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| Annual Subscription | $29.99 | per year |
| Fermentation Feed 1 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Fermentation Feed 2 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Fermentation Feed 4 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Fermentation Feed 96 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Fermentation Feed 97 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Fermentation Feed 98 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Fermentation Feed 99 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Fermentation Feed 100 | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Model Rail free?

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

### Is Fermentation free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Model Rail or Fermentation?

Fermentation is rated higher. Model Rail averages 4.8 out of 5 from 112 ratings, while Fermentation averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Model Rail or Fermentation have ads?

Fermentation shows ads; Model Rail does not.

### Which is updated more often, Model Rail or Fermentation?

Model Rail ships an update every 5 months, and Fermentation every 23 months. Most recently, Model Rail was updated on November 6, 2026 and Fermentation on November 3, 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.*