While it is true that Access database makes things very easy, if you get it set up right[sigh]. However, I can do many of the things that Access does using the sort function. I can see which of my cars have metal wheelsets, or which of my Athearns have metal wheelsets by sorting on those two columns.
Rick
I am the author of the “Yard Office” shareware software that GAPPLEG mentioned above (glad you like it, Gerald). I know lots of the folks here have downloaded it and use it to keep track of their trains. I always welcome emails from anyone using it with tips or suggestions for new features on future upgrades. Download it and play with it if you like!
Hi Jack,
I just know downloaded the software yard office. It does say though if you like it register it for $20. Do you have to do this?
Thanks,
Chtris
Hi Chris,
Enjoy the software. Registering is completely optional. It runs the same either way.
[quote]
Originally posted by jehorlacher
I was thinking of starting a spreadsheet with everything on it. Am I nuts or are there other nuts out there with me?
Of course you’re nuts Jeff… just like the rest of us! [:D]
Jim
I use MS Xcel. I list everything I purchase, the date, location/lhs, price, road name, number, etc. If you do this each time to buy anything, it is not a hard task at all. If you have not done this yet, and have a large inventory, weeeelllllllll, it is Winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and this would make a nice project .
Believe me I was impressed[:D] The multitudes of useful fields to really identify the equipment was very beneficial. I will register it , as you deserve the benefits of such a nice program. I just started entering data the other night, it’s going to be quite a job[banghead] But once its done it will be done. Some of the open fields will be used to record maintainence of each piece. TKs again.[8)]
I like the YardOffice product. A question that came to me is, has an import capability been built into it so persons such as myself that already have an extensive spreadsheet listing don’t have to retype all the data again?
Looks good.
SP4449,
The ability to import from and export to Excel is the most requested feature for future upgrades. I’m workin’ on it! Thanks.
I use a spreadsheet and log the road name, AAR reporting mark, car/locomotive number, RP20.1 weight, actual weight, and whereabouts (in box or yard 1 or 2).
I have just my Locos and rollingstock in a spiral binder notebook. I list them by Manufacter, Model, road number
Kevin
At this time I only have an inventory of my locomotives, but I plan to rectify that in the next few weeks. I’ll try that Yard Office package to see if I like it.
Brad
I’ve been keeping track of my rolling stock in two somewhat complimentary ways:
Computer file of manufacturer, reporting marks, year of acquisition, first cost and most recent price. (Home-brewed on WordPerfect about 20 years ago.) I keep this info on a floppy, just in case, as well as on my hard drive.
The back of the car card has the complete pedigree and life history of that piece of rolling stock. (Translation: Manufacturer, added detail, other modifications from ‘as built,’ maintenance and repair dates and details.)
My background is in aircraft maintenance, so I do tend to over-document. (I didn’t have to include type or class, since that is built into the reporting marks. D50xxx is an elderly Mikado, EH10xx is a B-B+B-B motor with two permanently coupled carbodies, wara1xxx is a seventeen-ton capacity box car, etc.)
I’ve tried the Yard Office software, and I kind of like it. I would prefer to be able to use screen resolution of 800x600, even if I had to scroll the screen around. All in all, not a bad piece of software.
Brad