Hi Guys :wave:
Just wondered how many of you Lads and Lassies have a spread sheet on your computer or similar of what locomotives you have in your fleet?
I have many locomotives and it is hard keeping track what is where and what I have, so i painstakingly started a spread sheet by class of locomotive and what livery it is plus the models catalouge number. eg 371-244 (as in some cases I have more than 5 of the same class of loco. eg x8 class 37's in different liveries)
Now I have collected all this info, it makes a good reference that i can quickly view and I can highlight certain information for that particular model.
For instance, I can highlight a particular model on the spread sheet by colour and this could indicate if the model has been oiled, if it has been serviced, if it has been security marked (some people highlight their models with a UV pen underneath for this reason) and if it's awaiting a repaint. If in the awful event of loss or damage can aid with insurance claim too as all information is in one place. (Ive e-mailed my self an attatched link of the spread sheet)
The spread sheet can be updated as new models are purchased and older ones sold or their condition or status is changed.
I also have a rolling stock list, but this is a word document instead.
Hope you are well
OwL :wave:
Hi :wave: :wave:
There are several "databases" out there for inventory purposes. Some free some not. Below is a link to several different ones - admittedly these are American based in general but other stuff can be added.
Some of these also have WAYBILL schedule generators which can be of use to those of us who do/want to operate such systems. Something I have yet to experiment with,
Please note these are mainly PC windows based. (I can't afford a Mac ) but there is also some Mac stuff available. :computersmile:
http://www.modular-model-railroads.com/2010/09/model-train-inventory-software/ (http://www.modular-model-railroads.com/2010/09/model-train-inventory-software/)
The Tayden Design page has some other useful software for evaluation, such as image cataloging Documentation listing plus others. Well worth a look
Enjoy :thumbsup:
Hi Owl,
I started one this year just to see how much I spend on my N Gauge engines/rolling stock. Gawd, don't let the wife see it. :smiley-laughing: Still got 7 and a bit months to go yet. ;D
Alex :wave:
Quote from: OwL729 on May 13, 2012, 11:54:03 PMIf in the awful event of loss or damage can aid with insurance claim too as all information is in one place.
I too have done a spreadsheet (MS Excel) for insurance purposes and I add new rolling stock, track and points, RTP buildings, controllers and other expensive items as they arrive. I also make sure that the insurance company has an updated hard copy when I do my annual premium renewal for house contents - due this month and getting to be an expensive business here with all these earthquakes! The bottom line is starting to make frightening reading but emphasises how much it would all cost to replace. :o Brian
Yup I have one. Not really for insurance but just for keeping track. I also keep the CV settings for each loco stored so I can program similar locos the same way. Didn't think of using it for service info but it would be an easy add on...
:Class414:
:wave:
Must admit, it does start to add up and keeping it all QT from SWMBO is done with the utmost care.
I have slowly been doing my lists using the Easy Model RailRoad Software, but hoping to purchase the All ON Board Software soon as it looks a bit easier to handle and I like the Ebay feature it has built in.
I have checked and both of these have Excel import ability so conversion should be should be possible. My original listing was on Excel.
As Kiwi1941 says
QuoteI too have done a spreadsheet (MS Excel) for insurance purposes
Our hobby is something that can have great financial value and it certainly ain't getting cheaper
??? ???
I only have a 'home grown' Excel sheet that I keep for insurance purposes and to allow me to keep track of things (especially manufacturers reference numbers). I must admit I am sad enough to have highlighted everything by Region (note to self - must get a life :-[)
Being an accountant I have two spreadsheets ;D
One keeps track of everything I've bought for the layout, all divided up into sections: baseboard materials, track, rolling stock, scenery, buildings, etc. Includes everything down to the last screw, connector or bit of wire - that one has the scary bottom line everyone keeps talking about! :-\
The other one is a rolling stock list showing complete train formations, livery, DCC-addresses, chip fitted, seats fitted or not. I started it to plan what stock I needed and changed the formatting when each item was bought, so I could see at a glance what I had and what still needed to be bought. The same formatting idea was used to keep track of what was DCC-converted and what was not. Apart from a dozen more PGA hoppers it's pretty much complete now :)
Paul
Quote from: Sprintex on May 14, 2012, 01:32:32 PM
Being an accountant I have two spreadsheets ;D
Paul
Obviously you prefer the double-entry system (hope that hasn't opened the floodgates :o)
QuoteBeing an accountant I have two spreadsheets
An accountant with two sets of books for the same thing? hmmmmm. :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing:
Being an accountant 2 + 2 can be 3 or 5 or if the client is honest 4 and as a young innocent I have no idea what Nobby is talking about! :smiley-laughing:
Obviously you prefer the double-entry system (hope that hasn't opened the floodgates :o)
[/quote]
:smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing:
Quote from: newportnobby on May 14, 2012, 01:57:50 PM
Quote from: Sprintex on May 14, 2012, 01:32:32 PM
Being an accountant I have two spreadsheets ;D
Paul
Obviously you prefer the double-entry system (hope that hasn't opened the floodgates :o)
She's never complained yet ;)
Quote from: Jack9465 on May 14, 2012, 03:47:25 PMAn accountant with two sets of books for the same thing? hmmmmm. :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing:
Of course - one official set and one
true set ;)
Paul
I keep a record of all my locos, units, carriages and wagons in an access database. One reason is for insurance purposes but the other is so I don't get duplicate running numbers (particularly on wagons!), sort of like my own mini TOPS lol.
