N Gauge Forum

I'm thinking I need to catalogue my stock.
Does anyone know of any particular database, software or even just an idea of what might be available in order to do this.

The kind of thing I would want would be a photo of the item, the manufacturer, the item model, eg mk IV coach, the TOC, the livery, the value, the date purchased,  etc etc. For locos I would want to include the chip installed and the number allocated.

The purpose is mainly just to have a record of what I have but also so that I can track repairs etc

I have seen something somewhere, but I think it might be a bit old now. I seem to recall it wasn't really what I wanted. I suppose I could set it up with Exel, but if someone had a template, it would be even better.

Cheers
kirky

Did you look at Yard Office? http://musicmixradio.com/yardoffice/download.html (http://musicmixradio.com/yardoffice/download.html)

I read a few setup instructions for such packages and decided life was too short so I just created a spreadsheet of them in openoffice.

Poliss: I hadn't seen that one before, that's not the one I'm thinking of - might be useful, but on first inspection, looks like it will need lots of tweaking for my UK stock,

EP: that is what I was thinking. So any chance of a (blank) copy of your spreadsheet?

cheers
kirky

Quote from: kirky on December 17, 2011, 09:40:17 PM
Poliss: I hadn't seen that one before, that's not the one I'm thinking of - might be useful, but on first inspection, looks like it will need lots of tweaking for my UK stock,

EP: that is what I was thinking. So any chance of a (blank) copy of your spreadsheet?

I just stuck the fields I wanted across the top, nothing clever. You seem to want to track rather different things

I use good old excel. A sheet/tab for each of: locos, multiple units, coaches, goods vehicles, track/accessories.

Columns vary between sheets, but typically: quantity, manufacturer, catalog number, description, livery/era, value, total value, whether it has a box, remarks. Motive power items need an extra column for running performance (score out of ten).

Total up the quantities and values, and carry these forward to a summary sheet, and you know what you need to insure.

Quote from: EtchedPixels on December 17, 2011, 06:38:13 PM
I read a few setup instructions for such packages and decided life was too short so I just created a spreadsheet of them in openoffice.

A quick question EP, I notice you use Open Office, I just reloaded Mint 9 LTE on my computer after having a few bug problems with Mint 12, as you would know Linux OS are now using Libre Office, is it the same Sun Open Office repackaged or a totally new software package?.

Quote from: oldrailbug on December 17, 2011, 10:55:20 PM
A quick question EP, I notice you use Open Office, I just reloaded Mint 9 LTE on my computer after having a few bug problems with Mint 12, as you would know Linux OS are now using Libre Office, is it the same Sun Open Office repackaged or a totally new software package?.

I'm actually using LibreOffice on the newer box

Rough summary would be

Oracle bought Sun
Lots of the developers found Oracle (and Sun's) controlling habits a pain
They all got together and decided to run off with the code (it being open source anyway) and start LibreOffice

So its basically a version upgrade and regime change...

Thanks for that EP, certainly looks the same :thumbsup:

Quote from: tadpole on December 17, 2011, 10:09:59 PM
I use good old excel. A sheet/tab for each of: locos, multiple units, coaches, goods vehicles, track/accessories.

Columns vary between sheets, but typically: quantity, manufacturer, catalog number, description, livery/era, value, total value, whether it has a box, remarks. Motive power items need an extra column for running performance (score out of ten).

Total up the quantities and values, and carry these forward to a summary sheet, and you know what you need to insure.

Tadpole, thats a very good idea;  it hadn't occurred to me to use different sheets for different types of stock - simple but it makes sense. Thanks

Kirky

Its just occured to me that several years ago there was one advertised in the "N-Gauge" journal, it was british based and free, there was a review of it and it did look good, i believe i may have downloaded it at the time, but thats on a long gone pc. It would be at least five if not seven years ago, i`m afraid i can`t remember what it was called though, maybe one of our resident society members can remember, unfortunatley all my old copies of the journal are stored in the loft somewhere, that mythical black hole where everything you own disappears into. Sorry i`m a bit vague.

Stu

This http://www.gppsoftware.com/ViewProd.aspx?P=41582C2324292128 (http://www.gppsoftware.com/ViewProd.aspx?P=41582C2324292128) is the one I was thinking of. But at 35 quid its a bit pricey when I can coble together an exel spreadsheet, which is what I have started to do.

Cheers
Kirky

Sorry i need to correct my previous post, after finding and trawling through ten years worth of journals i`ve now realised that the database software was not reviewed in the n-gauge journal, but after searching the online index for modelrail magazine i have found it, the software was reviewed in October 2003, issue 60, page number 68. There is no further info on the index site and all my copies are stored in the garage somewhere. Maybe someone on here has access to said issue and can find out what the software is, where it can be down loaded from and finally if it is still available.

