Mini-Things

MINI-THINGS Providing custom model railroad layout design & construction in Z, N, TT, HO, S, O & G scales and producing model railroad accessories in N & TT scales for the detail-oriented modeller. Z, S, & O scale accessories coming soon! Also providing minitature landscaping & diorama construction, military models, model/diorama/train restoration, updating & repair. References include Science City/Union Station at Kansas City, Kansas City Museum, Herzog Contracting, Crown Center & Childrens' Mercy Hospital.

PHOTO GALLERY

18'x30' O scale

2'x4' N scale

15'x17' HO scale

Science City/Union Station

Children's Mercy Hospital G scale

21'x8' HO Marklin Digital

4'x8' Marklin HO

4'x7' O scale

18' x 30' O scale #2

3' x 5' N scale layout (in progress)

4'x 4' N scale layout

3' x 5' N scale layout (finished)

4' x 5' N scale layout

10'x 12' O scale layout

4' x 8' O scale layout

3' x 6' O scale layout

2' x 3' N scale layout

4' x 8' O scale layout

4' x 8' N scale layoutt

16' x 18' G scale layout

2' x 3' HO scale layout

Pricing -- The price of any layout depends on size, level of detail, accessories, electronics, supplies (trains, track, buildings, etc.) and many other variables. Layouts can vary from several hundred dollars to many thousands depending on all these factors. I rate layouts on a scale of 1 to 10 depending on complexity - benchwork, trackwork, wiring, scenery, detail, etc.. Most layouts on this website I rate between a 5 and 7 in complexity and when it's all said and done usually figure out to be around $150/sq. ft. for labor on HO scale and larger layouts. N & Z scale layouts average $300/sq. ft. because so much more can be done in a smaller space. For less complex/detailed layouts or partially finished layouts (such as benchwork, trackwork and wiring only) obviously the prices are much less. For a price range please call or email your specifications, thoughts, ideas, dreams and anything else you may have to help us figure out the perfect layout for you!

Design -- I can design almost any layout you may want. Because there is a lot of time just in this stage I do have an upfront fee of $75 to design up to a 4'x 8' layout in HO scale and larger. Larger layout designs are done at $2/sq.ft. N & Z scale layouts are $4/sq.ft to design because so much more can be done in a given space. This includes a couple different versions of a track plan if needed as well as a list of supplies (track, accessories, etc.). These are yours even if you choose not to have the layout built. Very complex/detailed designs, 3-D design prints and larger layouts run higher.

With that said obviously the first step in any project is to decide what you want. There are lots of books and magazines with a huge variety of different layouts in all sizes and scales. What I recommend to most people is to flip through a few of these to get an idea of what you want. Maybe pick out a few different track plans that have features you like. From here I can incorporate these features into a couple different track plans using 2D or 3D design software. From this point we can add and subtract features, figure up both a labor cost quote and supplies/materials cost and begin to build a layout!

Benchwork -- Depending on the style of your layout the benchwork may be open grid or solid table-top. Most larger layouts with many elevations are built open grid style while smaller layouts are typically table-top style or a combination of both. Typically 1x4's, finishing plywood and screws are materials of choice unless heavier duty materials are needed such as in a public display setting. Whenever possible larger layouts are built in sections for ease of transport and set up. On-site construction is also an option though more expensive due to expenses (gas) and drive time. Some on-site will always be needed for sectional layouts to set it up but is usually limited to a day or two.

Trackwork/Wiring -- There are a lot of different products on the market that one can use. However the only requirement I have when building a layout is to use new track. Especially when it comes to 3-rail O gauge track. I can spend as much time to clean up, fix and test old used track as I do building the entire layout so although it may be an investment initially it is better in the long run. Most track will typically be laid on cork or foam roadbed both for looks and sound reduction. In some cases homasote is used especially for larger O scale layouts. When neccessary, track joints are soldered, feeder wires run at regular intervals, bridges/trestles built in, blocks cut, relays installed, switches wired --- just about everything needed to make the layout self sufficient for running trains.

Scenery -- I rate scenic realism on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 being very basic - flat surface with basic store-bought scenic materials. 10 being a multi-level scale miniature landscape that may at first fool mother nature herself! Most layouts I have on this page are around a 5 to 7. Nice looking realistic scenery with different levels. There are thousands upon thousands of scenery products on the market ranging from grass, trees, structures, people, and vehicles to miniature plates & silverware, individual sunflowers and fish for the pond. As with most things in life it just depends on the budget you have to work with. A square foot of an HO layout may have $10 worth of scenery products on it or quite literally $1000 on it!