Hello, I've been working on some "disposition list" type research projects recently, and I wanted to ask the folks here a question; what would a useful disposition list or other similar research project be, if any? I've recently finished up a project creating/updating a list, and I'd like to hear some opinions on some useful ones to do. For a couple examples, I've updated a list of Rail Tours Inc equipment, as well as surviving Reading Passenger equipment list. I've both based ones off of existing lists and made ones from scratch. I'd love to hear other's thoughts.

Thanks,
Corey Page

Hey there, Corey! So you're the brain behind those updated lists, huh? Nice one!

Hmm, how about taking a swing at something slightly offbeat? I've been digging around for a comprehensive list of privately owned rolling stock, but it's like finding a needle in a haystack. IMO, a perhaps unrecognized but super beneficial project could be a list of short line railroads and their rosters. Those things are a pain to track down and compile, you know?

I know it seems like a massive undertaking, but if you've got the patience for it, I reckon it could be a game-changer. Or maybe a list of retired or preserved locomotives? The possibilities are endless, TBH.

What do you reckon? Anyone else out there with some cool ideas?

Keep up the solid work, mate!
Cheers,

You could always try paint colors, Corey. LOLOLOL

Only a few so far, but I'm looking to expand that list!



Thanks for the suggestions, having had to try and find several privately owned cars in the past, I that might be best saved for when I have a few more connections around, since I don't have too many yet. I agree, it can be very challenging, depending on the car. A couple I still haven't found, assuming they still exist.



The short line I've passively thought of before, but I agree that it seems beneficial, aside from the difficulty in creating it. It does seems like the front runner of my collected ideas right now. Retired/preserved locomotives would be easier, I find that locomotives tend to be kept track of better than rolling stock overall.



LOL, I think I'll leave that to you and your 80+ page thread!


One thing that I would also be interested in is a format to make the information I compile easier to read, understand, etc. I've considered making a database for myself, but I don't have any experience whatsoever with them. I know a few people on here have dealt with one before, maybe someone could point me in the right direction? I'm currently writing all of my information on spreadsheets, but they can get rather cluttered for viewing if you put enough information on them.

I'll try posting my updated Reading Passenger car list on here if possible, to give people an example of a project I've done before.

Thanks,
Corey Page

Corey - I've used Microsoft Access for a relational database. I used to be fairly proficient at it (the operative words in that sentence being "used to be"). It takes a while to learn but it's not difficult if you're a logical thinker and plan your tables in advance well. The fun part was building the queries for sorting, reports and the user interfaces. It has wizards to help with some of that. It also talks to Excel and Word.

There are other alternatives that others here may have used.

How about surviving US Military steam locomotives at home and abroad?