Hope this is of some help to you.

Stu

Ta da!

http://www.modular-model-railroads.com/2010/09/model-train-inventory-software/ (http://www.modular-model-railroads.com/2010/09/model-train-inventory-software/)

You've got some reading in your future I think!
:smiley-laughing:

Thanks Polo, my christmas holiday treat is to get into the garage (ha what a joke, fight my way in) and find my boxes of modelrail and dig this edition out, i`m pretty sure the database reviewed was a british one and aimed at uk modelers, but i maybe wrong, it was certainly free though that i can remember.

  The mags have been kept for reference along with rail, traction and railexpress magazines and some railway modelers for good measure.

Stu

i look forward to the day when i need a database for all my stock!!! still got a lot of collecting to do though...

tim

Quote from: polo2k on December 19, 2011, 10:00:39 PM
Ta da!

http://www.modular-model-railroads.com/2010/09/model-train-inventory-software/ (http://www.modular-model-railroads.com/2010/09/model-train-inventory-software/)

You've got some reading in your future I think!
:smiley-laughing:

Nice one Polo, that is a great find. I never knew it was called 'inventory software' let alone that there was so much available.

Cheers
Kirky

Made it out into the garage and have unearthed the copy of model rail with the database/inventry reviewed. There is a free download to evaluate with and a buy option. The link is:-
http://www.archive.org/download/http://www.archive.org/details/tucows_324651_Track_Those_Trains (http://www.archive.org/download/http://www.archive.org/details/tucows_324651_Track_Those_Trains)

Hopefully it will do what you want, i`ve just downloaded the free version and had a quick play, yes it is an old program, June 2004 looks like the last update, but it does allow you to list, add photo`s, insurance value, price paid etc etc, it also allows you to list other gauges if you collect other makes/gauges etc.

Stu

Being totally anal (and also self-employed, so good record-keeping is a must), I have a stock list of all of my rolling stock in Excel. If you haven't managed to find a solution in the last year or so, I'd be happy to give you a blank copy of mine for your own use.

I’m a software engineer by trade so I wrote my own, because I can!

It’s a web application with sections to manage locomotives, carriages and wagons, to enable me to assemble them into trains and put together a schedule for running them on the layout.

Below are a few screenshots to give you a flavour:

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/8738355713_d577f98eeb_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ngaugewaverley/8738355713/)

The welcome screen with shortcuts to major areas of the application. The menu at the top can also be used to move through the applications sections.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/8739475184_c0a17d0e46_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ngaugewaverley/8739475184/)

The locomotives list page. A picture of each locomotive is shown, along with its running number and a basic summary. Clicking on the locomotive drills down to the detail page for that locomotive. Note that the list can be sorted using a number of criteria listed on the left under ‘order by’.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8739475420_c8efd0aec4_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ngaugewaverley/8739475420/)

The detail page shows complete data for the locomotive. This Class 108 DMU has a DCC decoder fitted which is signified by the decoder chi graphic toward the top right. Details of the fitted chip such as its type, short address and long address are shown under the ‘Control method’ heading. Note that the sub-menu to the left allows a history of modifications and maintenance (work), and running (outings) to be recorded.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/8739475600_acfdef27da_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ngaugewaverley/8739475600/)

Details of the model can be edited. Drop-down boxes are used to filter entries where sorting and grouping can be used elsewhere in the application. In this example the list of known coupling types is offered for selection of the rear coupling type. This information is used when assembling trains to ensure that adjacent vehicles have compatible couplings.

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8739475786_7168f76216_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ngaugewaverley/8739475786/)

Here the history of modifications and maintenance is shown. Additional tasks can be added to the history.

Carriages and wagons are listed in a similar way from their own menu item and can have their own work history recorded.

Cheers
Dave

Looks pretty comprehensive to me, Dave. Nice one :thumbsup:

Quote from: newportnobby on May 14, 2013, 09:30:49 PM
Looks pretty comprehensive to me, Dave. Nice one :thumbsup:

Thanks Mick,

It still needs quite a bit of work to finish it off. I'm hoping I wont have time after next month if the railway room plans come to fruition.

Cheers
Dave

Quote from: DCCDave on May 14, 2013, 09:42:47 PM

Quote from: newportnobby on May 14, 2013, 09:30:49 PM
Looks pretty comprehensive to me, Dave. Nice one :thumbsup:

Thanks Mick,

It still needs quite a bit of work to finish it off. I'm hoping I wont have time after next month if the railway room plans come to fruition.

