Inventory software is a great idea for several reasons. It can help avoid buying duplicates, keeps an accurate want list, forms the basis for insurance valuations, keeps track of where your items are at and their condition. The following is a survey of model train inventory software. If you know of others, please add it in the comments below. By Tayden Design – “A new, innovative database software that was specially designed for Model Railroaders! This new inventory software is based on recent database technology, especially for model railroad equipment!” Adobe pdf. Tayden also offers separate programs to track maintenance, simulate layout operations and inventory literature and documents.
The Crandic Automated Traffic System (CATS) is a JMRI-based application by Rodney Black for controlling and operating a model railroad. There's more information on the CATS web site. XTrackCAD and JMRI XTrackCAD is a great, free tool for designing your layout, developed by a group of model railroaders. Welcome to iRunTrains, our 3D model railroad simulation app for iPad, iPhone, and Mac. You can think of iRunTrains as a virtual model train-set that lets you.
Dowload or CD from retailers. USD: $30 includes 2 years of upgrades, OS Windows XP, Vista & 7. By RCL Software, Inc. – “is designed to inventory all of your model railroad rolling stock, locomotives and cars, the structures, electronic equipment, book collection. There are many ways to view, query, report, and graph. functions to operate your railroad using a variety of methods”. This EMRI is a complete, integrated solution.
It tracks the locos, cars, MOW, including DCC info, structures, books, videos tools and does operations. Tip: turn on Maintance History for an item by checking the “Do Maintenance Check” box under the Routing/Operations tab. Update announcements and tutorials at. Download USD: FREE –, OS: Windows. Current version 6.0 dated October 2012.
By ShenSoft – “an inventory program specifically for model railroaders and rail fans. One that eased the burden of typing wherever possible” Includes database of N-scale Micro-Trains series. MiTrains is highly customizable and regularly updated. Integrates with program for switching and operations. Download – USD: $50.
OS: Windows, Vista & Win7 with MS patch. Current version 6.5.0 dated March 2011. – “An easy way to keep an accurate record of your entire model railroad inventory. Catalog every item, with its cost and even include a photo. The numerous report options make Railfan Express excellent for insurance purposes.” USD: $20. OS: Win95 to WinXP.
Not compatible with Win7. Current version 5.1 dated July 2009. Website down Aug 24, 2011. Version 5.0, description and reviews available at. – “is a small program used to create a detailed inventory of your model railroad collection.” USD: FREE. OS: Win95 to Vista.
Win7 unstated. Current version 2.7 dated July 2004. – “is the easiest to use and most complete solution for managing your collection of railroad equipment.
It is designed for use on Macintosh or Windows computers with Filemaker Pro®.” USD: $60, OS: Mac OSX and WinXP, also requires Filemaker Pro database. Current version 2.0 has can be run without Filemaker Pro. As of October 2012, this software is no longer available. They are providing support and updates for the Apple Lion OS. – “is a comprehensive database system designed especially for model railroading enthusiasts and collectors. Our subscribers keep their collection databases on our website with complete control over how it is organized and who can see their information.” USD: $30/year, Web Application.
– has optional paid modules adding Lionel and American Flyer images, data and prices. Price data is updated with eBay and other pricing. USD: $40-85, OS: Win98 to Win7. Current version and last update unknown. – offers very extensive optional modules including, MTH, K-Line, Pre, Post and Modern Lionel and American Flyer data. USD: $29-130, OS: Win98 to WinXP.
Vista and Win7 not stated as working. Latest version 5.5 last update not stated.Tracks motive and rolling stock with custom notes, photos and DCC codes. Registered version allows printing of labels and reports. Free limited version or registerd USD: $27 w/ 1 year updates. OS: Win98 and up. Also works in iMac Windows partition. Latest version 3.08 dated August 2009.
In the comments that follow, I have made some suggestions and expressed some personal opinions. However, my likes and dislikes should not scare you off from looking at all the software. From looking over the software, I think all of the inventory programs are good. There are two programs that are no longer supported. One, the website is down, the other is supported, but no longer providing updates.
I would choose a program that is currently supported and verify it has not been years since the last update. Much of this is personal taste, interests and the look and feel of the software and your tastes are probably different than mine. Please use this post as a starting point, do the research and then pick out a couple of programs to try out, most offer a demo. Actually entering some of your collection into the programs will tell you if they do everything you need and want and if you like how the program operates and if it works well on your computer, operating system and printer. As far as I know, none of the programs require Excel.
Most programs will export to an Excel spreadsheet format or a format that Excel can read. This is nice because you can put the spreadsheet on a portable device, like a PDA, iPhone, iPad, SmartPhone, and take it to shows and on trips. This would allow you to avoid duplicates or specify what you are looking for. Yard Office has a maintenance page for entering dates and details of maintenance and repairs. Easy Model RailRoad inventory does not have a maintenance feature, yet. Mike, Thanks for the questions and complements. TrainTracker and TrainMinder look like the best choices, as they have or include options for the valuation of model trails.
Unfortunately, I don’t see Ives or Marx values specifically listed. My main interest is HO and modules and I wanted to be able to take an inventory to train shows to avoid double purchases. So, I am not going to be much help on the grading and pricing of pre and post-war O-scale trains. I would contact the TCA for more information, or a local dealer or collector could actually look at the collection, where you could learn and understand the nuances of grading.
There are also books about values, but I am not sure how the market has changed since the books have been published. Best of luck on your cataloguing project. A new version of Easy Model Railroad Inventory is now available for download. Version 4.3 1. Added Wish List checkbox to parts record. Added Wish List field to all parts reports.
Added Priority field to Project record. Added structure report listing with photograph. Redesigned parts list box window to make photo larger.
Library resource type changed to free form field with “Book” as default. Added 20 character field to structure file called Type with “Structure” as default. Added Query Option Dialog to the front end of all reports. Added a tool tip for many of the list box columns to make data more easier to understand. Thanks and enjoy. I use Yard Office myself, till something better comes along and meets my wants.
Is a good program, but still needs some improvements. I want to be able to list Coupler numbers, also wheel types and sizes. I know to some these are not issues. But keeping track of all things added, changed, and replaced is a big issue to me. Years ago I had a program by a company called Scottsville Business. Out of Scottsville, NY.
Was one of the best programs I ever used. But it was DOS only and they at that time has no plans to make it Windows Compatible.
From the best I know they are no longer in business. But still hope someone will come up with a excellent program on of these days. Till then I will use Y. I do hope the guy who took over Y.O. Really starts taking time to refine and make major updates. We just had a big talk about Inventory software at our recent show. And all agree it’s time for a Ultimate Model RxR Inventory Software Program.
Just my thoughts; Bob. I would very much appreciate it if you would take a look at DASH (www.collector-modeltrains.com) which we just launched last week at York PA at the Model Train show. We built DASH based upon the passion of collectors and their interest in sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and collection with others like them, and I’d love to get your feedback on it.
I think it has the potential to be a ‘game-changer’ for many model train enthusiasts. While there are many places to buy, sell and trade model trains, lots of sources to value items, a variety of software or spreadsheets to manage ones collection, and lots of ad hoc ways to showcase a collection, there is no dedicated community delivering all this until today. DASH is an FREE online community site that meets all the needs of the model train collector small or large. The collection management functionality is built on top of the best 90,000 item Catalog across all gauges. There are already more than 300,000 photos of items on the site! Browse or search and click “Add to Collection” and “Add to Wanted” to get going.
Register for free and start clicking. All of the other standard collection management functionality is there too (adding your own photos, condition, grade, acquisition cost, etc.) But it goes way beyond that Because it’s internet-based, your collection is automatically backed up in the “cloud”, and it’s available anytime, from anywhere. Even from your mobile phone! But beyond that, if you want to sell an item, you put a price on it and click “List for sale.” It is now available in the DASH Marketplace and all users who want that particular item are notified. If you buy an item, it automatically shows up in your collection, recording the date and cost of acquisition and even imports all of the photos of that item. Every collector gets their own showcase page, where they can share their collection with others.
They can even post photos of their collection and videos of their layout in action. Finally, we have an integrated values guide on the site. Our values guide is based on actual historical sales, both from the DASH Marketplace and our partner, Trainz.com. Because it’s all integrated again, collectors can get a complete report of their full collection and its overall value. If you want to see how Collector-ModelTrains works, you can see our video at There is more to it than I’ve summarized here, but we’re literally only a week into our public launch, so we’re ramping up our marketing. Please take a look at the site and share it with your readers/friends. Please drop me an email at “steve at collectordash.com” if you have any additional questions or comments.
(We’ve offered a special promo code for people to get half-off the “premium” features on the site, so let me know if you want that code to pass along to folks.) Thanks Steve. Don, The big question is can Train Tracker export its data to an ascii text file or Excel spreadsheet format? If not, you may have to open the database files and see if they are basically text files. If they are encoded or otherwise not readable, I don’t have any suggestions.
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Most of the inventory programs offer the ability to import and export data as ascii text, Excel spreadsheet or other file types. Be sure to verify the is included, several mention this is a “coming soon” feature. One mentions that the expected date for data export will be Christmas 2009, and I am writing this October 2012!