Ollie
Hi All
I am hoping to spend some time over the next few weeks looking at the various software that I put the link to, with a view to offering the pros and cons where I can. As and when these are done I will put a listing in the knowledge base.
Currently looking at Yard Office.
Like Ollie (reply #13), I have an Access database. I include stuff like length and weight info so that I can keep track of loco pulling capability (with train make-up aka consist info), and date of last service. But I dare not keep financial info on there - the computer would melt.
- Michael
Funnily enough, I spent the best part of this weekend creating a spreadsheet of rolling stock after I accidentally bought a loco on eBay that I already have :-[ However, it's a Fowler 3F and they were so often double-headed that having an even number of them is fine :smiley-laughing: Just needs renumbering.....
So far 2 sheets, one for locomotives, another for coaches and trucks....the trackwork inventory will have to wait until the loft becomes vaguely accessible.
As I'm just returning to N Gauge after a rather extended absence, I have been tracking down RTR LMS locos and must-have trucks that have arrived and been discontinued whilst I've not been paying attention :o I think I've got the job done but.... :o :o I've never spent so much on N Gauge at once (total cost is about the same as a G Scale live steam loco!) and the only way I can possibly square this off with my wife as the many packages start to arrive in the post is to offload a lot of stock onto eBay - I'll start tonight!
I keep 3 databases, "My rolling stock", a list of what I've got, then "Model wagons", a list of the wagons I would like and then I have "Model Database" Which is my list of current and forthcoming items, loco's, units and coaches with prices, release dates. I just hope SWMBO never learns how to add it up! ;D :music:
Cheers
Mark
Quote from: scruff on May 23, 2012, 11:52:52 AM
I just hope SWMBO never learns how to add it up! ;D :music:
Cheers
Mark
Suggest you password protect it :evil:
ah! She would use that female logic on me and say I had something to hide... specially as she makes frequent trips to Hattons and has even been to Rails as well as most local shops. She is the one who pays... :thumbsup: But that also means she knows how much it costs.. :thumbsdown:
For some reason she is also a member of Dapol's collectors club too!!! :smiley-laughing:
Mark
You can't fault female logic. :thumbsup:
Quote from: Mustermark on May 23, 2012, 07:30:26 PM
You can't fault female logic. :thumbsup:
I wouldn't dare try lol :smiley-laughing:
I can't even understand my own logic sometimes :smiley-laughing:
Quote from: Pendy on May 23, 2012, 08:38:09 PM
I can't even understand my own logic sometimes :smiley-laughing:
What hope do us mere males have ??? ;D
As part of the packing up process I've just finished putting all of my stock into Yard Office. I found it to be very easy to use but it frightened the life out of me when I saw the total value :o
I showed it to my wife and she didn't bat an eye-lid but she does at least now know what it might be worth when I pop my clogs so she sees it as an investment that she will get the benefit of.
Help needed
To help me with finish assessing some of the software for this could someone be kind enough to give me a chunk a data from their files in Excel, CSV or Db formats please
Thanks in advance
Colin
As i only have 4 locos i have not had the need to keep a record but i can see the need in future so it could be wise to make a start but i have no idea how to layout a list/spreadsheet are there any available online?
Dave
Spread sheets..... something else to add to the 'to do' list. ::) Great idea though! :thumbsup:
Quote from: bbdave on June 09, 2012, 09:29:07 AM
As i only have 4 locos i have not had the need to keep a record but i can see the need in future so it could be wise to make a start but i have no idea how to layout a list/spreadsheet are there any available online?
Dave
PM me your e-mail address and I'll send you my actual sheets if you like :)
There are many ways to lay out a spreadsheet for something like this depending on what information you want to see. One sheet of mine is more traditional listing items and their cost with sub-totals (track, stock, scenery) and total cost. The other is more graphical representation showing train formations, dcc-chip fitted and address, etc :thumbsup:
Might not show you the
best way (if there is a best way!) but give you an ida how you might like to set out your own sheet.
Paul
PM me your e-mail address and I'll send you my actual sheets if you like :)
There are many ways to lay out a spreadsheet for something like this depending on what information you want to see. One sheet of mine is more traditional listing items and their cost with sub-totals (track, stock, scenery) and total cost. The other is more graphical representation showing train formations, dcc-chip fitted and address, etc :thumbsup:
Might not show you the best way (if there is a best way!) but give you an ida how you might like to set out your own sheet.
Paul
[/quote]
Paul, I hope you don't think I am being cheeky but could you e-mail me a copy of your sheets too please? I am no real expert with spread sheets though I can normally muddle through. Seeing your sheets might save me a lot of head scratching though.
Marty
When I started model trains about 3 years ago I kept the receipts from purchases.
I don't actually buy a lot, but I'm still too scared to formally add it all up...
I've been keeping my receipts.. but I've not got the bottle to add them all up! ::)
Mark
Mine will all be logged in my accounts program, along with every other penny - I get all uneasy if I don't know *exactly* how much is in the bank, on a credit card, where it's gone, when the direct debits are coming, etc. That doesn't mean I've let it tell me what the total is!