The Railroad Designer: James Adams
The Railroad Designer: James Adams
Design Services For Custom Model Railroad Layouts
Provided By: James Adams
a.k.a. The Railroad Designer
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 preparation 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. You and I 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 I offer my on-site services to survey and research the specific prototype area you want to model. This is an optional service where I will personally come to your location or research site and as necessary take detailed measurements and photos, gather specific research information, visit historical sites, libraries, museums etc. 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. each time discussing the revisions and getting your approval 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 my normal hourly design rate.
6. Once the final draft is approved you will receive the deliverables listed below.
What Does My 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 I can place my cad designed footprints of them on the layout design to check for clearance and fit. I can also suggest structures and industries I think will fit your theme.
5. You will receive all design drafts via email in either PDF or JPG format. For an additional cost I can provide printed hard copies from 24"x24" all the way up to full size 1:1 print rollouts.
6. I will provide a complete parts list of all roadbed, track, turnouts, bridges and structures on the plan. I will also provide a discounted price list if you wish to purchase your parts through AffordableModelRailroads.com
7. I will suggest backdrops and placement location where appropriate for the perimeters and any view blocks on the design. I will also provide a discounted price quote for backdrops purchased through RailroadBackdrops.com and BackdropsOnly.com
8. Limited Basic consulting as my time is available while you build your railroad. Indepth consulting is available at my normal hourly rate.
9. Electrical designs and plans are also available for an additional cost.
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 designs up to 800 sq. ft. (approximately 20x40 or equivalent) which includes virtually unlimited design changes until you are happy with the final design.
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 up to 800sq. 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. ft. N scale layout is approximately 4 times more railroad than a comparable sized HO scale and almost 16 times more layout than O 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 can also be an additional price depending on size and complexity.
6. The optional design services you select such as 1:1 full size print templates, wiring diagrams, backdrops, full 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 me directly (731)-337-2272 or email TheRailroadDesigner@gmail.com
Once your design is complete you may want to consider optional services including ordering 1:1 full size track plan print templates to make constructing your model railroad layout easier and faster than you thought possible, an electrical or wiring diagrams, your backdrops or a benchwork design and plan
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