Our Team

With over 100 years of combined experience. From engineering and design to construction and detailing the team at Custom Railroad can build your model railroad layout, we will provide to you exactly the amount of support you desire.

In addition we can provide the additional skills you need to gain that perfect dream layout you have always wanted. 

Client Testimonials

“The best in the buisness. this was my second layout with Custom Railroad. I thought the first one was amazing, but they knocked my socks off.“ - Jared K

Questions

  • How do we start the process of building my railroad? It all starts with a layout plan, a budget/estimate based on the plan, and then a schedule for completion will be determined. The project starts when we get a deposit and signed contract.

  • How long does it take to build a railroad? It depends on the complexity of the railroad. A simple oval on a sheet of plywood wired to a power pack with no scenery would be up and running in a day, while a multi-train operation, with freight yards, a turntable, animation, custom structures, signals, lights and other details for a building as large as 30'x65', could take several months, even years to complete.

  • Can you visit my house to build or work on the railroad?Yes, we have a crew ready to travel anywhere in the continental United States. All work can be done on location of the railroad. Travel time, airfare, vehicle rentals, food expense and lodging would be required, and would be an extra charge added to the estimate. But if at all possible have your railroad built at our shop then shipped to your location, this will save you thousands of dollars!

  • Why should I let someone else build my layout?The model railroading hobby has many facets. Some enjoy construction and others enjoy operating and displaying the final product but don't currently have the time or skills to build a layout.

    Working with the experienced team at Layout Builders, our customers have achieved their model railroad goals quickly, allowing them to spend their precious time running trains and enjoying a finished layout much sooner than if they did it on their own.

  • I Dont Live IN YOUR AREA. How does that work? We can build layouts in sections that may be transported, set up, and checked out at your location. Expenses for travel and set up will be included in our proposal to you.

  • Do you only work on larger layouts? Layouts don't have to be large to be great. We'll work with you to design a layout that gets the most out of your available space, large or small.

  • My friend says he'll help me on my layout. Why should I work with you? For most of our clients, time is the missing factor in building a layout. Because we're professionals, we'll finish your layout on the agreed-upon schedule and budget. And it will be built with the highest quality for years of trouble free operation and great appearance.

  • Are you more expensive than your competitors? Maybe, and maybe not. We believe that long-term enjoyment of a layout comes from the built-in reliability gained by strict adherence to quality. We don't believe in cutting corners ....and our clients agree their investment was very worthwhile.

    Our pricing is dependent on your specific needs and budget, and reflects our committment to doing everything as well as can possibly be done to satisfy those needs, while keeping within your budget. There is great value in the end results of that commitment. You'll be thrilled to display and operate your layout, and we take extreme pride in our client's satisfaction.

  • Should I go with DCC?DCC (Digital Command Control) offers the control of individual locomotives on the same track, much like the prototype operates. Even for small layouts, DCC can provide maximum control, allowing multiple locos with a minumum of wiring and elimination of block switches. Some would argue that the smaller the layout, the more benefit it will have by use of DCC.

    Add the benefit of sound and lighting effects, DCC is the choice for many descerning model railroaders for their existing layouts and especially on newly built layouts. DCC costs compare favorably with traditional DC block control due to the elimination of costly block control switches, panels to mount them on, and the many wires required. With DCC, wiring is much simplified. And with the elimination of block control toggle switches, the operator can focus on running the trains instead of on throwing block switches.

  • Can you design my railroad?Yes we can custom design any size or scale railroad, we can also design control panels and custom cabinetry.

  • Can you give a ballpark estimate cost for the railroad?Custom built model railroads do involve a significant cash investment. Why? Because the majority of the cost of a custom built model railroad is tied to the large number of labor hours involved, as with any high quality handcrafted item such as a custom-built car, furniture or a additional room on your house.

    Costs range anywhere from several thousand dollars for smaller projects up into six or seven figures for larger, more elaborate, railroads. The cost of the railroad really comes down to how long it will take us to build it (Man hours) and supplies purchased. (we've had supplies cost over six figures) Fact: Model railroads have more electrical and electronic wiring than houses!

    We can plan a budget for you that will suit your needs.

  • Once the railroad is completed, will you ship it to me? You can pick up the railroad from our shop, but most people have us ship the railroad to them, it really is up to you. Shipping costs range anywhere from $1,000 - $2,000 for smaller projects and $5,000 and up for larger railroads. The actual cost depends on size, breakdown time, shipping, and re-setting up time plus travel expenses. This would be in your budget/estimate before we start work.

  • Do you only build for clients in your area? Most of our clients are not local, so our railroads are made in modular sections and can be delivered to your location. We have a crew ready to travel anywhere in the continental United States, if need be we can work on your railroad at your location.

  • What scales and types of railroads do you build?We can build "G"-"Z" scales, even narrow gauge, American or European prototypes. We can build a realistic model railroad with themes or toy train layouts. We specialize in large multi-level and multiple running trains!

  • Why are custom model railroads expensive?Custom built model railroads do involve a significant cash investment, as with any high quality handcrafted item such as a piece of custom furniture, or a custom-built car or motorcycle. Think of it as putting an addition on to your house. Why? Because of the large amount of time that is involved in producing a quality product. The majority of the cost of a custom built model railroad is tied to the large number of labor hours involved. Simple version: The more elaborate, the more it will cost.