I am not setting out to bash these modules, but I'm still trying to overcome my sticker shock and my inherent resistence to the marketing comcept (sell WS product).
The previous poster is making 24 modules -- so if I assume half are "straight" and half are "corner", the total outlay is $3600, not including benchwork. Throw that in, (another $780) and you have a whopping $4380 invested, and you don't have any track or structures yet. My own 10x15 layout only cost about half that, including track and structures (although my sample selection of modules would yield 162 sq ft of actual layout space, compared to my own 112).
Yes, the modules come with scenic materials (according to WS, a 20% savings over purchasing separately). But looking at the materials list, it looks like you would end up with a lot of stuff you didn't need (3 gallons of scenic cement!), and roadbed in either N or HO scale (because the kit comes with both), as well as missing some key ingredients (poly fiber, for example).
Also, can someone comment on whether the benchwork is an "engineered wood product" or actual wood (hard or soft)? Does it really only stand 36 1/2" high (my laout is at 48")?