Cheers
Dave

I wonder if your priority would be the same as mine :hmmm: :D

Hi Dave you database looks very good and slick, will it be available for others one day?

Quote from: NtasticShop on May 14, 2013, 09:58:09 PM
Hi Dave you database looks very good and slick, will it be available for others one day?

Thanks Richard,

I've toyed with the idea although making it so robust as to be a product used by others not just myself would require further development. What sort of price do you think would be reasonable?

Cheers
Dave

A licence for AnyRail track modelling software is £35, so I guess something around that mark would also be fair for a pretty decent database package.

An impressive database. It'll be interesting to see if Dave does offer it at an attractive price to (at least) NGF members at some point.

I'm currently using Excel with some photos and links to info pages for the locos.

Dave G

It depends on what if any information is already in the database.
I think £35 sounds good.

I have spent some time looking at all the "commercial" software out there.

Yard Office is very good, but detail held in the initial Dbase is all American. Some of the screens have too much info on them for my liking.

Easy Model Railroad Inventory was also well done but again for the majority here would need a lot of work as US based.

Tayden Design - All Aboard Data Express and others Is basically an Access Dbase and not particularly friendly. Not worth the money.

Link to others van be found here http://www.modular-model-railroads.com/2010/09/model-train-inventory-software/ (http://www.modular-model-railroads.com/2010/09/model-train-inventory-software/)

Thank you all for your feedback.

The application is currently a web application which would make it impossible to package and distribute on a commercial basis. I'm in the process of converting it to a Windows application, which will mean it's easier to distribute.

Since I'm expecting my railway room conversion to be completed next month, I expect more of my available time will be spent on modelling, but I'll keep this group updated with progress on the Windows application

Cheers
Dave

And for those that like to be a little less restricted OS wise, I started work on my own database today. It's a LibreOffice Base database, so will run on any platform that libreoffice will run on, which will include Linux, Mac as well as Windows.

As I've only started it today, it's likely to be a few more days before it's completed. I'll post on here again when it's ready to be downloaded.

Cheers

Tony

Quick, Dave. Publish now before the competition is ready!  ;)

Quote from: Pete33 on May 20, 2013, 07:32:30 PM
Quick, Dave. Publish now before the competition is ready!  ;)

Nothing wrong with healthy competition  ;)

Cheers
Dave

ha :-)

Not really competition, but as I don't use Windows, it's easier to make my own. It's not really a complicated database.

Cheers

Tony

Hi All

Well, I've made progress, and run what I've got working by my brother, who models rail slightly differently to me, ie sound etc...

Anyhow the gist is, you can maintain your own lists of :

Manufacturers
Era list
Livery / Era lists
Scales
Stock Type (eg, Diesel Locomotive)
Stock Class (eg Class 47)
DCC Decoders
Model Types (eg RTR)

You are able Set defaults for Scale. Manufacturer, Livery/Era , Model Type

These lists and default values are all used when filling out your 'Stock Record'

Speaking of the Stock record.

This will comprise of
Scale
Manufacturer
Catalogue Number (eg 371-253)
Model Type (eg RTR..)
Class (Eg Class 47, Mark 3 ...)
Number Carried (Eg 47401)
Name (Eg Queen Mother)
Photo
Livery
DCC Fitted (Simply A check Box)
DCC ID (Ie the DCC number given to that loco)
DCC Chip (Eg Hornby R8249)
DCC Fitting Type (Eg 6 Pin plug, Hard Wired)
Sound Fitted (Simply a check box)
Boxed (Simply a check box)
Date Purchased
Date Last Run

Also ... A maintainaince log
Comprising of :

Maintainance Date
Maintanance carried out

Now before I carry on and tidy everything up, and create some printable reports is there anything else anybody would like added, and if I can I will add it.

Cheers

Tony

Looks pretty comprehensive to me

I keep "purchased from" info and perhaps a "notes" field would also be useful for anything else ?

A Function list section would be great, but that could easily be just an added note section.

Hi All

The supplier list is now included, there is a Notes field already, forgot to mention that one. The function list I'll have a tink about, may make that a subform similar to the maintainance log subform.

Cheers

Tony

Hi All

A little more progress, also though of another option, you will also be able to set an anitem as a limited editiion (checkbox) and also add in a certificate number.

I'm hoping it will be fully ready for use by early next week.

Cheers

Tony

Hi All

As I said, it's progressing quite well, still on course to be ready next week. here's a screenshot of the main stock record screen, as it currently stands, there may well be the odd tweak hear and there.

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/58/thumb_5193.png) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=5193)

Looking good, Tony.

Like the last run and maintenance info slots.

I have included a Purchase Price in my xls. Not super-important perhaps but it helps me keep an eye on value for insurance purposes and of course, scaring the pants off me!

Dave G

Hi Dave

I was thinking of adding that as well, so I may well add that in as well, still time to do :-)

Cheers

Tony

If adding Purchase price, could you please add "source" as well. Although I think 95% of mine will read eBay.

Thanks

Hi

That field is already there, except I called it Supplier :-), see I did think of some things !! ha !

Cheers

Tony

Quote from: linuxyeti on May 27, 2013, 08:23:27 AM
Hi

That field is already there, except I called it Supplier :-), see I did think of some things !! ha !

Cheers

Tony

I'll get me coat  :headbutt:

Hi All

I've now added a Purchase Price field, and also a check box to to indicate whether the model has lights or not, and here's a screenshot of the latest revised Main Stock record screen.

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/58/thumb_5234.png) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=5234)

Anything else anybody would like adding before I continue further?

Cheers

Tony

Nice!  :thumbsup:

I guess you tab through each section with any that are just tabbed over will be left blank?

Are you going to be absolutely great, wizard and amazing and offer a report/export to xl (as well)? Screen dumps with a blue ground will consume gallons of ink!

There is always a user that always wants more, isn't there?  :-X

Dave G

Hi

I'm going to put together some reports, so that you can print out a variety of reports. As to export to XL, well, LibreOffice Calc, which can be saved as XL,  I can look at, but hadn't really considered that, as everything is contained within the database.

As for tabbing, yep that's about it, and the drop down lists, you will have to maintain them, via another screen, I'll leave some already in place, but you will of course be able to easily manipulate the drop down lists.

If you want to have a look at the 'base' software, which is the LibreOffice office suite, have a look at http://www.libreoffice.org/ (http://www.libreoffice.org/) as you'll need this installed anyhow to use the database, but as it's free, legally free at that, shouldn't be too much of an issue :-). Who knows once you start using it, you might even bin MS Office if you have it.  :claphappy:

Cheers

Tony

Quote from: linuxyeti on May 27, 2013, 04:48:58 PM
Who knows once you start using it, you might even bin MS Office if you have it.  :claphappy:

Please don't bin MS Office. A large part of my livelihood rests on creating document templates for users of Word and PowerPoint, and detailed spreadsheets in Excel  :uneasy:

Hi Tony,

I don't mean to nitpick but under the Maintenance section should the word 'teted' not read 'tested' ???

Hi

That's OK, as that field is a user editable field, here you would type in anything you wanted.

Cheers

Tony

Hi All

To give a flavour of how things are progressing :

A couple of screenshots

DB Settings screen :

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/58/thumb_5262.png) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=5262)

Screen for maintaining a list of suppliers

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/58/thumb_5264.png) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=5264)

Screen for maintaining a list of liveries

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/58/thumb_5263.png) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=5263)

There are similar screens for maintaining lists of :-

DCC Decoders
DCC Fitted Type
Eras
Function Actions
Liveries
Manuacturers
Model Type (RTR etc)
Scales
Stock Classes (eg Class 47)
Stock Types (Eg Diesel Locomotive)

Still a reasonable amount of work needed to finish it off, but it is coming along quite nicely.

Cheers

Tony

Looking good, Tony :thumbsup:

I use Excel with 4 separate spreadsheets 1 for Locos with more detailed information the 3 more for Coaches, Wagons and Buildings.

Then Linked to Dropbox and Evernote, so that if I am out and about and need my lists I can check them on my phone.

Hi All

Just to let you know, I've not forgotten it, just work on it ground to a bit of a halt !! Work getting in the way !!

Cheers

Tony

Hi All

Work is continuing on this, a little more slowly than I would have liked, however additional screens practically finished are: -

A Stock summary screen, from where you can easily select records to view or edit in greater detail.

Here's a beta view of the above screen

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/58/thumb_5468.png) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=5468)


Also, a Multiple Select Screen, where you can build up a 'view' of what records you'd like to view and / or print. The selection criteria is made up of 5 main sections:

Scale
Era
Livery
Stock Type
Stock Class

Here's a beta view of the above screen

(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/58/thumb_5467.png) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=5467)


So, it is getting closer, but what started out as a noddy database, has grown slightly to make it more flexible for those who will want to use it right from the offset.

