[Arran]

Good to know Arran.  I'm not that creative, sorry.  The total component parts were probably less than $20 from Mouser.  The most expensive parts were the chassis box and the perf board!  The fun of laying it was priceless, particularly when it worked.
Best,  Jerry

Jerry,
  That's not too bad for all new parts, if that included the transformer, it's usually the "iron" that's the most expensive part, hence why we used to scrounge those, pots, and things to use for project boxes.
Regards
Arran