Design Services For Custom Model Railroad Layouts
Provided By: James Adams

Here is what you can expect when you hire me, James Adams, The Railroad Designer:

Step 1: You will provide me with any pictures, sketches and/or research you have already done in prperation of building the layout. You may have no information yet or you may have volumes...either way this is where we will start.

Step 2. We will have an in-depth conversation about your proposed project and layout vision. This will include a comprehensive questionnaire we will go over together, step by step, so you can convey your thoughts and ideas to me and we will discuss the pictures, sketches and any research you have provided me with.

Step 3 (Optional) For some more complex designs or rooms with several "unusual features" or for prototype specific designs we may recommend our on-site survey or research of a specific area you want to model. This is an optional service where I will personally come to your location or research site, take detailed measurements and photos, gather specific research information and consult with you in person about your unique set of circumstances.

 4. Based on the information provided in the above steps I will prepare a room plan, bench work outline and basic mainline drawing to make sure I am heading in the correct direction  and we are on the same page.

 5. I will provide you with virtually unlimited changes after the initial draft (some restrictions apply) as I will continue to add track and other design details such as spurs, yards, passing sidings, branch lines, etc. to refine the plan until you are completely happy with the final draft. I generally do not charge extra for changing details and refining a plan. If there are major changes that occur once we are into the design process you will be notified and if you agree to continue the changes those will be billed additionally at our competitive hourly design rate.


 (This page is still under construction and will be finished as time permits. In the mean time click here to go to my contact info)
 

What Do Custom Model Railroad 
Layout Design Services Include

1. A complete layout design rendering similar to what you see in the various sample pictures on this website.

2. Essential dimensions such as curve radius, elevation heights and grade slopes, benchwork top outlines and aisle widths.

3. Track layout, turnout locations, bridges, water effects (location of rivers and lakes), roads, parking areas and structures.

4. If you have structures already you wish to include on the layout or structures you know you want to purchase we can place our cad designed footprints of them on the layout design to check for clearance and fit. We can also suggestions structure we think will fit your theme.

5. You will receive all design drafts via email in either PDF or JPG format. I can provide printed hard copies from 24"x24" all the way up to full size 1:1 print rollouts for an additional price.

6. A complete parts list of all roadbed, track, turnouts, bridges and structures on the plan.

7. I will also suggest backdrops and placement location where appropriate for the perimeters and any view block on the design.

8. Limited Basic consulting as my time is available while you build your railroad.

9. Electrical designs and plans are also available for an additional price.


(This page is still under construction and will be finished as time permits. In the mean time click here to go to my contact info)
 

What Do Custom Model Railroad Layout Design Services Cost?

Every design is different and unique; however, In most cases I charge a simple flat fee for HO, S, O and G Scale designs up to 400 sq. ft. (approximately 20x20 or equivalent) which includes virtually unlimited design changes until you are happy with the final design. Smaller than HO scale are slightly higher.

The price can be higher with the following factors:

1. The size of the layout. Obviously it takes a lot more work to design a 2500 sq. ft. layout as opposed to a smaller 400 sq. ft. layout.

2. The complexity and diversity. Layouts featuring many turnouts to create yards and heavy industrial switching areas take significantly more time and effort than a southwestern desert mainline.

3. If basing the design on a prototype there could be significant time in research needed to gather and utilize that information.

4. The scale you are modeling in. For example a 400 sq.v ft. N scale layout is approximately 4 times more railroad than a comparable sized HO scale so it is more time consuming and complex to design for the same size area.

5. Multi-Level benchwork designs and additional level staging yards are also an additional price.

6. The optional design services you select such as 1 to 1 full size print templates, wiring diagrams, backdrops, benchwork  plans, etc.

Click Here To Contact Me To Discuss Your Project And Get A Quote.

 

 

To get a quote on your custom layout design call us directly (800) 216-9202 or email TheRailroadDesigner@gmail.com

Go to my CONTACT PAGE to if you would like to set up an initial consultation. Please include all contact information including your telephone number so I can call to arrange for the consultation.

Once  your design is complete you may want to consider optional services including ordering 1 to 1 full size track plan print templates to make constructing your model railroad layout easier and faster than you thought possible, an electrical or wiring diagram, your backdrops or a benchwork design and plan

For more information on optional services

Call: 800-216-9202

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