Spread sheet of locomotives and rolling stock

OwL · May 13, 2012, 11:54:03 PM

Hi Guys

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

trainsdownunder · May 14, 2012, 01:29:55 AM

Hi

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/

The Tayden Design page has some other useful software for evaluation, such as image cataloging Documentation listing plus others. Well worth a look

Enjoy

Alex · May 14, 2012, 06:36:11 AM

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.

Still got 7 and a bit months to go yet.

Alex

kiwi1941 · May 14, 2012, 06:38:13 AM

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.

Brian

Greybeema · May 14, 2012, 07:33:16 AM

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...

trainsdownunder · May 14, 2012, 11:04:58 AM

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

Newportnobby · May 14, 2012, 11:47:23 AM

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

)

Sprintex · May 14, 2012, 01:32:32 PM

Being an accountant I have two spreadsheets

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

Newportnobby · 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

Paul

Obviously you prefer the double-entry system (hope that hasn't opened the floodgates

)

Jack · May 14, 2012, 03:47:25 PM

QuoteBeing an accountant I have two spreadsheets

An accountant with two sets of books for the same thing? hmmmmm.

MinZaPint · May 14, 2012, 07:58:20 PM

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!

cudders · May 14, 2012, 09:09:49 PM

Obviously you prefer the double-entry system (hope that hasn't opened the floodgates

)
[/quote]

Sprintex · May 14, 2012, 09:50:52 PM

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

Paul

Obviously you prefer the double-entry system (hope that hasn't opened the floodgates )

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.

Of course - one official set and one true set

Paul

Ollie3440 · May 15, 2012, 11:37:16 PM

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

trainsdownunder · May 16, 2012, 01:29:53 AM

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.