Design
We use a sophisticated CAD software which was developed by a model railroader for model railroaders. This ensures that our designs are buildable exactly as drawn (down to 100th of an inch if needed).
A preliminary layout design can be delivered in as little time as 1 day. This will be the discussion base for further refinements.
What we need from you:
• a rough sketch of the layout area or the layout room (not to scale but with dimensions and eventual obstructions like doors, ducts, etc.) • the model scale you want run (G, O, H0, etc.) • an idea of what you want to enjoy most (like prototypical operations, switching, main line running, etc.)
What you will get:
• a detailed benchwork plan • a detailed track plan • wiring scheme • basic scenery elements • 2D and 3D renderings of the layout • materials inventory • delivery as PDF - file by email
Our fees
Design
Our fee for layout design is a US-$ 1,500.00 flat rate. Should the design actually be constructed by us, 50% of the design fee will be credited to the construction cost.
Attention Yankee Dabbler customers!
In case you ordered your track plan via the Yankee Dabbler site and want your layout built by us, you also get the 50% credit. You will get US-$375.00 as store credit aplied to your customer account, and US-$375.00 credit to construction cost.
Designing a layout takes up quite some production time. Not only is the actual drawing process involved, but also a fair amount of research. From our past experiences we learned that the average cost of designing a layout is US-$ 1,500.00.
To cover the cost, we require that the design rate is paid in full before we start the design of a new layout.
Construction
In case our customer(s) lack the time or skills to actually build the designed layout, we can construct it in our shops and deliver it to the custmer's site where the layout will be set up by our trained team members.
We use only professional grade materials as delivered from lumber mills we collaborate with. Wood is coated in fire-proof paint. As for track, we use mainly Atlas Code 83 because of its high quality and even scratch - build special turnouts if needed.
Scenic materials come from Mother Nature (where applicable), as well as from Woodland Scenics.
All wiring is done using fire-proof cables and wires.
Our construction rates are US-$ 75.00/hour or US-$ 520.00/day.
We usually work 8-hour days with a 1 hour lunch break. At US-$ 75.00 per hour, this would amount to US-$ 600.00. To show our appreciation of our customer entrusting us with his business, we discount the daily rate to US-$ 520.00.
If it is predictable that a project will take longer than a month to complete, we are prepared to negotiate even this rate on a personal, case-to-case basis.
Maintenance
The track of a layout is basically the same as the foundation of house. If either one deteriorates, trouble is pre-programmed...
Cleaning track on a regular basis is a must for every model railroader, even in climate controlled rooms. This task is however often neglected which is why we offer maintenance contracts. During a maintenance session, we thoroughly clean all track, check the electrical for corrosion and malfunctions, maintain the rolling stock on the layout, and repair damaged scenery.
Our maintenance rate is US-$ 65.00 per hour.
Other layout-related fees
Travel
Within a 50-mile radius of Tampa, FL: free of charge
From mile 51 on: US-$ 0.80/mile, plus hotel cost.
We thrive to keep travel expenses as low as possible. However, since we travel by car as we carry our tools with us, there are certain costs (gas, maintenance, insurance, etc.) that need to be covered.
Hotel
We charge the actual hotel cost as paid by us.
Per Diem
US-$ 45.00 per person and day.
Per Diem is the budget to cover everyday cost, like food or last-minute material purchases.