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It's a good kit but it's quite expensive. What's more it's not complete. To do it completely you have the additional scenery and structure packages which adds several hundred dollars to it and the structures may not all be what you want. That's where the fun of the premolded foam base falls down. You may be able to cut out a little additional space for a larger structure but in the end you're basically locked into what the base allows. There's also no way of getting to the other side of the layout unless there's space allowed on an end and the other side so you can walk around it or if it can be put on casters so it can be pulled out away from the wall. True the foam base will be lightweight but the bench holding probably won't be unless you go with thin light L-girder construction.
i didnt think it came with the track or structures. think it comes with the base and stuff to make the ground. track and buildings come separate, if i understood correctly.
While good for what it is, quite honestly it is just a package of Woodland Scenics' basic modeling materials and instructions. What it definitely is not is an actual "kit" in the common meaning of the word from which one can quickly and very easily assemble the pictured layout. As long as that situation is understood, you'll probably be OK with the kit. Just remember, if you are not experienced in layout building already it is going to take you quite some time to put everything together and come out looking anything like illustration on the box. Patience in going to be key in that respect.
And as has already been noted, you'll need additional Woodland Scenics "kits" to supply the buildings, track, and other details.
As mentioned in the above posts, in addition to the Grande Valley Layout Kit, you will also need to purchase the #S1486 City & Industry Building Set, #ST1183 Grand Valley Track Pack, vehicles, figures, locomotive, train cars and a power pack.
I think it is a nice set for those who have no plans for future expansion and want to learn how to landscape a model train layout.
If you have the money and don't think you can either copy it or build a different 4x8 of your own, then go for it!!
It may SEEM expensive to layout all the cash up front but building a layout WILL take some money, trust me.
As mentioned, all you get is what you see as a base...you have to build a table for it and then buy the track package and the buildings and stuff.
Of course you can buy/build your own buildings and scenic stuff if you like.
I'd kinda like to see on of those up close.
Looking at that layout. I think after you finished it and enjoyed it for a while. The novelty would soon wear off and you would loose intrest. Which would be unfortunate after investing a good 500 dollars to build it. Unless you decide to expand on it.
I agree with SS. if you are really a model rr enthusiast, you would have to create a layout from scratch to truly enjoy it. knowing that you created it is a large part of the joy and fun. the concept of a layout "kit" may actually be lost here quite honestly. cars, structures, bridges, power, etc. come as kits. an entire layout is far too involved to be considered a kit. this looks marketed as a shake and bake layout for someone looking to have a layout quickly. just my opinion. .
