Model Train Collection App
Vitrine is a model train collection app for OO, N, HO, and other gauge collectors. Catalog locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories by manufacturer, era, and livery. Record DCC decoder details, running condition, and value. Free to start.
Why model railway collectors choose Vitrine
Collections span manufacturers, gauges, and eras
Hornby, Bachmann, Märklin, and Heljan all have different numbering systems. Vitrine lets you keep everything in one place, organised by gauge, era, or whatever system makes sense to you.
DCC decoder details need to be recorded
Which decoder is fitted, what address it runs on, and what sound files are loaded are easy to forget for a large fleet. Vitrine keeps these notes permanently attached to each locomotive.
Values vary enormously by condition and rarity
A mint-in-box Hornby Dublo from the 1950s is worth very different money to a runner from the same era. Vitrine lets you track condition and value separately for each item.
Features for model railway collectors
Gauge and manufacturer tracking
Catalog by gauge (OO, N, HO, O, G), manufacturer, catalogue number, and era. Filter your fleet in seconds.
DCC and running notes
Record decoder manufacturer, chip address, sound project, and running condition. Know exactly what each loco needs.
Condition and packaging
Log whether items are mint in box, unboxed, or running stock. Track any repairs or repaints.
Value tracking
Record purchase price and estimated current value. Useful for insurance and estate planning.
Photo storage
Attach photos of each model — both sides, roof detail, and box if present.
Public collection page
Share a page showing your fleet. You decide which items are publicly visible.
How to catalog your locomotives and rolling stock with Vitrine
- 1
Create a free account
Sign up at vitrinecms.com. No credit card required. Catalog up to 100 items on the free plan.
- 2
Add your locomotives and rolling stock
Enter each item with manufacturer, catalogue number, gauge, livery, era, condition, and value. Record DCC details in the notes field.
- 3
Attach photos
Photograph each model from both sides and add the images to the record. Include box shots for mint-in-box items.
- 4
Build your collection page
Choose which items to make public and share the link with other modellers.
Vitrine vs other locomotives and rolling stock tools
| Tool | Limitation |
|---|---|
| Vitrine | Web-based, free to start, full cataloguing with public collection page |
| RailAdvisor | Focused on tracking what to buy next, not cataloguing what you own with full condition and value records. |
| Excel / LibreOffice | Manual data entry, no photo storage, and nothing to help you share your collection with other modellers. |
| Manufacturer websites | Good for identifying models but not for recording your personal collection, condition, or values. |
Pricing for model railway collectors
Community — Free. Up to 100 items, public collection page, core cataloguing.
Hobbyist — £5/month. Up to 1,000 items, collection analytics, CSV import, wanted list, and 100 MB document storage.
Professional — £79/month. Up to 5,000 items, full dashboard, visitor analytics, event ticketing, compliance tools, staff accounts, and 1 GB document storage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I catalog multiple gauges in one collection?
Yes. Record the gauge for each item — OO, N, HO, O, G, or any other. You can filter by gauge to see a specific part of your fleet.
How do I record DCC decoder information?
Use the notes field to record decoder manufacturer, chip number, DCC address, and any sound project details. These stay permanently attached to that locomotive's record.
Can I use Vitrine for estate or insurance purposes?
Yes. A complete catalogue with photos, purchase prices, and condition notes is exactly what you need for an insurance valuation or estate documentation.
Does Vitrine look up catalogue numbers automatically?
Vitrine does not auto-populate from manufacturer databases, but you can record the catalogue number and reference it manually. This keeps your records accurate regardless of how a manufacturer updates their listings.
Can I share my collection with a model railway club?
Yes. Make selected items public on your collection page and share the link. Members can browse your fleet without needing a Vitrine account.
Start cataloguing your locomotives and rolling stock
Free to start. No credit card required. Your collection stays private until you choose to share it.
Create your free account →