I think all the programs offer the ability to enter purchase price or “cost” valuations. If you want updated pricing for American Flyer and Lionel, that limits you to TrackMyTRains (data export coming soon), TrainMinder and TrainTracker. I am an HO guy, so I don’t know much about the utility and accuracy of the valuation catalogs of these programs.
Let us know if you find one that works for you. Thanks, Rob. For years I used OFFIX software for my brass collection during the DOS years No longer around, but it had a form maker that I could use for specific items lilke brass locos, brass cabooses, brass passenger cars, RR books and such.
What was neat about this program is that I could print out each form as a page for the 3 ring binder of that category and/or do a spread sheet based on say locos base on wheel arrangement, or Railroads collected. So the question is is there a software that allows me to do this kind of record keeping? Thanks Bob. I use a product called ‘HanDBase’ by DDH Software (web link ) which is PDA based. I started on a Palm phone, upgraded to a Windows based phone and now to an Android based phone.
It allows you to create your own database containg data files, pop-up tables, etc. It is very reasonable and sync’s with a desktop version of your database on any platform. The only short coming so far is the lack of a picture taker/storage/link in the Android phones (available on all other platforms). Otherwise it is a great product and I am enhancing my database again for the umpteenth time to include new options which is very easy to do.
The changes can be made on the phone or desktop and will sync to the other on the next sync process. I have a very simple need. First, I’m a live steamer, so many of the items regarding electronics, etc. Are not needed. My wife will not/cannot open a spreadsheet or software package to search for information, SO, a 3-ring binder is the chosen way to go. I envision 1 loco, car, building per page. A typical spreadsheet, although nice for me to have, is not necessary.
What I would like to do is prepare and print out a basic inventory for estate planning purposes. As my wife says, “I have no idea what you have or what it’s worth. Without help, I wouldn’t know where to start.” I’ve taken digitial photos of each item and would like to import the photos generally 2, 1 of each side into a page for each item.
Data I would like to include is: Equipment type Loco, Pass. Car, Description, Manufacturer, Cost, Estimated Value and Inventory No. This may be repetetive, but extreme amounts of detail such as with the NMRA supported software is unnecessary.
What would you suggest? For a FREE train collection management solution that offers a solution for 2013 and beyond, you should check out. Collector-ModelTrains offers an on-line collection management solution with on-line catalog and photos, pricing, and more; comprehensive collection management; collection showcase, and much more for free. You can also buy and sell within the community for less then you can on eBay or Amazon. You can upgrade to a premium membership get an on-line values guide, collection reporting, trading, and a full native iPhone, iPad, and Android mobile app to bring your collection and showcase with you everywhere you go. Please check it out. I have used the free version of Yard Office for several years now.
I find very friendly and easy to use. I have about 2000 items in inventory with no loss of usage functions or response within the software. There are also many hidden features within the software that I have discovered over time. One useful feature is the ability to re-name labels on the input screens.
Just double click the existing label and a rename window opens up. Pretty useful tool. The fee version will allow downloads to Excel and the addition of more than one photo. I have not gone this route yet, but I see that as useful down the road.
I particularly like the road name icons and manufacturer icons that pop up in the inventory sheet on entry. If there is one not shown for either you can add manually to the data base by pasting in your own jpg image.
This is a handy tool if you have a private road name with your own custom logos. I was keeping all my information in Excel spreadsheets, and updating prices of the trains and accesspries every year manually. After reading everyone’s comments above, I gave Yard Office a try. I catalugued about 600 mostly Lionel pieces by modifying the drop down menus to show only the information I wanted to see and use. Model numbers, road numbers, logos, coupler data, remote control information, etc can all be inserted into the database. Coordinating a single phot for each item was simplicity itself.
It worked flawlessly in setup, and the reports are easy to see and navigate. The “freeware” version sacrifices little functionality, but after getting the whole database up and running, I am looking forward to paying for the software to unlock the rest. $27 for a fully working version is certainly cheap enough.
A better tool for programming decoders, simplifying the job of configuring DCC decoders from your computer Design and Operate CRT based CTC control panels that reflect the real-time state of your railroad and let you control it A system for Dispatching, grouping your Roster and Throttles Build Trains from your Roster and print Train Manifests that detail the work your train crews will perform A set of tools for using Audio with JMRI People have used JMRI to do some great things for the model railroad community. Our highlights some of these. JMRI provides powerful tools for working with your layout. JMRI can be used to automate parts of your layout, from simply controlling a crossing gate to running trains in the background. What is JMRI? The JMRI project is building tools for model railroad computer control. We want it to be usable to as many people as possible, so we're building it in Java to run anywhere, and we're trying to make it independent of specific hardware systems.
