First I would figure on what my two sons cost me including college-cash only then all the cars, guns and other "toys" they have received to balance things out a little. Trains are cheaper.
Hot Water posted:What is "average"? Besides, averages are very misleading. For example, the average depth of the Mississippi River is about two feet. That information is pretty useless.
That information is not useless. It can be used, for example, to do a first order estimate of water volume in the river, which can lead to all sorts of necessary calculations for some tasks.
An average simply needs a large enough sample of data from which to derive it. Professional layout builders, who necessarily keep records of that sort of thing, can approach that level of data, but, as has been pointed out, their situation doesn't apply well to the individual building his own layout.
The problem is that the OP asked the wrong question, and several folks here have offered solutions: decide what kind of layout he wants, estimate costs, and do the math himself. Such a question is common to the novice; sneering at him for it isn't all that helpful.
I've seen the $100 per sqft before (excluding rolling stock and exceptional accessories) and at first thought that was crazy until I started doing some mental math on the bench work, wiring, track and so and and so forth...
3 decker Mianne framework was about $1000.
Layout plan for Atlas track main level and tubular track subway and yard levels.
The track cost was >$2000. The layout has long since been modified. I like small engines running at protypically slow speeds. The power gaps were too large and I redwsigned the outer loop.
The tubular track was purchased 25-35 years ago and since you can consider it depreciated and essentially "free" (but it really wasn't).
Wire, plywood, paint, etc.....no real idea. One tip.....pay extra for cabinet grade wood......at least 5/8". No chance of warping
RossBed.....figure another $1000. There are cheaper alternatives.......but it is a fantastic product.
The layout now....probably 2-3 years from completion.
Peter
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Joe Hohmann posted:My small 5x8 layout consists of 3 sheets of 4x8 Luan board (glued together to make a sturdy 5x8), and 4 Home Depot plastic saw-horses. Total cost to get me started, about $120.
When we bought our house, there were 1/2 dozen sheets of drywall in the basement. I've just used sawhorses, or cheap folding tables and started with that. use what you can get easy and cheap if cost is an issue.
