Mark;
This is only meant to help. I just did a quick check of the Trainworld/Trainland advertisement in the August, 2011 issue of Garden Railways.
Center Cab Diesel with FREE Caboose $189.99
20 foot cars (only tank, flat, and caboose are shown) $35.99 each
1.8 amp power pack $56.99
Trainworld/Trainland do not list track in their current ad. Under the St. Aubin Trains advertisement in the same issue.
1 box of brass 12 inch straight track $79.99
1 box of brass 4 foot dia curved track $79.99
These items separately, and before shipping and/or taxes come to $514.93, so you are within the ballpark (I’m also factoring that the caboose would be a separate sale and not free).
I’m currently getting rid of most of my own 1:29 equipment, but thought other folks would like to see how you fare against the “competition.”
Best,
David Meashey