JMRI is intended as a jumping-off point for hobbyists who want to control their layouts with a computer without having to create an entire system from scratch. You can manage your locomotive rosters and easily program your decoders using.
You can build control panels and control your layout using to set up signaling. Lets you create manifests that route cars across your railroad from shipper to receiver, and provide train crews with operating instructions. Going beyond the basics, you can use to automate your layout's behavior, interface with X10 and Insteon systems to control your layout room's and write to extend the capabilities of the system. As an open source project, JMRI is evolving in many directions at once. You can get involved at many levels:. Learn about JMRI (check out the, and ). Kick the tires ( JMRI, install it on, or, to your layout).
Share your experiences with others ( or the JMRI Users Groups.io Group). Help extend and develop it (look, or the JMRI-Developers mailing list).
Or to help defray the costs of keeping this going. Whatever it is that you choose to do with JMRI, and however you get involved, welcome to our community! Released on December 23, 2018. JMRI 4.14 is recommended for new users.
It's the most recent stable production release. For more information, please read the, which also contains the download links. Released on January 11, 2015. JMRI 3.10.1 is recommended for JMRI users with computers that can only run Java 1.6; later releases require Java 1.8.
For more information, please read the, which also contains the download links. Released on July 15, 2012. JMRI 2.14.1 is recommended for JMRI users with computers that can only run Java 1.5; later releases require Java 1.6/1.8. For more information, please read the, which also contains the download links. Released on December 23, 2018. This is the next in a series working toward the next JMRI production release 4.16 in early Summer 2019. For more information on this test release, please read the, which also contains the download links.
Is the current 'production' release, recommended for first-time users. DigiTrains Android App for running trains from JMRI The now works with JMRI to provide user-friendly locomotive, accessory and route control from Android phones and tablets. You can download it from or get more information from the.
AnyRail can now export your layout design to JMRI! The can now export a layout design as a JMRI panel file that can be imported to Layout Editor. For the details, see the. JMRI now supports MRC/GaugeMaster DCC systems!
You can connect JMRI to MRC/Gaugemaster hardware by just setting the JMRI preferences and wiring it up. For the details, see our. Several users have contributed their clinics for our. There are both conventional handout and slides clinics, and also some neat interactive clinics for DecoderPro® and PanelPro™. Some JMRI clinics from past NMRA national and other conventions are also included. You can now use your iPhone, iPod Touch or Android cell phone as a throttle with JMRI.
After you and install a program onto your phone, you can connect it wirelessly to your computer running JMRI, which in turn will run your layout. Imagine friends visiting your layout and running trains from their cellphones, without having to bring throttles. For more information, please see the. Now, you can control your layout directly from your computer, smartphone or tablet, without the need to download and install any application. The current web browsers running on these devices are able to manage the resources and features needed to replace physical throttles.
Just start the on your JMRI computer, open and enjoy it. For more information, please visit the page. The JMRI applications have a built-in help system. It has lots of information, including overviews and window-specific information. The pages are simple HTML, and users are encouraged to. The Help information is available online via either the.
The Crandic Automated Traffic System (CATS) is a JMRI-based application by Rodney Black for controlling and operating a model railroad. There's more information on the. Is a great, free tool for designing your layout, developed by a group of model railroaders. Is a JMRI tool built by Giorgio Terdina to take layout information created by XTrackCAD (XTC files) and convert it to a form that JMRI can read (XML files). This tool lets you import your physical layout design from XTrkCad directly into JMRI so you can easily set up controls for the layout you've built. A 'Decoder ID' page has been added to the web.
Automagically created from the current DecoderPro definitions, it provides easy access to all sorts of information about decoders. Contribute more information to our decoder definitions, and help these pages become even more useful! JMRI is an informal open-source software group.
We do this for the joy of model railroading, and don't produce anything for profit. One of our members has spent the past four years in the Federal Courts against an individual who has attacked us with bogus patent threats, cybersquatting, copyright infringement and other illegal acts. We are extremely pleased to announce that this case has now been. The agreement ends the dispute, and gives everybody involved a way to move forward. This is a victory for JMRI and open-source software in general. (now part of Oracle) has awarded JMRI a.
Also called a 'Dukie', this award is given annually to 'some of the most clever, practical, and inspirational Java technology applications on the planet'. The award was presented at the annual JavaOne conference on May 14th by James Gosling. JMRI won for it's community, it's use of Java technology to empower people all over the world to contribute, and for the impact it's had.
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