Cheers

Tony

Hi Tony

Do we have an update on the release yet - No rush, just wondering

:thumbsup:

Hi

There really is only a little bit of workk left to do, just that I've been swamped with work for the last few weeks !! Typical, it will be ready shortly though, honest !!

Cheers

Tony

Rule #4 of software projects

The first 90% of the project takes the first 90% of the time

The final 10% takes the remaining 90% of the time...

Alan

Quote from: EtchedPixels on July 04, 2013, 10:24:06 AM
Rule #4 of software projects

The first 90% of the project takes the first 90% of the time

The final 10% takes the remaining 90% of the time...

Alan

And rule #5

The first 90% is developing the solution.

The last 10% is understanding the requirements

Hmmm, do you work @ my place  :hmmm:

The best option would be MS access if you have it. I use this all the time In my job so if you wanted could create one for you

Quote from: digger61 on September 03, 2013, 08:41:29 PM
best [...] MS access

Now there are a couple of words you don't see together very often  >:D

Quote from: MikeDunn on September 03, 2013, 09:25:42 PM

Quote from: digger61 on September 03, 2013, 08:41:29 PM
best [...] MS access

Now there are a couple of words you don't see together very often  >:D

:smiley-laughing:

I've been avoiding it like the plague for years...

MS Access, how quaint.

It also assumes Windows, which seems a bit like short term planning right now!

With apologies to Digger61, of course, who made a perfectly reasonable and helpful offer of assistance and is probably feeling a little miffed at all this laughter. You should be ashamed of yourselves.  ::) Sorry, Digger  :-[

Without meaning any insult to Digger, my professional approach to Access (note : not hobbyist approach) is "dragged kicking and screaming" ... the number of times I have found a client group with an Access "app" they depend on and is totally unsupported by us  is without count - and of course when it goes wrong, it's all our fault that a) it broke, and b) we won't touch it with a barge-pole !  That's not to mention what happens when an Office upgrade comes along !

And why do they have such a mission-critical app in Access ?  Because the group won't pay for the work to be done properly (ie into a proper SQL database (not necessarily MS SQL  :no:), with proper security, access controls etc etc etc and that gets backed up securely) and "Fred over there knows how to do it & rattled it off in an evening free - you guys wanted lots of money and weeks !" - right ... he wrote it, he can support it !

As an initial development environment or for a small-scale item (such as is suggested here), yeah it's OK.  But not for live production in the types of organisations I find it in !

One of the guys here (I think) was developing quite a neat-looking database from the development posts he'd made but that seems to have gone quiet.

I'm have MS Orri-face 2003 and my lists are on several xls pages. Not clever but it keeps a (sort of) organised list. I don't really need anything more, well, not at this stage.

Access is OK for basic stuff but there again I am a simple soul. I remember 8" floppy drives and when you had to partition a 32MB HD. Ahh, those were the days!  :worried:

Dave G

Quote from: daveg on September 04, 2013, 01:04:08 PM
One of the guys here (I think) was developing quite a neat-looking database from the development posts he'd made but that seems to have gone quiet.

Do you mean DCCDave's efforts, shown on the first page of this thread? I was wondering about that, too. It looked very impressive in the screenshots.

Quote from: Pete33 on September 04, 2013, 05:18:43 PM

Quote from: daveg on September 04, 2013, 01:04:08 PM
One of the guys here (I think) was developing quite a neat-looking database from the development posts he'd made but that seems to have gone quiet.

Do you mean DCCDave's efforts, shown on the first page of this thread? I was wondering about that, too. It looked very impressive in the screenshots.

Yes! I was daft enough not to look back to the start.  :dunce:

Wonder if he'll pick up on the new posts?

Dave G

Quote from: daveg on September 04, 2013, 08:31:27 PM

Quote from: Pete33 on September 04, 2013, 05:18:43 PM

Quote from: daveg on September 04, 2013, 01:04:08 PM
One of the guys here (I think) was developing quite a neat-looking database from the development posts he'd made but that seems to have gone quiet.

Do you mean DCCDave's efforts, shown on the first page of this thread? I was wondering about that, too. It looked very impressive in the screenshots.

Yes! I was daft enough not to look back to the start.  :dunce:

Wonder if he'll pick up on the new posts?

Dave G

Wish I never bothered I'll just get my coat

Quote from: daveg on September 04, 2013, 08:31:27 PM

Quote from: Pete33 on September 04, 2013, 05:18:43 PM

Quote from: daveg on September 04, 2013, 01:04:08 PM
One of the guys here (I think) was developing quite a neat-looking database from the development posts he'd made but that seems to have gone quiet.

