Railroad Management System is really nine data-base managers in one, covering just about every facet of layout upkeep and operation that can be computerized. It's a wide variety of programming in one package, and it's all easy to use.

The first group of programs lets you keep records on locomotives, rolling stock, and industries after you customize the program for your railroad. Status reports or searches of lists are easily implemented from well-prompted screen displays. The sizes of lists are limited only be memory capacity, so large and small systems can be accommodated.

The second set of programs allows you to build schedules and sequences for traffic routes. These can be easily edited during actual layout checkout.

A final set of programs deals with "real time" layout operation. Traffic (freight, passenger, even mixed trains) can be generated automatically or manually to fit your freight orders, and then train schedules and timetables can be printed for each operating session. Train numbers are displayed when trains are ready for departure as a sort of "automated call board."

The 92 page manual moves clearly through each of the nine sections and shows examples using sample inventory files that are already on disk. The program has been updated in response to user feedback and seems to be bug-free. If you're looking for a comprehensive setof programs to help you operate your layout, a complete package like this is probably the way to go.

Railroad Club Dispatcher does the same jobs as the Railroad Management System, but also has a data-base manager for a club membership roster. It is an enlarged system allowing for as many as 1000 freight cars of each type and as many as 250 for each member. The user manual is more abbreviated than the tutorial for Railroad Management System and assumes that you're familiar with layout operations and different uses of your computer.

Both packages make extensive use of the printer, so having one is essential. Also, for Railroad Club Dispatcher you need a printer that will print compressed fonts (16 characters per inch). No graphics adapter is required for either package.