I,ve just being pondering about custom layout building busniness. does anyone know what is involved. i mean i know all business have their difficultis but im wondeitng what tyype of probelm one might encounter strting something along those lines. What cost are suually involved, what type of demad can someone be faced with, what type of charging / amount of work has to be done...what expereicne in the field is required, what are people looking for mostly ( ready to run or start -up?) what are the basic cost of getting into such a business? well if anyone can help me id appreciate
Tools, man. Tools. MAJOR expense if you want good stuff that will last. Miter saw for benchwork, cordless drill for benchwork, jigsaw, clamps, construction square, levels, drill bits, screwdriver bits and a good magnetic bit extension. That's the basics. Lumber, plywood, hardware: screws, nails, tacks, staples, bolts/nuts. That's just for building BASIC benchwork. Now, if you are plannign on laying track, building scenery, etc, you'll need more tools. Xuron cutters, a few pairs of small nose pliers, soldering gun, solder, flux, track, roadbed, railjoiners, turnouts.... Scenery materials... the list can go on and on, depending on how crazy you want to get,and how muchmoney youhave to start with. You could also get a small business loan.
My opinion: Do you dislike Model Railroading? You will after you start this business. Don't mix business with pleasure would be my advice. Jas
Take note of Jas's comments. Also, be prepared for a customer who wants the most in the least space and needs a report as to why they can't have it. Also, the one that has a change of heart midway through and needs to redesign. I had a friend who used to do this and these were just a couple of the issues he needed to deal with.
