FAQs About Our Work

The core of my business is custom building model railroad layouts that equal or exceed the quality of those you see in the model railroad press. I also do layout design. This is a national business that can deliver to anywhere in the continental U.S.

What I Do

- I build all sizes of model railroads from small switching layouts to full blown projects that fill an entire basement.

- I work in HO, N, 0 (two rail only), G (indoor only) and Z scales, sorry I do not do three rail O scale.

- Projects based on a specific prototype are my specialty.

- I offer design only services. You do not have to be a construction customer in order for me to design a layout for you.

- I offer many levels of finish with the most popular options being: fully completed and sceniced layouts, sceniced layouts with no structures, and finally - mechanically complete layouts with no scenery. Mechanically complete, unsceniced layouts are fully operational model railroad without structures or scenery and are substantially less costly.

- I use the "EasyDCC" wireless system made by CVP Products to power layouts. (www.cvpusa.com)

Costs and Payments

Because of the large number of labor hours involved, having a custom model railroad built involves a significant financial commitment. Listed below are some average cost guidelines for a typical, HO scale, fully sceniced layout. Depending on your needs, your project may be less or even more than these averages.

• Switching layouts and 4x8 tabletops: 10k-25k
• Bedroom size layouts: 30k to 65k
• Basement size layouts: 40k on up

Not any one project is the same so I encourage you to contact me to discuss your situation and budget in more detail.

Deposits: All projects require a deposit. Some smaller projects (less than 10K) may require full payment before the project is started, while larger projects require 25%-30% down to begin work.

Payments: After the initial deposit has been received, and construction started, the remaining balance is paid in installments due at the completion of previously agreed to milestones. Typical milestones are: completion of bench work, completion of mechanical systems, completion of scenery, and completion of structures. The final milestone, project completion, requires payment prior to delivery.

The Process

I begin by preparing a design and proposal based on your needs and budget. Once the proposal is accepted, we will enter into a signed contract and a deposit will be required to begin work. Projects are constructed in my shop with progress reports and photos presented at the completion of each milestone. With the completion of each milestone, a payment will be due in the amount previously agreed to in the contract. Once your project is completed and final payment received, I will deliver and set up your layout. Smaller projects are picked up at my shop by the client. In order to ensure safe and damage free transport, no projects will be sent via mail or other freight/delivery services.