How do you catalog your collection?

Madman

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JMRI has a database, and it is integrated with the DCC programming features.

Yard Office is one some of my friends use.

I have also used Microsoft Access, I have a main database as well as linked tables on maintenance, things that need fixing, etc.

Greg


Having known you on this and other forums, I would expect nothing less.....:)
 

dunnyrail

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Many moons ago I used Bento Database to list my DVD’s, had the benefit that I had it on my iPad so that I could check and not buy duplicates. Then Apple made some upgrades to their software, Bento went out of fashion so it stopped working and I lost the 600 or so entries. Having been burnt by such an experience I stick with Spreadsheets, plus they are cheeper if you have them and anyone with Word has one of sorts. Yes it will not have all the bells and whistles but it does work. Pic below shows what I am now having to do to relist all my DVD’s, blue markers are the shelf that I have or am doing. Plus I cant take the list out with me on a searchable list on my iPhone! I had considered listing all my Trains on Bento, so glad that I did not.
8E317650-04F2-493B-851F-68F6265F7867.jpeg
 

Dan

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I used excel and backup the file to 2 hard drives and a thumb disk which I keep in my pocket.
 

The Shed

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Had a few minutes to spare, used an existing Libre Office Database Template file and played around to design something that would be suitable for my own use.

LIbre Office Base Garden Railway Database.png
 

ntpntpntp

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Access database used here, for my N gauge stuff at least. The G scale collection isn't really large enough to warrant it at the moment, but the "official" Continental N list is now over 1000 - and that's not including souvenir display case items and my box of British N :D

I was also advised by insurers to keep a list with photos and individual values, but it's NOT treated as a "collection": the overall value of the whole would NOT be significantly diminished if - say - one item were lost/stolen/broken.

As with all our centrally stored household files I make sure the database is backed up regularly and a copy kept offsite.
 

Trainman58

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With this unexpected time on my hands (thanks quarantine) I thought I would inventory and catalog my (obsessively) extensive LGB collection, but I really don't know the best way to do that. I want more than an Excel spreadsheet, I was hoping there is some UPC based app that could help. How does everyone else keep track of their collection? Thanks!
Sorry to disappoint you but i use excel. I have a photo of the loco, DCC, LGB or homemade, value x number of wagons. I then split pages into collections - Austrian, Saxon, Puffing Billy etc. it is a bit simplistic but it works well for me.
 

FrenchChuffed

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I made the calculation of my stock including track and pointwork some time ago with purchased price, i quickly shredded it you dont want that information falling into the wrong hands . Nod Nod wink wink
 

David1226

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I have previously posted that I do not have enough stock, to worry about cataloguing it, which was meant to be jokey and of course not true. It has occurred to me, that while i do not have a list as such, I actually have a catalogue on steroids. Many will be aware that I have posted many threads, on GSC, on the creation of models for the Claptowte Railway. I have replicated those posts on my computer, using the texts from the threads combined with selected photographs. I have also printed off copies to keep in a ring binder, so that they can be shown in a non-digital book form . As I say, a catalogue on steroids.

dig 190904002.JPG

David
 
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ge_rik

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Hmmm ..... Interesting thread. I suppose the main reason for an inventory is for insurance purposes in case of theft. In my case, the only inventory i have is a a stockist on my blog ( Stock list. )

Other than that, I can check on my goods stock when I have a running session and my freight management program tells me where each item of goods stock should be located. if something is missing, it's probably sitting on the repair shelf in the workshop. Locos are easier to spot, there's a gap on the shelf in the living room if a loco is missing.

i'm intrigued. Why do people need a database or spreadsheet? I have 70 items of goods stock, 6 coaches and 20 locos, but I'm sure I'd know almost immediately if something was missing.

rik
 

PhilP

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I suppose it is the 'hassle' of locating the 'damn-paperwork', if things do go missing?
 

dunnyrail

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Hmmm ..... Interesting thread. I suppose the main reason for an inventory is for insurance purposes in case of theft. In my case, the only inventory i have is a a stockist on my blog ( Stock list. )

Other than that, I can check on my goods stock when I have a running session and my freight management program tells me where each item of goods stock should be located. if something is missing, it's probably sitting on the repair shelf in the workshop. Locos are easier to spot, there's a gap on the shelf in the living room if a loco is missing.

i'm intrigued. Why do people need a database or spreadsheet? I have 70 items of goods stock, 6 coaches and 20 locos, but I'm sure I'd know almost immediately if something was missing.

rik
For me it is being able to keep track if things, I have different lications so knowing that that loco or coach is in the loft will help when I decide to have a clear out. It also helps with mids like fitting metal wheels or chips. Plus recording the purchased price and whether it was new or second hand will help give a fairer assesment of value if a sale ensues. Yes I know I do have too much stuff!
 
