About
Model Railroad Inventory is a purpose-built digital management tool for model train collectors and hobbyists. Unlike generic inventory apps, it is designed specifically for the model railroad hobby, offering features tailored to the unique needs of enthusiasts managing everything from a small personal collection to a large railroad club's shared equipment. The app allows users to catalog locomotives, rolling stock, track pieces, scenery, and accessories, recording detailed specifications such as scale, manufacturer, road numbers, and control systems. High-quality photo uploads support visual identification, while purchase prices and estimated current values can be tracked for insurance and estate planning purposes. Smart organization tools include advanced filtering by category, scale, manufacturer, and status, as well as a powerful search function and location tracking (On Layout, In Storage, In Shop). Users can also create custom favorites collections for quick access. A built-in analytics dashboard — the Yardmaster's Report — provides visual charts showing collection distribution, total investment, estimated value, and growth trends over time. Maintenance logs allow users to record service activities, costs, condition, and notes for each item. The app features a clean, modern interface optimized for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, with customizable banners and a responsive design. It is priced at $2.99 on the App Store, though user reviews indicate an additional in-app payment may be required for full access. The app is developed by No Grave LLC.
Key Features
- Complete Inventory Management: Catalog locomotives, rolling stock, track pieces, scenery, and accessories with detailed specs including scale, manufacturer, road numbers, and control systems.
- Smart Organization & Search: Filter by category, scale, manufacturer, and status; organize items by location (On Layout, In Storage, In Shop); and create custom favorites collections.
- Professional Analytics — Yardmaster's Report: Visual charts display collection distribution, total investment, estimated value, and growth over time.
- Maintenance & History Tracking: Log maintenance activities, costs, purchase dates, condition, and detailed notes for each item in your collection.
- Photo Documentation: Upload high-quality photos for visual identification, supporting insurance documentation and estate planning.
Use Cases
- A serious model train collector cataloging hundreds of locomotives and rolling stock with photos, specs, and valuations.
- A model railroad club tracking shared equipment, its location (on layout vs. in storage), and maintenance history.
- A hobbyist documenting their growing inventory with purchase prices and estimated values for insurance purposes.
- An estate executor or heir using the app's valuation and photo records to assess and document a model railroad collection.
- A collector monitoring collection growth trends and total investment over time using the Yardmaster's Report analytics.
Pros
- Hobby-Specific Features: Built exclusively for model railroad enthusiasts with scale tracking, control system management, and railroad-specific categorization not found in generic inventory apps.
- Comprehensive Analytics: The Yardmaster's Report provides detailed statistics and visual charts for tracking collection value and growth over time.
- Multi-Purpose Use: Suitable for individual hobbyists, serious collectors, railroad clubs, insurance documentation, and estate planning.
Cons
- Questionable Payment Model: User reviews report being charged an additional $1.50 via Stripe after purchasing the $2.99 app, with no access granted even after payment.
- Poor Developer Support: At least one user reported no response from the developer after 24 hours despite a payment issue, raising reliability concerns.
- iOS Only: The app is available only on iPhone and iPad; the macOS version is not verified, limiting access for desktop-only users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of items can I catalog with Model Railroad Inventory?
You can catalog locomotives, rolling stock, track pieces, scenery, and accessories, including detailed specs like scale, manufacturer, road numbers, and control systems.
How much does Model Railroad Inventory cost?
The app is listed at $2.99 on the App Store. However, some users have reported an additional in-app payment requirement for full access.
Is the app available on Mac?
The app is designed for iPad and iPhone. A Mac version is listed but is noted as 'not verified for macOS' on the App Store.
Can I track the value of my collection?
Yes. You can monitor purchase prices and current estimated values, and the Yardmaster's Report provides a comprehensive view of your total investment and collection worth.
Who is Model Railroad Inventory best suited for?
It is ideal for serious collectors, hobbyists, model railroad clubs tracking shared equipment, and anyone needing detailed records for insurance or estate planning purposes.
