TRAIN INVENTORY SYSTEM

Excel works great for me to inventory my trains and model car collections.  It's searchable and sortable.

THANK YOU 

If you want to get a quick review of what is out there, do a search on inventory.  There have been several topics on this.

Personally, I would get a free or inexpensive database program instead of a spreadsheet.  Easier to do searches.

Just started using Yard Office.  I've spent a lot of time customizing the pick lists for my desired needs, but now that I'm done with that it's pretty easy going.  It's free (you can get a registered version for like $40, but I'm not sure what added features you get)  It has just about every field imaginable so you can go super detailed or keep it basic.  One note I will give you, if you are adding photos, remember that they do not import into the program, but rather just link to them on your computer, so if you move those photo files they will no longer show up in you inventory listing.

Thank you much appreciated

It really depends on what you’re looking for:  as CSXJOE mentioned above, Excel works and you can create the spreadsheet to include all the data you want, i.e., catalog number, description, purchase price, current value, etc.  I’ve created Excel lists for all my trains in various scales and keep a copy on my phone when cruising the tables at the shows so I can be sure I don’t purchase something I already have.

That is one of my biggest issues always getting doubles lol

As mentioned in the original post, proprietary systems are subject to the whims of the developer.  I created my own simple Excel spreadsheet, which has been sufficient for my use.  A database is also a good option.  The main thing is to use a standard program to help ensure future viability.

I found Excel to be the most useable for my inventory needs. About 60% of my engines have been modified with newer control systems and I needed a program that would allow me to identify what system was installed and when.

JSCARPO - Since it sounds like you're getting your inventory more organized and such, just thought you may also be interested in viewing a previous Forum Post entitled "Preventive maintenance scheduling, how does your railroad do it?" 

Sorry for not linking that Post to this one but I haven't mastered that yet.  Anyway, if you are interested just do a Search using the above title.

I use the Apache Open Office spreadsheet, it is a free download and is better (IMNSHO) than the commercial products.

Anyone hear of Yard Boss??? or has anyone used Yard Boss???

@JSCARPO posted:

Anyone hear of Yard Boss??? or has anyone used Yard Boss???

Search the archives or do a Google search for OGR Forum Yard Boss inventory. It has been discussed several times, as has this inventory software topic in greater detail.

Thank You

You might want to check out Yard Office as well.

THANK YOU ... I just started trying the Yard Office software last night...  

@Pre-War Steve posted:

It really depends on what you’re looking for:  as CSXJOE mentioned above, Excel works and you can create the spreadsheet to include all the data you want, i.e., catalog number, description, purchase price, current value, etc.  I’ve created Excel lists for all my trains in various scales and keep a copy on my phone when cruising the tables at the shows so I can be sure I don’t purchase something I already have.

Excel is great as you can make coulombs for Category (loco/Lamps etc) , manufacture/parts number/description like
(Goose neck lamps) then the part number. With this you can make pull down menu for each coulomb to filter your exact look up (narrow the search). All this how to do stuff to make this work can be googled. 

As Steve states you can keep a copy on your phone.

Excel has many possibilities, just explore.

I think Yard office works well, never heard of yard boss.   I know Yard Office is mainly setup for HO but it can work for O as well.

Good Luck!