Do you mean DCCDave's efforts, shown on the first page of this thread? I was wondering about that, too. It looked very impressive in the screenshots.

Yes! I was daft enough not to look back to the start.  :dunce:

Wonder if he'll pick up on the new posts?

Dave G

Yep I'm still working on it - I did say it would take a while as I'm busy on  other things like earning a crust and building a model railway :)

I'm currently doing a lot of background (that is non-UI) development so not much to see right now.

Cheers
Dave

Glad to know that it's still bubbling under, despite you getting all distracted with non-important stuff  ;)

Hi All

Sorry it's been a while, work just got in the way. Hopefully have time now over christmas to finish the one I was working on.

Cheers

Tony

Guys and Gals,

Just an update to let you know I'm working on this again. I've done a lot of work on the back end, ensuring that multiple inventories can be held (my stock, my son's stock, my mate's etc.), and that all of the 'reference' data can be applied as software updates (so for example, when a new manufacturer like DJModels comes along I can issue an update with their product range).

I've started rouging out some of the UI, here are a couple of screen shots of the work in progress. The whole UI will be skin able so that you can use the colors of you favorite railway company.

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5543/11635490696_dd4a6fbbe7_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ngaugewaverley/11635490696/)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/11634716395_fcaa220f0e_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ngaugewaverley/11634716395/)

Cheers
Dave

I don't know if it i of interest to anyone, but Dallas Model Works (an American hobby shop) at: http://www.dallasmodelworks.com/ (http://www.dallasmodelworks.com/)  has a service for its members which would seem to be what is being discussed here; the creation of a rolling stock register.

Membership of the site is free (Google Dallas Model Works to learn more, if you are interested), and have a look at the section lablled  'My Railroad Apps'  It is possible that what is being offered is useful. 

Just a suggestion which might interest some of the membership.

(Usual Disclaimer: I'm not in any way connected to Dallas Model Works).

Komata

A standard Excel spreadsheet does all this for free without needing any special skills. If you have such a huge stock that you need a relational database to find something (say tens of thousands of items) then you can already afford to pay someone to write one for you.

Is that you Rod ?

Looking very swish indeed

Quote from: DCCDave on December 29, 2013, 11:51:06 PM
Just an update to let you know I'm working on this again. I've done a lot of work on the back end, ensuring that multiple inventories can be held (my stock, my son's stock, my mate's etc.), and that all of the 'reference' data can be applied as software updates (so for example, when a new manufacturer like DJModels comes along I can issue an update with their product range).

That looks very professional, Dave, and also very stylish and clear.  :thumbsup:

I use an Excel spreadsheet, too, which details the loco, price, purchase point and date, etc, but also my upgrade and maintenance notes and dates of completion for individual tasks, so that I can keep track of what I've done (and when things such as wheel cleaning will need to be re-done). This spreadsheet covers all my rolling stock, plus all the extras I'll need, such as track, controllers, paints, books, detailing features, and just about anything else you can think of.

There's probably too much variation there for a dedicated database, sadly.

I was about to create a spreadsheet for my (currently) somewhat limited stock when I came across this on my iPad.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/model-train-app-modeltraindb/id524369067?mt=8

Does anybody have any experience or views that I'm sure will be of interest to me?  It looks a bit over-engineered and designed with our colleagues across the Pond in mind, but overall I think it could be a possibility, especially at £3 a pop!

I'd stick with your spreadsheet for now and put the 3 quid towards something for the layout!

DCCDave has been working on a database for a while and several examples of what he's doing are in this thread.

Dave G

Put your 3 quid towards a pint and record your stock in a poundshop notebook.
No hitches , glitches or software problems , portable and no power needed. :D

Thanks DaveG, I have decided to do just that, the main reason being to keep a record immediately so that I dont lose the plot along the way as I acquire more stock etc.   :thankyousign:

Good move!

I'm sure you've got it sorted but just as an example, I have the following as my column headings:

Description      Code   QTY   DCC Ready?   Cost £p   Supplier   Comment   Traffic   Era
                        Y/Compat/No               

I then split it down to Steam, Diesel and Electric and do the same for coaches wagons and accessories. That way i can make sure I only buy multiples of what I really want.

Dave G

After your superb screen shots to wet our appetite has the DB progressed at all ?

:thankyousign: in advance

It's been a while so here's an update.

Work has been progressing slowly. Most (75%) of the user interface is written and tested.

I'm planning to offer this as a subscription based web application, your inventory would be held in the cloud with access from a web browser. To that end I need to add security to the system and the ability to keep multiple separate inventories.

