This is exactly what I was looking for.
Thanks
rs3bob
I am currently using a word file for my inventory.
The insurance issue is one that I think many of us take too lightly. If you add up tha value of the contents of your home you will find out that even a full payout of $150,000.00 will not go as far as you think.
In addition to my collection of model railroading equipment, we have a library collection worth a sizable sum. When we spoke with our insurance company about our collections, it was suggested that we carry additional coverage to specifically cover our collections. We keep a running data base of the value of the model railroading collections, other collections, and our library. This takes a little work but it will be worth it if we ever have a major loss. From time to time we back up our datbase offsite.
Several individuals have commented on the level of coverage that they carry in the event of a total loss of the content of their home. I would caution about the consequences of the total loss of a portion of the contents due to fire, flood, etc. The layout room could be a total loss and while the rest of the house relatively unharmed. I you do not have specific additional coverage for your hobbies, you may receive a sum far less than your loss.
If you have a large and expensive collection of anything, it will need to be insured seperately from normal household contents. Otherwise you could lose the entire collection and not be able to recover anywhere near your investment. I would also ask how much strain is it likely to cause your marriage if your wife wants to spend money to rebuild your lives and you say thatyou are reserving a substancial sum for your trains? You may well lose more than your house and collection.
what of them white inventory tracking and security tags we find inside expensive electronic boxes An electronic tag comprising a controller having a microprocessor, RAM, ROM, line drivers and receivers to interface with a main computer terminal. The electronic tag also has a plurality of switches that are connected to the controller so as to allow the input of data. Data may include selling price, description of the item, designer or brand name. Part of the data may be displayed on a display that is connected to the controller. The tag may be equipped with a receiver so that it may receive signals from another location that is connected to a micro-converter that converts the signals into a format recognized by the controller. A transmitter may also be connected to the controller so that information may be transferred from the controller to another location in the system.
just a thought
yimk wrote: One of the reasons for my inventory is that I was told by my insurance agent, that they consider my model railroad collection and our art work, collectable material and have a loss limit of $500 on collectables and hobbies, even though the dwelling coverage personals limit is $145,000. so if i want to be reimbursed for it real value of my trains and painting, i will need to submit an itemized listing of every thing i have, with current value and have a special rider attached to my ins. policy and pay an extra fee for it. which i my case is $200-300 dollars extra above and beyond the basic ins policy. has anyone else ran into this issue.jim
One of the reasons for my inventory is that I was told by my insurance agent, that they consider my model railroad collection and our art work, collectable material and have a loss limit of $500 on collectables and hobbies, even though the dwelling coverage personals limit is $145,000. so if i want to be reimbursed for it real value of my trains and painting, i will need to submit an itemized listing of every thing i have, with current value and have a special rider attached to my ins. policy and pay an extra fee for it. which i my case is $200-300 dollars extra above and beyond the basic ins policy. has anyone else ran into this issue.
jim
Get yourself a different insurance agent/company.
I, too, wrote my own inventory system with MS Access. I can store pictures of the item, record what I paid for it, whether or not I've upgraded to Kadees or metal wheelsets, and a notes section to record misc notes (maintenance). I also wrote some reports that break out my collection by manufacture, road name, ready to roll, DCC, how many I have of what, on and on.
I'm thinking of re-writing it in something else, tho. Not that Access is a problem, like mentioned earlier it can be a powerful programming base. The problem I have is in sharing it with others. Its very version specific. I'm thinking of trying to replace it with a VB, Java or Delphi app.
As a side to that, I also created a form to track my issues of Model Railroader, DVDs, and what articles can be found on them. Makes a great reference when I want some help detailing. Ahem, of course, it doesn't come close to this site as far as a quality reference tool... ;)
Use a Filemaker database which shows details of each piece of rolling stock, including mark, number, model, manufacturer, part number, date and place of aquitition, cost, type of decoder if installed, information of condition when aquired, info on wheel and coupler type and can include a picture of the piece.
Good for insurance purposes or just listing of various types of equipment...
I'm the Operations Chairman of a fairly large model railway club (60+ members, 10,000 sq. ft. club building, etc.). We have Excel, Access, and FileMaker Pro for our databases, and I have used all three. I have come to the following conclusions:
1). Excel is easy to use but very limited. One is able to slam together a database pretty quickly...but then after the data is entered, there isn't much one can do with it. Sure, you can sort it, print it, and paint it pretty colors, but that's about it. I haven't been able to find a way to check for duplicate entries, and one is mostly locked into the "grid"-type screen. However, it's perfect for "quicky" databases for things like Operations paperwork (pick-up and set-out forms, etc.).
2). Access is, IMHO, awful. A big step up from Excel, of course, but the learning curve is difficult to climb. It's very powerful, but with that power comes complexity...and it's not very forgiving of errors. Quite frankly, I found it so awkward that I went back to Excel until a club member pointed me to...
