Hi guys, OK so my New Years resolution is to build something. I'm tired of putting it off.
In my current home the best option for a layout is a 'bedroom' layout which will be in a, you guessed it, a spare bedroom. The caveat is that this will also be the home office, aka computer room.
So I think what I want to do a build a 2 foot deep shelf layout that will be above the computer desk surface. I think I can probably get away with the layout being four feet from the floor. You think that's too high? I am 5'10" tall by the way.
Specifications:
I could easily lower the shelf to 48" above the floor and widen it to about 18" without problems. Any wider and it might become a head-knocker when I lean in to reach objects at the back of the computer work surface.
Away from the work surface, the shelf could be wider, especially if all the storage will be in drawers. Over the day bed I might risk 24" - and be ver-ry careful when using the bed for seating.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - in my garage, not my office)
I think your right in the ball park with 48". I'm 6'2" and mine is about 50" tall. I wish it was about 6" taller.
4 feet too tall? Nope. Most of mine is 4' and I'm 6'-0". My highest is about 56" which may be a tad too tall for you.
Here is a picture of my staging yard above my desk. The desk is 28-30" and the railroad is at about 42" in this spot. I would give myself at least another 6" clearance if I ever did it again.
But don't take my word for it. Get some cardboard and mock-up your plans to see if the clearance and your reach is good for that design.
Check out the Deming Sub by clicking on the pics:
Thanks, guys.
I had not though of a day bed. I may do that, but I had thought of making the guest bed a twin/single bed that is a murphy bed mounted horizontally, as opposed to vertically like this...
That way, with the width of the bed being 3'3", and a custom cabinet, I could still be a 48" from the floor for the trains.
I plan on getting some scrap cardboard and mocking this all up full size in the room before I start.
WaxonWaxovI think I can probably get away with the layout being four feet from the floor. You think that's too high?
I'm 5'11". My last layout was 58". This is great for railfanning, storage, and duckunders as well as having a work table underneath. It's a bit claustrophobic with 30" and 24" aisles and you need a two step ladder to work on it. My current layout is 50" with 36" aisles. So far I like it better, easier to work on, but the trains aren't running yet so we'll see.
Enjoy
Paul
I am 6 foot tall so mine is at 45 inches, and it suits me just fine, it's a total of 6 feet wide, 24 feet long, totaly walkaround, and I can easily reach anywhere on the layout.Just recently installed a 23 foot 4 inch center divider-backdrop
TheK4Kid
Here is a simple way to confirm distances specific to you...
[1] Stand straight with your arms outstretched while touching the wall with your arms at a ninty degree angle to your body.
[2] Have someone measure from your armpits to the floor and armpits to the wall. What were the two measurements?
You now have a maximum shelf width from the wall, and the highest the shelf should be for any eye-level observation. You'll probably want to cut back on those two maximum measurements just a tad bit. Don't forget to check out (test for) how much "strain" on your back you can take when you are bending over to trackage on the "wall side" of your shelf when you are reaching.
Make your adjustments from this starting point, and; my hunch is you'll be in the neighborhood of the good advice you've received so far.
Conemaugh Road & Traction circa 1956
I too am trying to decide on a layout height. I have the opposite problem, I am 5'3. I am thinking for me a layout between 40-42 inches would be better since this allows me to work in a seated position as well as not having to bend too much standing. Any thoughts from short modelers out there as to what they have found? I love higher benchwork when I see it at shows and clubs, but I'm not sure I want to stand constantly. I can of course use a somewhat elevated chair and still be comfortable? Any suggestions? Thank you!
Hi swhite,
I'm not short, I am 6 foot tall , but at 45 inches layout heigth, I can stand or set on a stool and be comfortable.I can easily reach to the center of my layout either way.For me, it's a comfortable heigth.I guess it's one of those things, that everyone has their perssonal preferences.I can walk totally around my layout and access any point on it. If 40 to 42 inches suits your situation, then build it where you're comfortable with it.I considered eye level heigth, but then I would have to have something to stand on to work on it.Too many problems that wayHey, I can always cut one of my stools down so 'm at eye level when seated! LOL!
TheK4KidHey, I can always cut one of my stools down so 'm at eye level when seated! LOL!
Hey, I can always cut one of my stools down so 'm at eye level when seated! LOL!
Reminds me of what I told a 6'-6" fellow on a conference stage poking fun at my 5'-4"-ness...
"Someday you'll wake up finding your table and chair legs sawed off six inches because we little people have taken over!"
How come the entire audience was in stitches from laughter?