# Model Railroad Set vs Train Sim Builder

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Train Sim Builder at 100% against Model Railroad Set's 11%. Train Sim Builder also leads on rating (5.0 vs 2.6) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). Model Railroad Set's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (73 vs 3). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Model Railroad Set sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Train Sim Builder asks for nothing beyond the download.

Train Sim Builder holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Model Railroad Set has 73 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 11% of Model Railroad Set's written reviews are positive against 100% of Train Sim Builder's.

Model Railroad Set ships an update every 5 weeks, Train Sim Builder daily. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Model Railroad Set | Train Sim Builder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.6 (73 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-railroad-set/id971860365/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-sim-builder/id6763680417/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **73** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 11.1% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 72 MB | 346 MB |
| Requires iOS | **6.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [Magnin & Associates](https://appshunter.io/developer/312671572) | [1788918 Alberta Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/597315953) |

## What reviewers say

### Model Railroad Set

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/model-railroad-set/id971860365)

Experience the nostalgic joy of a virtual model train set. Drive trains on pre-made or shared layouts, control speed, honk the horn, and operate switches. Capture and share snapshots of your railway adventures.

**Highlights:** Drive trains on built-in layouts, Operate switches and control speed, Multiple camera angles, Take and share snapshots, Build custom train layouts, Share layouts via email, Animated scenery elements

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Train Builder Kit | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎶 Amazing soundtrack
- 👍 Great railway station
- 😌 Relaxing and fun game

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Pay-to-play model
- 🧱 Inability to build freely
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🚫 No free content
- 📉 Poor graphics

**Reported bugs**

- Won't take to the actual game
- Zoomed in, out of shape, glitched
- Buttons off screen
- Freezes phone
- Cannot be shut down, requires reboot

**Requested features**

- Make the game free to build
- Connect roads, waterways, and railways
- Better overall design
- Improve graphics
- Make own track functionality


### Train Sim Builder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-sim-builder/id6763680417)

Design and operate your own train world with realistic 3D graphics. Build custom layouts, place hundreds of items, and drive over 80 different trains with detailed cabin views. Enjoy regular content updates and exciting train derailments.

**Highlights:** Realistic 3D graphics, Customizable track layouts, Hundreds of decorative items, Drive 80+ trains and locomotives, Interior cabin views, Train derailment physics, Regular content updates

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Model Railroad Set free?

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

### Is Train Sim Builder free?

Train Sim Builder is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Model Railroad Set or Train Sim Builder?

Train Sim Builder is rated higher. Model Railroad Set averages 2.6 out of 5 from 73 ratings, while Train Sim Builder averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Model Railroad Set or Train Sim Builder have ads?

Train Sim Builder shows ads; Model Railroad Set does not.

### Which is updated more often, Model Railroad Set or Train Sim Builder?

Model Railroad Set ships an update every 5 weeks, and Train Sim Builder daily. Most recently, Model Railroad Set was updated on October 11, 2026 and Train Sim Builder on October 8, 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.*