In terms of electronics and software, the PiDP-11 is similar to my PiDP-8. The PiDP-11 turned out more costly to make, because of the custom case (injection molding!). I hit the upper limit of the design goal: to stay under $250.
The molds for switches and case will hopefully be useful for other PDP-11 projects as well. The idea is to have these parts available as 'open-source molds'. If such a concept exists. :)
(update - in fact, a plug-in FPGA board for the PiDP-11 is being worked on as part of the PDP2011 project, in case simh on a Pi does not meet your needs).
Hi Oscar, my dad put his together (in about an afternoon, which tells you how excited he was to get it!), and he absolutely loves it. Thanks for making this kit! best wishes -- Peter