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ge_rik

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For me it is being able to keep track if things, I have different lications so knowing that that loco or coach is in the loft will help when I decide to have a clear out. It also helps with mids like fitting metal wheels or chips. Plus recording the purchased price and whether it was new or second hand will help give a fairer assesment of value if a sale ensues. Yes I know I do have too much stuff!
That makes a lot of sense, Jon. I suppose my equivalent of an inventory is my blog. That catalogues all the new additions and mods I've made to rolling stock etc. I don't keep a tally on expenditure, though. Just in case the missus lays hands on it ...... :eek: Besides, I'm not sure I would have a clue what to charge for the junk I have accumulated over the years.

Rik
 

dunnyrail

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That makes a lot of sense, Jon. I suppose my equivalent of an inventory is my blog. That catalogues all the new additions and mods I've made to rolling stock etc. I don't keep a tally on expenditure, though. Just in case the missus lays hands on it ...... :eek: Besides, I'm not sure I would have a clue what to charge for the junk I have accumulated over the years.

Rik
Yes do not have one of them to be concerned with any more.
 
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idlemarvel

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I made the calculation of my stock including track and pointwork some time ago with purchased price, i quickly shredded it you dont want that information falling into the wrong hands . Nod Nod wink wink
But it's an investment :D
 

a98087

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It’s always a good idea to have an idea of what you own, I have before now bought a wagon thinking I only own 3 so 1 more would be nice.

I only noticed when I went to put the wagon in the storage location that 4 were already there and was a 5th wagon in My hand,

Needless to say I didn’t inform swmbo

Dan
 

Rhinochugger

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Hmmm ..... Interesting thread. I suppose the main reason for an inventory is for insurance purposes in case of theft. In my case, the only inventory i have is a a stockist on my blog ( Stock list. )

Other than that, I can check on my goods stock when I have a running session and my freight management program tells me where each item of goods stock should be located. if something is missing, it's probably sitting on the repair shelf in the workshop. Locos are easier to spot, there's a gap on the shelf in the living room if a loco is missing.

i'm intrigued. Why do people need a database or spreadsheet? I have 70 items of goods stock, 6 coaches and 20 locos, but I'm sure I'd know almost immediately if something was missing.

rik
I'm still trying to remember if I've forgotten to put something on my list :confused::confused::confused:
 

PhilP

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It’s always a good idea to have an idea of what you own, I have before now bought a wagon thinking I only own 3 so 1 more would be nice.

I only noticed when I went to put the wagon in the storage location that 4 were already there and was a 5th wagon in My hand,

Needless to say I didn’t inform swmbo

Dan

Yes, but we all know an odd number 'look's better'.. :):nod::nod:
 
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Hmmm ..... Interesting thread. I suppose the main reason for an inventory is for insurance purposes in case of theft. In my case, the only inventory i have is a a stockist on my blog ( Stock list. )

Other than that, I can check on my goods stock when I have a running session and my freight management program tells me where each item of goods stock should be located. if something is missing, it's probably sitting on the repair shelf in the workshop. Locos are easier to spot, there's a gap on the shelf in the living room if a loco is missing.

i'm intrigued. Why do people need a database or spreadsheet? I have 70 items of goods stock, 6 coaches and 20 locos, but I'm sure I'd know almost immediately if something was missing.

rik
I'd like to answer the questions.

First, I applaud you in being able to instantly know if in your 96 items one item is missing, you sir are indeed way above average, or at least way above my mental capability... not only could I not tell immediately, but in my case, since there are 3 different locations to store items, it would probably require x-ray vision for me to equal that capability. :giggle:

More seriously, I use a database, so I can easily search for complex criteria, for example, now that Bachmann does sell replacement 2 axle motor blocks for Aristo locos, a simple query will list up all my locos that have the old style blocks that could stand replacement.

Another thing that I use is being able to list "sets" that I want to complete, for example different road numbers of passenger cars that are hard to come by, easy to do.

Another use is what cabinet the loco or car is in, since I have 5 rolling cases of trains plus 2 more locations. Again, I do not have the mental power to remember all locations of all cars, and I do not want to hunt around.

Another use is that I have several tables in the database, linked to the master one. One of these tables lists modifications and servicing, so it helps me check on when I last lubricated a loco, or the current stage of conversion, for example, lighting upgrades completed and planned, coupler conversions, lowering, and other improvements.

So I can give you a plethora of reasons why an individual would keep track of this information, and moreover put that information to use to better their enjoyment of the hobby.

Greg
 

ge_rik

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I wouldn't say I would know instantly, but as I get every item of stock out when I have a running session I very soon know if something is missing. I've just realised my freight management program is actually a database, which tells me where each wagon was located at the end of the previous session. Open wagons are a bit of a problem as seven are almost identical in that they have coal loads and could be located anywhere on the system. The other ten opens are easy to spot as their loads are all different or their bodies are cosmetically different.

Rik