I think there is another two to three months before I'm ready to put a test copy up. I'll be looking for a couple of you folks to try it out so as to hammer out any bugs and get feedback and any suggestions for improvements.


In the meantime here are screenshots from the latest version


(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3843/14691647963_11c35c1971_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oofx6e)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3862/14485083040_a1e8c12a71_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/o4ZQx3)

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2939/14668551441_3f17e272c1_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/omdaik)

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2895/14691647743_da420f0f66_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oofx2r)



Cheers
Dave

Looks very comprehensive, Dave :thumbsup:
No point me being a guinea pig as I know nothing about them there Cloud thingies, so I watched a programme about them on BBC2 tonight :dunce:
Evidently a 20million cu. metre cloud weighs 4 tonnes :o

Quote from: newportnobby on July 16, 2014, 09:54:33 PM
No point me being a guinea pig as I know nothing about them there Cloud thingies, so I watched a programme about them on BBC2 tonight :dunce:
Evidently a 20million cu. metre cloud weighs 4 tonnes :o

That's OK, a few N gauge locos and rolling stock won't make much difference. Add some O gauge stuff to that cloud though and it might start a downpour. :)

Cheers
Dave

Mick. Sounds like you should join the Cloud Appreciation Society :
http://cloudappreciationsociety.org/ (http://cloudappreciationsociety.org/) :bounce: :bounce:

Quote from: DCCDave on July 16, 2014, 09:27:51 PM
I'm planning to offer this as a subscription based web application, your inventory would be held in the cloud with access from a web browser. To that end I need to add security to the system and the ability to keep multiple separate inventories.

Sorry, Dave. I don't do cloud. I take complete responsibility for my own data, and wouldn't think of relying on anyone else - and certainly not any other system that was out of my control - to do it for me. That's like giving your money to a bank and trusting them to take care of it honestly and responsibly ;)

Quote from: Pete33 on July 17, 2014, 09:20:10 PM

Quote from: DCCDave on July 16, 2014, 09:27:51 PM
I'm planning to offer this as a subscription based web application, your inventory would be held in the cloud with access from a web browser. To that end I need to add security to the system and the ability to keep multiple separate inventories.

Sorry, Dave. I don't do cloud. I take complete responsibility for my own data, and wouldn't think of relying on anyone else - and certainly not any other system that was out of my control - to do it for me. That's like giving your money to a bank and trusting them to take care of it honestly and responsibly ;)

Fair enough Pete I can understand where you are coming from. However you already store data in the cloud, this post for example, your e-mail for another.

Using your bank analogy, you can choose to keep all your hard earned under the mattress. What was your address again? :)

Cheers
Dave

It looks all far too complicated for me.
All I was looking forward to was a straight forward database I could keep on my laptop.
Pity
Ray

Ray and Pete,

A local copy could still be an option too.

I've spent considerable time on this and so am looking to re-coop my expenses (over time). What sort of price would you be willing to pay for a desktop version with local data storage.

Open question to other readers; who else would consider storage of data in the cloud as a barrier?

Cheers
Dave

'Cloud' is still one of those terms that no two people (let alone companies) agree on - it's far too nebulous (pun intended). 

What do you mean as 'Cloud' ?  Before you ask people whether they would use it.

Quote from: MikeDunn on July 17, 2014, 10:13:12 PM
'Cloud' is still one of those terms that no two people (let alone companies) agree on - it's far too nebulous (pun intended). 

What do you mean as 'Cloud' ?  Before you ask people whether they would use it.

Storage of your data on some server out on the net. I mean it in it's broadest sense.

I was planning to host the application on Azure, so the data would be sitting in a Microsoft data centre somewhere. Given the nature of their load balancing you'd never quite which server, nor would you need to care.

Cheers
Dave

Quote from: DCCDave on July 17, 2014, 09:33:45 PM
Fair enough Pete I can understand where you are coming from. However you already store data in the cloud, this post for example, your e-mail for another.

Using your bank analogy, you can choose to keep all your hard earned under the mattress. What was your address again? :)

Cheers
Dave

Anything that I do send online for storage elsewhere is a copy. I keep the originals here, and in their original state, backed up regularly to external hard drive(s) and less regularly to DVDs.

As for my address, it's Threadneedle Street, London. Just pop along tonight and pick up what you need ;)

Quote from: DCCDave on July 17, 2014, 09:44:59 PM
Ray and Pete,

A local copy could still be an option too.

Now that sounds much more promising. The trouble is, in the year since I have been logging details for my new N Gauge collection, I've built up a very detailed Excel spreadsheet. I'm sorry to say that paying for another option isn't in my immediate plans. Having said that, it looks really nice and professional (not that my spreadsheet isn't, of course), and perhaps it will be better able to handle my growing data pile in the future (when my budget also has more flex).

