# Model Inventory vs Rail Roster

The clearest difference is rating: Rail Roster at 5.0 against Model Inventory's 3.1. Rail Roster also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 4 weeks). Model Inventory's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and ratings volume (9 vs 1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Rail Roster sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year. Model Inventory asks for nothing beyond the download.

Rail Roster holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Model Inventory has 9 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Model Inventory ships an update every 4 weeks, Rail Roster weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Model Inventory | Rail Roster |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.1 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-inventory/id669218378/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rail-roster-tracker/id6758860130/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 24.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 10 MB | 128 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Woodland Scenics](https://appshunter.io/developer/528641487) | [Robotic Snail Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1232381880) |

## What reviewers say

### Model Inventory

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-inventory/id669218378)

This app helps model railroad enthusiasts organize their collections. Track locomotives, rolling stock, structures, and accessories with custom categories, purchase details, photos, and notes. It's ideal for managing your collection and for use at train shows.

**Highlights:** Track locomotives, rolling stock, structures, scenery, accessories, Create custom categories, Log purchase date and cost, Store photos, Add notes, Useful for train shows and swap meets

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Rail Roster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rail-roster-tracker/id6758860130)

Manage and catalog your model train collection with detailed records for trains, accessories, and consists. Track specifications, purchase history, and operational details, with powerful search and filtering tools. Visualize your collection's growth and value with insightful dashboards and charts.

**Highlights:** Catalog trains, accessories, and consists, Detailed model and prototype specifications, Track electronics, operation, and maintenance, Purchase history and value tracking, Photo support with galleries, Consist building and analysis tools, Collection insights and charts

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium - Yearly | $4.99 | per year |
| Small Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Medium Tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Premium - Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Model Inventory free?

Model Inventory is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Rail Roster free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Model Inventory or Rail Roster?

Rail Roster is rated higher. Model Inventory averages 3.1 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Rail Roster averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Model Inventory or Rail Roster have ads?

Neither Model Inventory nor Rail Roster shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Model Inventory or Rail Roster?

Model Inventory ships an update every 4 weeks, and Rail Roster weekly. Most recently, Model Inventory was updated on October 20, 2026 and Rail Roster on October 7, 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.*