Many questions arise when doing custom railroads, so we try to answer as many of the most common questions asked. Some questions can be answered by just clicking on the left side menu links.

Where are you located?
We are based in Massachusetts about 30 minutes north of Boston.
Our office is in Lowell, and the shops are in Bolton and Pepperell.

Is e-mail the best way to contact you?
The best way of contacting us is a phone call, we get so many emails it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. But we use email all the time for sending contracts, updated information and photos of your project progress.

Since you are based in Mass, do you only build for clients in your area?
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.

Are all your railroads modular?
Yes, most of the custom railroads we build are in modular pieces, which in turn makes it easier to ship and set up. It also adds more value to the railroad if you decide to move it to a new location or sell your railroad in the future.

What scales and types of railroads do you build?
We can build any size scale, 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.
We also build outdoor Garden Railroads!

What is the difference between "model" and "toy train" layouts?
Model railroads are modeled after the prototype, or actual railroads. They include scale details of structures and scenery. They are very time consuming to build. Toy train layouts are more simplistic and take much less time to build.

What sets S.L.A. apart from other custom builders?
We like to take on challenges that other custom builders would hesitate to do. For example, We have worked on hand-laid track, super elevation, working catenary system, custom cabinets, helixes, and large room sized layouts, just to name a few. In fact, some custom builders are our clients as well.
We pride ourselfs on our reputation of building a railroad on time and on budget!

How much does a railroad layout cost?
The cost of the railroad really comes down to how long it will take us to build it. Costs range anywhere from several thousand dollars for smaller projects up into six or seven figures for larger, more elaborate, railroads.

Are all custom model railroads expensive?
Yes, custom built model railroads do involve a significant cash investment, as with any high quality handcrafted item, whether it be a piece of custom furniture, cars or motorcycles. 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.
(For more info click on the estimates page.)

Do you have a payment schedule, if so how does it work?
Yes we do. Let's look at a $70,000 budget as an example. 
     Payments might be staggered as follows:
    Down payment:                                      $10,000.
    Completion of construction milestone 1         $12,500.
    Completion of construction milestone 2         $12,500
    Completion of construction milestone 3         $12,500
    Completion of construction milestone 4         $12,500
    Completion of final construction milestone     $10,000.
      (payable prior to project delivery)

Of course we can work on a custom payment schedule that is right for you.

What types of payments do you except?
Checks, Master card or Visa are accepted. Please NO cash!

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 could be up and running in about one 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.
(For more info click on the estimates page.)

I want to spread it out slowly over the years, would you build in stages?
Yes, we can build in different stages or phases.
(For more info click on the estimates page.)

Do you make house calls to fix or repair my 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, mileage and lodging would be required, and would be an extra charge added to the estimate.

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 signed contract and deposit. (For more info click on the estimates page.)

If you have more questions you can email us, or continue browsing our website - you may get them answered!