Layout Height

[NKP68]

What a great answer to my first question! Thanks for all the details!

[tgindy]

Good 1st-forum question!

A lot more comes into play with layout height than just picking upper level height and lower level height, especially when you incorporate a helix. So, start with these two August 2007 forum threads:

• "height of layout"

         http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1204562/ShowPost.aspx 

• "4% grade insanity...am I daft?"

         http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1200781/ShowPost.aspx 

My Conemaugh Road & Traction is N Scale, on two levels, will have one helix, and also employs spirals & nolix to gain elevation.  Planning is still in progress along with the room preparation.

The lower level is the CR&T interurban; the upper level is the PRR, and; the Pennsy makes a 2-track helix run down to the lower level with a CR&T passenger & freight interchange "down in the valley."

The lower level CR&T tends to employ track spirals & track balloons since interurban traction prototype allows for tighter track radius, quicker elevation gains, along with engine-only or shortline freight operations.  It is the upper level that needs the helix to gain access to the lower level.

Your personal height has everything to do with your layout's height.  I'm 5'-4" and except for treetops, the upper level will not exceed my average eye-level height (5' = 60") adequate for upper level layout viewing; and the lower level is then being planned accordingly to best avoid the "looking down on a bowl of spaghetti-trackage" syndrome.

First, get your upper level height established, which in my case is 60" allowing apx. 15"  between-level spacing, to a target of 40" for lower level height.  Some re-cycled 30" high bathroom cabinets will be used for storage under the lower layout level, leaving apx. 12" for emergency maintenance access, between the storage and that lower level, before moving a cabinet out from under the lower level.

Two other thoughts for you:  Layout width comes into play which for me is generally 24"-30" and the helix corner will be 36."

• If you are considering an upper level "duckunder/swingout" bridge to add another continuous running operation option, you might refer to this recent forum thread...

        http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1239125/ShowPost.aspx

P.S. #1:  Do a forum search using the words helix, spiral, nolix, and grade.

P.S. #2:  Remember to think about lighting to illuminate that lower level for a minimum of upper level overhang shadows during daylight operations.

Take your good 'ole time researching and planning, and begin a good bookmarking system for the many useful forum threads you'll discover. Don't be surprised if you get some sage advice as this thread continues. 

[selector]

Here is a link to a recent thread on that very subject.

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/556873/ShowPost.aspx

 

[slow train Ed]

 Hope you get several replys to your questions.I am going to do the same thing only in ho scale.Haven't desided if I'm building in a shed (11'x13' )or in the back part of the basement      (13'x22'). I have been thiking of going with the lower one at or about 40" off the floor and the top anywhere from 14" to 20" above that.I am 5'8" tall so got to think of that too.Will be watching yours to get ideas thank youand good luck.

slow train Ed

[NKP68]

I am in the process of designing an N-Scale layout that will be two levels and need suggestions on the heights of the table. I am planning on designing a helix to the second level.

Thanks!