I currently have a 4x13 “semi dog bone” track layout with a dual mainline with two crossovers and two loops. I’m not bad doing scenery. As a matter of fact pictures that I have posted have been for the better part well received. But my weakness is at benchwork, track laying, and using the appropriate power system.
With that all said, I am planning renovations in my basement and will be able to have room for a much bigger layout. An L-shape 5x12x18x5. I’m excited about doing the scenery, but have been considering a custom builder to do the benchwork, track, wiring and power. I have a simple idea, a dual mainline with 2 crossovers and 2 loops. No yards or turntables, or extensive switching.
I have been in talks with 2 builders but would like to see if anyone out there has had any experiences with any of these companys in the past.
I know what most of you will be thinking but I am really considering a professional in doing my trackwork and DCC wiring. So please only people who have references need to reply.
Would you consider getting benchwork from a source that does just that, and then either laying the track yourself or finding someone local to do that for you? Again, check MR or RMC for ads for benchwork.
Check out some of the larger train shows. There are often custom builders there, too.
Pick up an issue of MRR and one of the Walthes monthly flyers. They always have a bunch of builders in there.
Thanks for your reply but I have been doing extensive research and phone calling. What I need to know is to hear from people that have possibly had some work done by a custom builder or know of someone who has work done
Would you consider getting benchwork from a source that does just that, and then either laying the track yourself or finding someone local to do that for you? Again, check MR or RMC for ads for benchwork.
Check out some of the larger train shows. There are often custom builders there, too.
I suppose that would kind of work. Do you have someone in mind for benchwork? And as for the track and wiring, there is no one that I know of in W Pa that does that sort of thing.
That gives me an idea. Is there anyone in W Pa or close to it that does custom work. Like either benchwork or track and wiring for DCC
You could always call up the folks at The Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad museum (WPMRM) up in Gibsonia, PA. From my understanding, all the work done on their huge 40’ x 100’ layout (design, bench work, track work, power, etc.) has been done in-house. Maybe someone there either has the time and/or gumption to give you a hand, or can give you a recommendation of someone in the Pittsburgh area qualified to do that type of work.
If you haven’t been to the WPMRM to see their layout, Joe, it is WELL worth the trip. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait till November 12th, which is the beginning of their holiday display schedule.
Lastly, and a bit OT: If you enjoy pierogies and are up that way, there’s a wonderful pierogie store in Cranberry, Wexford, and Moon Township. You can either pick it up frozen or eat it there warmed up. I don’t know the owner or anyone personally who works at the stores. It’s just delicious eastern European cuisine. I particularly enjoy the potato, cheddar, and jalapeno stuffed pierogies. [:P]
Tom
FYI: Joe, if you are wanting to quote someone and leave their text isolated from your response (like I did in my post above), you need to include the bracketed quote (i.e.
[/quote]
) at the very end of their quote so that the forum software knows that’s where the quote ends. You can then include as little or as much of the original quote by editing what’s in between those bracketed quotes.
Joe, my self I would contact a local Cabinet maker to build the bench. Might be able to pick up some used cabinets for under layout storage. Far as DCC wiring, it really is pretty easy.
Laying the track? Well I am going to shut up for right now. Just had a derailment. [:-^]
If you can go 5.5 feet, do it. Part of my bench is only 5 foot and I wish it was a little wider,
Where in w. Pa do you live, I live about midway between Erie and Pitts. close to Mercer and Sharon I might be able to help you out with some of your construction and wiring. Jim.
Very nice work and a pretty reasonable price. He is quite willing to negotiate terms and leave any part of the layout (i.e. scenery) to the owner. He’s located in Pottersville, NY, north of Albany on I-87.
) at the very end of their quote so that the forum software knows that’s where the quote ends. You can then include as little or as much of the original quote by editing what’s in between those
One of the builders I talked to said the same thing. I can go wider but one end is in a corner and I would need some type of way to gain access to the corner. He had several options but i was reluctant.
But now hearing your wish, I will consider it more
I live in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, McCandless to be exact. Like my initial post said, benchwork, track,and DCC wiring is what I need. What would you be able to help me with?
I’m actually the owner of modelrailroadbenchwork.com. I would be happy to answer any questions you or anyone else may have on my product or even just layout design/ construction in general.
Ultimately my goal is to ease entry into the model railroading hobby by letting you skip the woodwork, so if I can help, please don’t hesitate to ask.
I just want to thank you for your advice of going 5.5 on the turn arounds instead of 5! I’m going to be running a dual main line, and because of the extra 1/2" my radius’ are going to be 30 and 24 instead of 24 and 22. Coming from what I had which was 22 and 18, I feel like I’m in the major leagues now.
I’m considering offering a layout building service, for those who (for whatever reason) want to hire someone to do it for them. Any thoughts or input on the idea? I would probably specialize in just a few aspects of layout building, primarily benchwork, tracklaying, basic wiring, and structure assembly. Scenery isn’t my strongest point (I mean, I do okay), and many people would (probably) want to do their own scenery anyway.
Would anyone be interested in such a service? (I’m not far from Atlanta for those who are curious).