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Careful planning is
the most critical step in building a custom model railroad. From concept to a
finished and ready-to-run model railroad, each step of the process needs to be
carefully planned. I listen to my customers wants and needs then create drawings
of each crucial step to ensure a smooth construction processes.
Planning to build a
model railroad and depending on complexity - can take as little as a few days to
plan or they could very well take several weeks or more to complete. The overall size of
the layout isn't the determining factor as to how long planning will take, but
as I mentioned - it's the complexity of the overall project.
The more information a
customer can supply the less time it will take to come up with a concept for a
custom layout. Customer supplied information that can reduce overall planning
expenses are, sketches of track plans, maps, photos and any other items that can
give me a better idea of what you want.
The steps I use for
custom model railroad planning are listed below with a bit of info to help you
understand how my project process works.
1) Layout Concept
- Before a plan can be drawn up a layout concept needs to be developed. Typically a
customer will have a model railroad concept based on real life
experience...places they've been to ...places they remember vividly, and wish to
include in their layout. I can assist you in developing a concept as well.
2) Layout Design -
The primary goal of design is to logically apply the the layout concept to fit the customers
space. This is developed through communication with the customer based on what
they want and how the end product might look.
3) Layout Planning
- At this stage, a customer approved design will be broken down into a complete building
plan, required materials list, a construction start date and completion date. It
is important that a track plan fits the layout surface. The layout plan is a
combination of multimedia artwork, CAD and graphic software combined to create scale drawings so
that all components of the layout will work together, fit the space provided and
provide a good idea of what the finished layout will look like.
4) Construction -
This is the fun part! During layout construction, I use email and photographs to
update you of the progress. My updates at the minimum, are sent once a week and
will include photos and general explanations of how things are progressing.
These updates are a great way for the customer to stay involved along the way.
5) Layout Delivery
- I am personally available to deliver and set up the layout and get you running
trains. Customer pickup is always available. Delivery - no matter how close or
how far - is a logistical part of the planning process that is also included.
Shipping racks need to be designed and built
Should you decide to have me plan your
custom model railroad for you, I will provide you with:
Below are graphics pulled from a few projects that I've worked on and
highlight some of the various aspects of planning that need attention.....
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