# Model Rail Magazine

> Inspirational layout plans and step-by-step articles

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.bauermedia.modelrail](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.bauermedia.modelrail)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.bauermedia.modelrail`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Bauer Consumer Media Ltd
- **Category:** NEWS\_AND\_MAGAZINES
- **Downloads:** 15,181
- **Rating:** 3.83 / 5 (251 ratings)
- **Version:** 4.33
- **Last updated:** 2025-09-18
- **First published:** 2015-08-27
- **Publisher country:** GB
- **Size:** 65 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-13
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bauermedia.modelrail)
- **Privacy policy:** [http://www.bauerdatapromise.co.uk](http://www.bauerdatapromise.co.uk/)

## Description

Model Rail is Britain’s brightest, most informative magazine for model railway fans, covering every stage of the hobby from first train sets to museum‑standard fine-scale modelling. Features include the finest home and club layouts, stunning photography, unbiased product reviews, step‑by‑step articles, inspirational layout plans and expert tips that encourage readers to get hands-on with the world’s greatest hobby.

The Model Rail app gives immediate access to current and back issues, a searchable archive, and the ability to save articles for later. Read or listen to articles (choice of three voices), switch between Digital View and Magazine View, and enjoy free content for non-subscribers. Subscribers receive unlimited archive access, editor highlights and exclusive rewards. The app works best on Android OS 8.0+ (Lollipop and later recommended). Subscriptions auto-renew unless turned off at least 24 hours before the period ends; manage settings via your account. Terms and privacy links are provided in-app.

## Rankings

- #482,097 — Overall

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_ADSERVICES_AD_ID`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_ADSERVICES_ATTRIBUTION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_DATA_SYNC`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MEDIA_PLAYBACK`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED`
- `android.permission.REORDER_TASKS`
- `android.permission.VIBRATE`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `com.android.vending.BILLING`
- `com.bauermedia.modelrail.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`
- `com.google.android.c2dm.permission.RECEIVE`
- `com.google.android.finsky.permission.BIND_GET_INSTALL_REFERRER_SERVICE`
- `com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID`

## Review summary

Model Rail Magazine app offers valuable and engaging content for train enthusiasts, providing convenience to read on mobile devices and helping users feel connected to like-minded people. However, multiple users report significant issues: the app often fails to load or work offline, has poor device compatibility and reading experience, subscription access problems, and limited customer support. Additionally, the app lacks advanced features expected in digital reading, such as good search and interactivity, making the overall user experience frustrating despite the quality of the magazine content.

### Pros

- Great content with helpful tips, ideas, and excellent modelling articles.
- Convenient access to magazines on the go, with ability to pick up and jump into reading anytime.
- Provides happiness and a sense of community for train enthusiasts.
- Keeps track of reading progress through the app.

### Cons

- App has poor offline experience and often fails to work without a strong signal.
- Difficulties in accessing content even when logged in; app can freeze or fail to load issues properly.
- Limited device compatibility and poor readability on smaller screens; lacks support for Windows or Fire devices.
- Subscription management problems including losing access after subscription ends and poor customer support for issues and refunds.
- App functionality is mostly PDF-based with poor search features and lack of interactive elements like hyperlinks or copy-paste.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.bauermedia.modelrail)