Anyway, keep up the good work!
Peter

Looks impressive Dave. I'm assuming with it being web based that it'll work fine on an iPad and other tablets/phones? I used to keep my engine database in Filemaker's Bento app on my iPad as you can quickly take a snapshot with the iPad's camera to include in the engine's record. Unfortunately Filemaker decided Bento was taking too many sales away from its full Filemaker product and pulled it, so something Web and server based that I can access from my iPads or Mac would be ideal.

Quote from: DCCDave on July 17, 2014, 09:44:59 PM
Ray and Pete,

A local copy could still be an option too.

Cheers
Dave

That's good to here but can't put a figure on what I would pay at moment.

It of course depends not just on what can be done within the database but on just how many of those elements I want to use.

Unfortunately it could simply be over engineered for my needs.

Ray

Quote from: DCCDave on July 17, 2014, 09:44:59 PM

Open question to other readers; who else would consider storage of data in the cloud as a barrier?

Cheers
Dave

Dave, I'm most impressed with what you have done so far. I really like the idea of cloud based storage because presumably it would then be accessible by multiple devices ( even my phone?)
My worry tho is that cloud storage will be slow. I guess I'd have to upload photos that have been shrunk down to get hem to load quickly? That all takes time I don't really have.
So for me on the one hand I like he portability but on the other I'm worried about speed.
Price will be what you think people will pay. I'm used to paying a couple of quid for an apple app these days. But ten years ago I might have paid a couple of hundred quid for the right application!

Excellent concept tho.

Cheers
Kirky

Quote from: kirky on July 18, 2014, 07:38:01 PM
My worry tho is that cloud storage will be slow. I guess I'd have to upload photos that have been shrunk down to get hem to load quickly? That all takes time I don't really have.
So for me on the one hand I like he portability but on the other I'm worried about speed.

Thanks Kirky,

I imagine it would work much like other web based sites. Yes you would have to upload high resolution images if you wanted the ability to drill down into them, but for the purposes of the navigation screens I'm creating smaller thumbnail images for speed. Also remember that images can be cached locally so that the application only needs to download each new image once.

The proof of the pudding will be when I and beta testers do some performance measurements. Since I've just spent two years working on a car management application where there are multiple high resolution images per vehicle I'm comfortable that it can be made to be responsive.

Cheers
Dave

Cheers
Dave

I have no worries with "cloud" and as all my PC work is done the old fashioned way using a desktop - Phones are phones mobile or not and I don't use an Androd. So what every form it comes in I will consider it on merit and suitability.

Software doesn't develop itself so you are fully justified in looking to sell. I personally would have thought selling it on as an app is the best way to recoup your time/effort as that appears to be where the demand would be highest. Price is always tricky. Apps as pointed out are generally a couple of quid and so probably more appealing than prgs, but which ever you go with I'm sure it will be a good product.

The price issue for me is there are already some very good "free" versions out there which although US based can easily be adapted for the amount of UK stuff I own as well as the vast qty of my US stock.

I am a registered user of Yard Office http://www.musicmixradio.com/yardoffice/ (http://www.musicmixradio.com/yardoffice/) - Free version is very good and before that I used Easy Model Model Railroading Inventory http://easy-model-railroad-inventory.rclsoftware.com/ (http://easy-model-railroad-inventory.rclsoftware.com/) again free.

The latest "Freebie" which I am looking at is DASH Model Train Collector. Again cloud based but has other features enabling you to easily share parts of your collection and even sell within the community. Items can be sold by auction or Fixed Price

One advantage of this system seems to be it is based on cataloged items so you can simply search the exsisting DB by Manufacturer/Loco type etc and detail is already there.

I haven't explored this very far beyond this yet but am hoping to do so this weekend and will report back http://youtu.be/C-EQQLP_hZo (http://youtu.be/C-EQQLP_hZo)

List some of the others
https://sites.google.com/site/databasebase1/Home/model-railway-database-software-2009-version (https://sites.google.com/site/databasebase1/Home/model-railway-database-software-2009-version)
http://www.modular-model-railroads.com/2010/09/model-train-inventory-software/ (http://www.modular-model-railroads.com/2010/09/model-train-inventory-software/)

Quote from: DCCDave on July 16, 2014, 09:27:51 PM
I'm planning to offer this as a subscription based web application, your inventory would be held in the cloud with access from a web browser.

Fair enough - but count me out, I'd like my data to be under my control and likely to be there next year.