Does anyone have advice about what height the bottom of a valence should be above either the floor or your head? Or should it be somewhere between the top of your head and your eyes?
I'm about to start construction of a double-decked shelf layout. Shelves typically 400mm (16") deep. I'm planning on using flourescent tube fittings over the top shelf, and mounting them under a third shelf that will form the "lid" of the layout and a storage shelf for lightweight items.
A lot depends on ceiling height and viewing preference. I would have preferred my valance to be well above head height on my single level layout, but I was limited by a low ceiling. Also, I model in O scale and needed as much room vertically as possible for scenery. It turned out to be about 6 feet off the floor. To soften the possible impact on the heads of tall operators leaning forward, I slid sections of gray foam pipe insulation onto the lower edge for protection. The foam actually gives the appearance of a finished edge and is always commented on favorably by guests.
On the other hand, you may wish to emphasize the "showcase" look with low valances and high benchwork. A lot is up to your personal preference.
For a double decker layout such as your's, I have always liked the appearance of equal height decks. In other words, from lower level benchwork to upper deck fascia would be the same height as from upper deck level to bottom of valance. This way, one deck is not overemphasized at the expense of the other. But, this is just my personal preference.
Jim
The main reason to use a valance in front of layout lighting is to keep the glare of the lights out of the eyes of the observers/operators and to reflect the light down onto the layout surface. I'm using valances made from 1/8" thick hardboard that are 12" wide. The bottom edge of the valance is approximately 7' off the floor so, at 6'4", I have plenty of head room below the valance. The side of the valance facing the layout is painted a gloss white to act as a reflector of the fluorescent strip lights I'm using for illumination.
You might want to check the article by David Barrow in the 2005 issue of Model Railroad Planning on pages 78-79 in which he describes different lighting arrangements with which he experimented. I'm using GE Chroma 50 (also known as Sunshine) fluorescent tubes per Barrow's suggestion to get the best color rendition. You might also want to look at Jeff Wilson's book on benchwork construction. I think he has a section in it on valances for multideck layouts.
Bob
Jim -Ceiling height is a generous 8'4". I'm just wondering if I can get a decent storage shelf in what would otherwise be wasted space. I like your equal heights comment.
Sounds like anything above head-height for the bottom of the valance should be OK?
Wes