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.
All Aboard Data Express 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 Data Sheet. Tayden also offers separate programs to track maintenance, simulate layout operations and inventory literature and documents. Dowload or CD from retailers. USD: $30 includes 2 years of upgrades, OS Windows XP, Vista & 7.
Easy Model Railroad Inventory 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” General specs page. 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 MRH blog. Download USD: FREE – Donationware, OS: Windows. Current version 4.1 dated August 2011.
MiTrains 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 Waybills program for switching and operations. Download – USD: $50. OS: Windows, Vista & Win7 with MS patch. Current version 6.5.0 dated March 2011.
RailFanExpress- ”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 download.com.
RRTrains 2000 – “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.
SofTrack – “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.
TrackMyTrains – “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.
TrainMinder – 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.
TrainTracker - 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.
YardOffice -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. 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.
Entries (RSS)
What about “Trainminder” sofeware? Do you have an opinion as to which is the best available?
Robert, thanks for pointing out Trainminder. I have added both Trainminder and TrainTracker to the list. Personally, I have been looking for software that works on a WinXP desktop/notebook _and_ a Windows Mobile PocketPC. The closest thing I have found is an Excel workbook on the WinXP desktop/notenook that can be read natively on the PocketPC using Softmaker.de Office 2008. It lacks the convenience of a packaged solution, but allows me to keep the inventory with me and updated at train shows.
After more research and trying things, I like Yard Office. The free version is very functional. The registration of $27 price is very hobby friendly. The registered version allows me to export an Excel spreadsheet to my PocketPC. This allows me an easy way to keep track of what I have/want when I am traveling or at a train show using the PocketPC. I wanted an inventory program, so if you want operations and switch lists, then another option might be better.
How about All Aboard Data Express by Tayden designs? Toy train Heaven is an authorized dealer for the CD $27.55 (list $29.95), or Tayden has a downloadable version available direct. Still trying to find price for this.
hi!
Thanks for info, but are there no new software? All seem to be last updated when XP was new..? I was hoping for something for Win7? What kind of software do you use now?
Andreas, Most of the Windows programs will work with Vista and Win7. A lot of hobbyists seem to lag behind in computer technology. I have been using Yard Office and am generally happy with it.
Which inventory program will log Lionel, Williams and K Line?
Jeanette, TrainMinder and TrainTracker both offer add-on software modules specific to K-Line, Williams and Lionel. If you don’t need these features for the extra $$$, any of the programs will track K-Line, Williams and Lionel.
I am looking for a program to inventory K-line, Williams, and Lionel. I want it to register the following: train type, train number, Road line, if upgraded to Command control.
ie: Lionel F-3 B #14557 Western Pacific Command Control
Which would you recommend?
Jeanette, I would try the Yard Office free version first to see if it does all you want. It looks like these two screen offer things you mentioned.
Main page – http://www.musicmixradio.com/yardoffice/ScreenMain.htm
Details page – http://www.musicmixradio.com/yardoffice/ScreenDetails.htm
I found Easy Model Railroad Inventory in a post on MRHmag.com in June 2011. This looks like a very nice program. It allows you to keep a complete inventory of rolling stock, structures, books and electronics. It also allows the printing of car cards and switching lists based on NMRA operating SIG recommendations. If I was looking for inventory software, this would be the first software I would check out.
Do I have to have Microsoft Excel installed on pc to run Yard Office or Easy Model RR Inventory? If so, would the free OpenOffie also work?? Thanks
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.
Hello,
This is a very useful site for checking into the various model train collection documentation software. I was wondering if there are modules for MARX and IVES?
Also can you provide any information on grading trains, and understanding their rarity? I need to understand this as I am about to embark on cataloguing a 50+ year collection in my family.
Based on my research, I am leaning toward TrainMinder, as it has direct links to TCA valuations.
Thanks in advance for your help,
Mike
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.
Thanks Modulator,
I will report back on how the project goes from time to time. Keep up the good work on this blog.
Version 4.0 of Easy Model Railroad Inventory has been released by RCL Software. Among the new features is a maintenance log and schedule for rolling stock and locomotives. See the list of all changes here: http://easy-model-railroad-inventory.rclsoftware.com/history/history.htm
Has anyone tried to get on to Trainminders’ web site today. It keeps comming up that it can not be displayed.
Are they still in business? What is going on with Train Minder?
Thanks
I would give it a day or two. Could be the earthquake on the east coast. Could be the webhost is having problems. Could be the site is self hosted and the computer died.
A new version of Easy Model Railroad Inventory is now available for download.
Version 4.3 10/14/2011
1. Added Wish List checkbox to parts record.
2. Added Wish List field to all parts reports.
3. Added Priority field to Project record.
4. Added structure report listing with photograph.
5. Redesigned parts list box window to make photo larger.
6. Library resource type changed to free form field with “Book” as default.
7. Added 20 character field to structure file called Type with “Structure” as default.
8. Added Query Option Dialog to the front end of all reports.
9. Added a tool tip for many of the list box columns to make data more easier to understand.
Thanks and enjoy.
Any recommendations for a Mac user? I only saw one on your list that specifically said it would work with a Mac. Thanks!
Sorry, you can either use SofTrack or try WINE and the windows software on you mac.