Would You Use The Services of a Custom Layout Builder?

[vsmith]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rsn48


Layouts are unbelievably labour intensive. So $50,000 for a large layout wouldn't surprise me at all, especially if he wants a high level of detail.

Especially if your having someone build a layout that might normally take 5-10 years to completion in less than 6 months ( I assume these custom layouts are completed in only a couple of months ).

[Anonymous]

I for one plan to begin a layout in a couple of years. I have never designed one and don't really know where to begin. I have a basic idea in my mind but haven't really established much beyond that. From that perspective, for someone to get me set in the right direction is interesting, but I'll probably just learn more and look at ideas and go from there. I've got to finish my basement first , so in the meantime I'm workin on my locos, rolling stock and my models.

[on30francisco]

No way! For myself, building and designing the layout is the best part of the hobby. This includes the baseboards, trackage and especially the structures and scenery. If money were no object I'd like to have much more space than I now have (and in the SF Bay Area it would have to be a lot of $$).

[Anonymous]

I probably would. I would most likely work along with them. I think of it this way, it would be like having your friends over to help you build the layout but it would be the profesional builders. Since I model by myself,a lot of the menial tasks just take to long. And of course if money were no object it would be a mamoth layout.
Andrew

[Anonymous]

Only if I hit LOTTO!

[Anonymous]

"Would You Use The Services of a Custom Layout Builder?"

That is for silver spoons muthas who don't have time to do stuff themselves. They have all the money in the world, but no time.

I don't have money to pay some one else to do anything for me. ANY layout related work is done by me and me alone. I'd prefer to do it myself anyway.

[Anonymous]

Wow. I need to rent myself out. I love building benchwork and doing DC wiring! It's scenery that kicks my butt!! I would seriously love to hire that Hayden guy to do my scenery and Selios (sp?) to do my structures!! But, even if I had all the money in the world I think I'd rather hire those two geniuses to teach me how to do it myself.

Bottom line: I don't hold a grudge against anyone. Used to be a time when you had to make boxcars out of stripwood and shim stock metal. Now we have RTR cars. Same with engines, computers (only wimps bought already assembled machines) and practically anything else. If a guys whole interest in the hobby is operation, and he can afford it - why not have someone build him a layout. My measurement of success in this hobby is how big is the smile on the owner/operators face.

[Anonymous]

I would ONLY use them for the help with the track planning I know what I want just cant move it from my head to the pencil. Everything else would be all me. Except putting a Decoder in my loco when it comes time I just dont trust myself yet. I will probly have to have someone do it for me.

[BRAKIE]

If I lack the skills needed and had the cash I would have my layout custom built.Of course the builder would need to follow my instructions to a "T" and dot the "Is" in the process.[}:)]

[tstage]

NO!...because it would ALWAYS be someone ELSE'S layout. The joy is designing...learning...researching...trying out ideas...learning...putting things together...learning,...and, eventually coming up with something that you can enjoy because you did the work yourself. [:D]

To have someone else do all that? Phhh! It just wouldn't be the same! Besides, what would I have to pass along to anyone who showed interested in getting into the hobby? "Oh, here's the number for MY layout designer. Tell him I sent you and he'll cut you a break." No, thanks. I'll pocket the savings and pour a small sum of it into my layout. [:)]

Tom

[Anonymous]

No way !!!
I have never heard anything positive about a custom model railroad I hear disaster stories of layouts with constan derailments and unhappiness.
I would rather do it myself at least then I know who to blame for any problems

[Anonymous]

The fun is in building the layout. While I enjoy operating, the construction has been a blast so far!

[DonaldAgne]

Nah, I'd never hire one myself, even if I had the bucks. But there's a market for their services, for sure. Just like there's a market for custom chopper builders and car builders and house painters. Some guys (with money) want a layout or a bike or car or want their house painted but don't have the time and/or talent to do themselves. Nothing wrong with that. I'd love to be a custom layout builder, except that when I finished a layout, it wouldn't be mine and I wouldn't be able to play with it whenever I wanted. That would be hard to take, I think.

[mikebonellisr]

I think that I would hire someone to help me do some things to ensure getting it right the first time, ex.. installing a turntable with indexing.I sort of do that now,If I buy a expensive brass engine,I usually farm that out to be painted.

[Anonymous]

Don,

You're right. I don't know if I could give it up after building it either!

[darth9x9]

Would I use a custom layout builder? NO
Would I use a custom layout planner? YES

I am in the beginning stages of planning my model railroad empire. Because of the complexity of the layout, I will seek the services of a CLP to work on the weak areas.