Comments on: Layout And Train Inventory Software

By: FIre Ken

FIre Ken — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:07:29 +0000

Billy, there are two major CAD programs advertised in the hobby press. I've tested both and the learning curve is STEEP. If you decide to buy, be sure to buy the manual as well. Both are heavily featured CAD programs.
Leighton: If you decide to design an inventory software (I'd love to get one for Mac) here are some suggestions for fields:
1. Reporting marks ID
2. Basic acquisition data, time, place, cost, etc.
3. embed a photo of the item.
4. ability to categorize cars, structures, locos, etc.
5. check boxes for maintenance items.
6. ability to generate a tickler when maintenance is due.
7. ability to generate consist lists.
8. ability to generate complete inventory list for insurance.
If you want to discuss further, feel free to e-mail me, kmalgren@cableone.net.

By: Billy Dilworth

Billy Dilworth — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:39:02 +0000

Geof: I received your comments and thank you for them. I will contact both e-bay and Atlas to see exactly what they have, "klunky" or not. Really good leads and maybe others will see this and use it also. Thanks again for the help!

Billy

By: Billy Dilworth

Billy Dilworth — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:32:37 +0000

Leighton Hill: Thank you for your input. I agree that a good inventory software package is similar to a will of your train. Most relatives don’t have a clue about what it is or its worth. I have started a format for Marklin in it’s early stages and would be happy to send it to you if you desire. It would be a disc from a XP Excel spreadsheet. Thanks again for talking about a subject that I think all of us should think about in the long run.

Billy

dilworth@tampabay.rr.com

By: Billy Dilworth

Billy Dilworth — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:23:51 +0000

Fire Ken: I am using a PC with Windows XP. Thank you for the information and I will be sure to check it out. I may have to design my own inventory package on a spreadsheet. More work, but it will suffice. Once again, thanks for the timely response.

Billy

By: Geof

Geof — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:09:17 +0000

Bill,

There are a number of inventory software programs available on eBay, most are quite inexpensive but well designed. You may want to look there initially. You can sign on as a ‘Guest’ to check out what is available and determine what best suits your needs.
As far as your other question regarding Marklin layout design(s), I can’t think of anything aside from going to the (or a) Marklin web page assuming they still exist.

The US company Atlas (that makes HO & N gauge track among other things) has a FREE downloadable track design software package you might want to try. It is kinda klunky but you can’t beat the price! Go here – http://www.atlasrr.com

Hope this helps,

Geof

By: Leighton Hill

Leighton Hill — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:52:52 +0000

I don’t know if such software exists and have been thinking about creating my own – I have 20 years experience of build business databases so I should be capable. I would be happy to listen to peoples need and put together a specification. Next stage would be to build the application and have it tested. I would make it open source and with a open source license.
Such data would be very useful for families dealing with the estate of a railway model enthusiast. Unless the family are also enthusiasts they may not appreciate the value and collections can be disposed of at a fraction of their value.

By: Leighton Hill

Leighton Hill — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:52:52 +0000

By: FIre Ken

FIre Ken — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:09:49 +0000

You don’t say if you’re using a PC with Windows or a Mac. Inventory software that I’ve used, is “All Aboard Data Express” from Tayden Design. http://www.tayden.com/AllAboardDataExpress.htm. I’ve never seen a design software program combined with inventory (in the USA). There are a couple inventory and layout programs available for Mac, but they appear to be pretty lame!
I’ll be watching for others to post on this topic, too!