Getting Started
How To Get Started
Each plan starts by filling out the online questionnaire and providing a detailed floor plan of the available space. After reviewing the questionnaire and the floor plan, I will determine what is the best track configuration for the available space, including any limitations the client has placed on a design. If I'm designing a plan based on a prototype railroad, I will research the specific prototype elements the client wants before starting the design phase.
The design time can vary depending on the complexity of the design. The number of revisions required. The number of projects currently in production. A large complex multi-level track plan can take up to 90 days to finalize.
The most important step in producing a quality plan is making sure I receive an accurate floor plan of the available space. Getting accurate measurements is the biggest problem I have. I highly recommend purchasing a laser measuring tape. It will give you the most accurate readings. Is is also very important the floor plan shows all obstructions. Obstructions include; doors, windows, stairways, support posts, sewer pipes, electrical panels, sump pumps, etc.
After receiving the floor plan information, I will design a detailed floor plan of the available space. The floor plan will emailed to the client for approval. After getting confirmation, that the floor plan, including measurements and locations of all obstructions is accurate, I start the actual design phase. Again, producing an accurate floor plan is absolutely critical to the success of a well designed track plan.
The Finished Plan
When the plan is completed, the client will receive two PDF copies for each level. One file will be printed in black and white and contain all of the information needed to build the top benchwork sub-roadbed and install track work. The print will be scaled to 1 inch equals one foot (1:12). It will contain sub-roadbed benchwork measurements, track centerlines with manufacturer part numbers, track radii, track elevations (if any), and call outs for any special track design characteristics. The finished plan does not include detailed benchwork. This is for two reasons, 1) the added time it would take to design in sub-benchwork detail would not only double the design time, but would also double the design cost; and 2) each client has different levels of carpentry skills. Designing benchwork to fit each clients skill level is impractical and would further increased the design time and cost.
The second color print will also be scaled to 12:1 and will contain detailed scenes to help the client better visualize the overall concept of the design. The color print is suitable for framing. Clients will also receive a list of track materials and a project overview report. Instructions will be included on how to use an architects ruler to accurately measure turnout and track locations.
There are no additional charges for making reasonable adjustments or modifications to the original plan. However, complete re-designs will be charged at my current hourly rate. All original files remain the sole property of - The Track Planner. I reserve the right to use to be able to use the design in any future advertising.
Each plan starts by filling out the online questionnaire and providing a detailed floor plan of the available space. After reviewing the questionnaire and the floor plan, I will determine what is the best track configuration for the available space, including any limitations the client has placed on a design. If I'm designing a plan based on a prototype railroad, I will research the specific prototype elements the client wants before starting the design phase.
The design time can vary depending on the complexity of the design. The number of revisions required. The number of projects currently in production. A large complex multi-level track plan can take up to 90 days to finalize.
The most important step in producing a quality plan is making sure I receive an accurate floor plan of the available space. Getting accurate measurements is the biggest problem I have. I highly recommend purchasing a laser measuring tape. It will give you the most accurate readings. Is is also very important the floor plan shows all obstructions. Obstructions include; doors, windows, stairways, support posts, sewer pipes, electrical panels, sump pumps, etc.
After receiving the floor plan information, I will design a detailed floor plan of the available space. The floor plan will emailed to the client for approval. After getting confirmation, that the floor plan, including measurements and locations of all obstructions is accurate, I start the actual design phase. Again, producing an accurate floor plan is absolutely critical to the success of a well designed track plan.
The Finished Plan
When the plan is completed, the client will receive two PDF copies for each level. One file will be printed in black and white and contain all of the information needed to build the top benchwork sub-roadbed and install track work. The print will be scaled to 1 inch equals one foot (1:12). It will contain sub-roadbed benchwork measurements, track centerlines with manufacturer part numbers, track radii, track elevations (if any), and call outs for any special track design characteristics. The finished plan does not include detailed benchwork. This is for two reasons, 1) the added time it would take to design in sub-benchwork detail would not only double the design time, but would also double the design cost; and 2) each client has different levels of carpentry skills. Designing benchwork to fit each clients skill level is impractical and would further increased the design time and cost.
The second color print will also be scaled to 12:1 and will contain detailed scenes to help the client better visualize the overall concept of the design. The color print is suitable for framing. Clients will also receive a list of track materials and a project overview report. Instructions will be included on how to use an architects ruler to accurately measure turnout and track locations.
There are no additional charges for making reasonable adjustments or modifications to the original plan. However, complete re-designs will be charged at my current hourly rate. All original files remain the sole property of - The Track Planner. I reserve the right to use to be able to use the design in any future advertising.