Projects group inventory items around a build, repair, conversion, module, layout, or event without changing ownership records.
Good project examples include:
- A portable layout or T-Trak module.
- A decoder or lighting conversion.
- A locomotive repair.
- A show setup.
- A scenery or structure build.
- A control-panel or electronics upgrade.
Creating a project #
- Open Projects from the Workbench section.
- Select Add project.
- Enter a clear project name.
- Choose a status such as planned, active, or complete as available.
- Enter estimated and actual cost when useful.
- Select the inventory items used in the project. Multiple items can be linked.
- Add the plan, scope, decisions, and notes.
- Save the project.
Link items that materially belong to the work: track, modules, electronics, structures, locomotives, rolling stock, parts, and tools. Do not link every item in an inventory unless the project truly uses them.
Projects versus other TIM records #
- Use Maintenance Logs for dated work performed on an item.
- Use Operations for layout locations, tracks, consists, waybills, and operating sessions.
- Use Storage for where equipment is physically kept.
- Use References for manuals, diagrams, plans, and useful links.
- Use Installed in item for a component permanently or semi-permanently installed in another asset.
For a decoder conversion, for example, create a project for the plan and costs, link the locomotive and decoder, add dated maintenance entries as work is completed, and store the decoder manual in References.
Update actual cost and project status as the work progresses. When complete, retain the project as history rather than deleting it. A retained project documents why items were modified and which assets were used together.