3) FileMaker Pro, a darn nice program to use. As powerful as Access but with a much easier user interface, it made my life a whole lot easier. I used FileMaker to build our database for locos (578 locos at last count), and another one for cars. I have been able to set up different ways on how to display the info (called "Layouts"), with a Data Entry screen, a Loco Card screen, and a Roster screen. I have also been able to input appropriate RR logos onto each loco card, and have a separate button that, when clicked, searches for duplicates and prints them out. I have been very impressed with FileMaker Pro, and recommend it highly for data base construction.
Paul A. Cutler III************Weather Or No Go New Haven************
I use HanDBase which is sold by www.ddhsoftware.com on my Palm Pilot. They make software for other PDAs. I like the fact that it syncs with my computer so I have a backup if my palm dies. They have free tons of free databases and it is very easy to create your own DB. I made my own DB with the headings for Initals (reporting marks), Number (car number), Type (boxcar, reefer etc), Rd. Name (name on side of car), Size (length or cuft.), AAR designation, Brand (athearn, atlas, etc), Status (drop down menu with options RTR, Needs Work, New in Box), Notes, Car Card (check box as to weather I have made a car card yet), At Club (check box for cars I have left at the train club). The DB is sortable by any heading which allows me to sort all car types together or all the unbuilt cars together. When I started I had about 350 cars and I could enter them using my laptop as I went through the cars. Now I can enter them as I buy them one car at a time so I never becomes overwhelming again I currently have 921 cars and no duplicate car numbers. I made a seperate DB to keep track of my engines and weather they have DCC and what the address is. The quanty of cars was not an attempt to brag but to show why I find a DB a critical part of my enjoyment of the hobby. If anywone has any questions or would like help feel free to ask or message me.
Mark
I'll weigh in with a vote for Excel. I use it's capability for multiple worksheets in a file to create a tabbed worksheet for each type of car, e.g., 40' boxcars, 50' boxcars, Canadian Grain Hoppers, MoW cars, etc. I have a separate spreadsheet file for motive power -- again, with tabbed worksheets for diesel, steam, gas-electric.
I also have Yard Office Inventory Software and I'd gradually migrating to that. (So many projects, so little train time!)
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I also made mine up with Microsoft Access. I printed labels and cards with this program and a card goes whereever the car or loco goes. Simple, cheap and works great. You have your inventory and you waybills all in one program. I also added the values of everything for insurance purposes into this data base.
Walt
Superintendent
Pittsburg, Shawmut and Northern Rail Road
March 16, 1976
I have been using a PDA program called SplashShopper. It is available in multiple PDA operating system versions and desktop versions too. It is a KISS inventory, shopping and items to pack/ship/sell etc. All fields can be named to your criteria and drop down lists allow for catagories of many varieties. It is not complex, as it is basically a data base premade.
I enter in either loco # or car # and the manufacturer associated number. Next field is whether it is on my wishlist or in inventory. After that is a field for type and/or length (box cars), capacity of hoppers, etc. or loco type. Third catagory is Manufacturer name, MT Atlas etc. The final catagory is road Name. It has a field for quantity followed by a price (this also allows various ways of calculating all, in stock, wishlist etc.) Finally, a notes section is one more button away. All fields could be the primary view field and sorted.
When I go to my hobby store or show, I just type in the road number and check the status of whether it is in stock or not.
Adding or deleting can be done on either pda or desktop, followed by a sync. All info can be exported to other MS Office programs for further manipulation. This is truely KISS and a easy learning curve. Stand alone Desktop version is also available.
http://www.splashdata.com/ for more info.
dima wrote: Thanks for the info, everyone. Yes, my main concern is in case of fire or theft to be able to claim on insurance. As far as coverage by insurance company. I live in Ontario and my ins is with StateFarm as well. The agent told me that there is no need to insure my trains separately - they go under all household content, which is like up to 150K (that's standard how home insurance in Canada works). The only catch is - it will be replaced with the same material value. So if it is a collector's item, it will not be replaced with the same. But I don't really have any "collector items". Just good locos and rolling stock.
Thanks for the info, everyone. Yes, my main concern is in case of fire or theft to be able to claim on insurance.
As far as coverage by insurance company. I live in Ontario and my ins is with StateFarm as well. The agent told me that there is no need to insure my trains separately - they go under all household content, which is like up to 150K (that's standard how home insurance in Canada works).
The only catch is - it will be replaced with the same material value. So if it is a collector's item, it will not be replaced with the same. But I don't really have any "collector items". Just good locos and rolling stock.
Same here in Iowa. My insurance is AAA and my independent insurance agent told me the same thing.
jamnest wrote: I use an Excel spread sheet to keep inventory of my locos and rolling stock. I can sort and print a list by any of the fileds. It has been handy to have at train shows and when bidding on Ebay as it is a quick reference as to what I already have.JIM
I use an Excel spread sheet to keep inventory of my locos and rolling stock. I can sort and print a list by any of the fileds. It has been handy to have at train shows and when bidding on Ebay as it is a quick reference as to what I already have.
JIM
Ditto !!
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
The other use of an inventory is for when you pass on, and your lucky heirs are supposed to figure out what's what and get the best value out of it. Since none of them know as much about trains as you do (or else you would be specifically willing your trains to them), figuring out what and how to list on eBay or similar market is going to be a real chore.
If you care about your heirs, then do them a favor and leave some instructions on how to deal with your trains. They will remember you for that loving touch.
Fred W
Driline wrote: You go Bob! Tellum like it is!I have a question regarding Yard Office Train. Does it allow you to create waybills cards?
You go Bob! Tellum like it is!
I have a question regarding Yard Office Train. Does it allow you to create waybills cards?
I'll answer myself. After downloading and running the program, no it does not.
But it is a really cool FREE program and I'm going to use it.
Homemade listing system using MS excel.
Main Categories (locos, boxcars,flats, hoppers, MOW, etc)
Sub Categories Roadname , Reporting #'s , Length, Colour, Special Note(s), Manufacturer and Worth
= A good inventory system.... and a reminder that I have way too much.
Walter Clot wrote: Dear Pastorbob, I hope you are a retired pastor. If you are not, you either have a very understanding congregation or they don't know what you are doing in your basement late at night!I'm a retired pastor and don't think I would know what to do with that much stuff! I'd rather run them and keep them on the track, then keep them in a box and try to keep track of them!It's good relaxation, isn't it. Too bad too many pastors and other people in vocations that call for lots of time, don't have a good hobby like rr.I hope you know I was joking with you. PTL
Dear Pastorbob, I hope you are a retired pastor. If you are not, you either have a very understanding congregation or they don't know what you are doing in your basement late at night!
I'm a retired pastor and don't think I would know what to do with that much stuff! I'd rather run them and keep them on the track, then keep them in a box and try to keep track of them!
It's good relaxation, isn't it. Too bad too many pastors and other people in vocations that call for lots of time, don't have a good hobby like rr.
I hope you know I was joking with you. PTL
Hi Brother, as a matter of fact, I did retire once, then a little Baptist church in Pomona KS asked for me to come down part time. That was 10 years ago, and I am still down there. Because I have an hour driving time each way, they are very accomodating as far as my time.
However, even though my degrees are theological, I also spent most of my adult life working a second job so I could pastor small churches. By great fortune, while working in the ATSF Topeka general office, I was trained in the 60's to become a programmer, and so I had two full careers. I retired early from the computer field, but that is what financed my railroad. I had built the current layout before I retired, thinking that would be my retirement toy. It is, but since I am not fully retired, my operating sessions are sketchy. Fortunately there are several modelers in the KC area who are willing to put up with my schedule.
I use a Microsoft Office Word table to keep my roster information, with separate files for loco, boxcar, etc. ExCel might allow more sorting and hunting info and I may change someday.
I am not so interested in collector value, how much I own, as in creating and maintaining some semblance of a prototype. My fields are:
Reporting marks (ie roadname as used on prototype equipment such as ATSF, CRIP, SHPX etc) Each file is sorted aphabetically by reporting marks
Car or locomotive Number (prototype) sorted numerically within each reporting mark.
AAR Mechanical designation as XM for boxcar, XT for box-tank car, TPI for pressurized insulated tank etc. Obtained from period Official Railway Equipment Register
Railroad car class, such as BX-52 for a Santa Fe 40' PS-1 boxcar, B-50-24 from SP or X-29 for certain PRR boxcars. The railroad name does not need to be repeated here.
Marking/appearance: usually I put color here, but whatever information helps me to identify a car by appearance. The tiny lettering on a Santa Fe boxcar identified it officially, but the big "Grand Canyon Line" name-train slogan narrows it down much quicker and easier. Leased tankcars may have SHPX or GATX or UTLX as the official reporting marks, but the big leasee/ shipper name such as "Celanese" makes it much quicker to identify.
Description of the car such as 40' steel AAR SD (for single door), 40' SD single-sheath or PS-1. The type of car- boxcar, hopper etc does not need to be repeated here because it is given by the AAR mechanical designation.
Is it prototype? short descriptor such as ? (unknown), era? (wrong time period for my layout), cuspix (= custom superdetailed to match a specific prototype photo)
Coupler: Rapido, MT, Kadee (I have some vintage cars before MTL split off from Kadee), Accu.
Model manufacturer
Model catalog #
Using abbreviations, I can usually get all this in one line of a table. You can see I am more interested in prototype suitability than in who made the model. I can quickly look to see what classes of a prototype railroad I have represented, etc.
As a fr'instance:
My roster line for the car in the background reads:
SRLX 6327 RS ____ SwiftRed Wood OK MT Rap5334
which translates: SRLX ("Swift Refrigerator Lines") 6327, RS (iced refrigerator car with meat racks) Blank (no railroad or company car class known), SwiftRed ("appearance"), Wood, OK (fairly similar to known prototype), MT (MicroTrainLines coupler conversion installed) Rapido #5334 (a fairly old model)