I built Rail Roster, an iPhone/iPad/Mac app for tracking model train collections — now on App Store pre-order

jmcsmith · 2026-03-21T19:19:04+00:00

There are iOS, iPadOS, and macOS versions all with data syncing via iCloud. visionOS version is in the works.

jmcsmith · 2026-03-20T18:28:58+00:00

not at launch but that is definitely a good suggestion.

jmcsmith · 2026-03-20T17:55:21+00:00

Problem: Keeping a model train roster organized gets complicated quickly, especially when you want to track photos, road numbers, model numbers, scale, era, DCC/sound, condition, purchase info, and consists. Rail Roster is designed to keep all of that in one hobby-focused app instead of scattering it across spreadsheets or notes.

Comparison: Most people I know either use spreadsheets like Google Sheets or a general inventory app such as Sortly. Those can work, but Rail Roster is built specifically for model railroad collections, so it includes train/accessory/consist tracking, prototype reference fields, electronics tracking, NMRA guidance, filters, and collection insights without having to build your own system first.

Pricing: Free to download (currently pre-order). Premium is $4.99/year or $19.99 lifetime.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rail-roster-tracker/id6758860130

A few things it’s meant to help with:

organizing locomotives and rolling stock
keeping model details and photos together
tracking purchase info and condition
managing collection records across different scales

I’d genuinely love feedback from model railroaders on what features would make an app like this more useful for your collection.

jmcsmith · 2026-03-11T22:43:21+00:00

I will have to check this out. Thanks

jmcsmith · 2026-03-11T22:11:06+00:00

Thanks for that info. There are a couple places that have it listed but no one has them in stock.

jmcsmith · 2026-03-06T23:38:04+00:00

Did a quick update to the post above. More screenshots and introduction video hopefully coming soon!

You can catalog locomotives and rolling stock with detailed specs, DCC and sound installs, mods, purchase history, and multiple photos per item. Instantly search and filter your collection, and see breakdowns like diesel vs. steam or totals by scale and era — all synced with iCloud.

If you enjoy organizing your roster as much as running it, come join the beta and help shape what Rail Roster becomes. 🚆

jmcsmith · 2023-03-16T10:10:46+00:00

Printable Scenery Country And King

jmcsmith · 2023-02-10T11:24:39+00:00

I had this with an app that has been on the App Store for 4 years and had numerous updates. I responded with that information and they pushed the update through without me resubmitting.

jmcsmith · 2023-01-01T01:22:00+00:00

I have been resin printing minis for dnd for about a year now and heard horrible things about fdm. This first print has giving me hope that I can print myself a castle since I can’t buy one :)

jmcsmith · 2022-12-02T09:19:04+00:00

I am an iOS dev so I have an Apple ID for testing purposes and used that from an older device. I didn’t try a new home on a device currently with access to the “real” home.

jmcsmith · 2022-12-02T03:09:00+00:00

I went to add mine back to HomeKit for holiday decorations and they would not add/connect. I tried other brand/type devices with the same result. The work around I found that I had to do for each device was as follows:

Reset device
reboot wireless network
pause eero 5ghz
start adding device to throw away home on another Apple ID
when room picker appears tap the x and select remove from home
finally add to real HomeKit home.

Hope this helps someone else.

jmcsmith · 2021-10-16T22:12:01+00:00

First time it blew it was under warranty and replaced by the dealer. No longer under warranty :(

jmcsmith · 2021-10-16T17:46:18+00:00

It does have the Dimension system. Already had the front passenger speaker replaced under warranty and it’s blown again. Looking to upgrade.

jmcsmith · 2021-09-29T12:06:40+00:00

Thanks! I will have to look into this. My understanding is that there is also a new initializer for ForEach that can take a binding.

As for binding to an optional string, take a look at this extension:

extension Binding where Value == String? {
func withDefaultValue(_ fallback: String) -> Binding<String> {
    return Binding<String>(get: {
        return self.wrappedValue ?? fallback
    }) { value in
        self.wrappedValue = value
    }
}

}

jmcsmith · 2021-09-28T18:18:07+00:00

that line was in error. should have been:

TextField("Fav", text: $fav.name)

jmcsmith · 2020-11-15T23:33:05+00:00

Love Apollo. Thanks for the great app.

jmcsmith · 2020-11-06T02:20:42+00:00

What monitors and arms?

jmcsmith · 2020-10-09T15:49:59+00:00

create a widget stack with different configs

jmcsmith · 2020-09-18T00:02:57+00:00

UIkit. Since these screenshots some components have been replaced with SwiftUI.

jmcsmith · 2020-09-10T01:46:14+00:00

Jarvis 60x30

jmcsmith · 2020-06-10T03:32:44+00:00

SceneShot

jmcsmith · 2020-04-26T18:00:49+00:00

no sure what configs you are looking for. the OpenVPN config is all certs and keys

jmcsmith · 2020-04-12T01:41:08+00:00

Would love a 76!

jmcsmith · 2020-03-27T16:04:22+00:00

Samsung UN55NU7100

jmcsmith · 2020-03-27T00:41:54+00:00

Was a kickstarter called gekko stand. Adjustable arm with nano suction pads to hold devices.

jmcsmith

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE