HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! I hope that this year 2021 is a blessed year for you all, I have a N scale layout in the making, and it's going to be a multilevel layout, I will be running modern era trains, with a lot of double stacks. I want to know what would be the best space between level 1 and level 2, my height is 5" 7' and I would like to have op sessions when the layout is up and running, Thank you for helping me with this matter. take care my modelrailroader friends
You will want at least 12" relief between levels in N scale, AND if space is generally tight vertically for some reason (you're under cupboards slung up high on the wall above the layout). This will afford you room for a decent height of backdrop so that you can be immersed in the virtual reality of your scenery. You'll need to consider lighting because the higher bench will cause a shadow below it.
Probably the minimum I would be willing to live with would be 18".
It will be a compromise. Top level should be just below eye level but you need to consider others heights in your case so eye level for someone 5'5" would proubly be just about right. Next how thick is the uper benchwork going to be, the thinner the better for spacing of lower level, which is also dependent on how deep it is 15" should be fine for N scale up to 2' deep but you got to see what is comfotable for you. You would be best to do a fast mock up of the heights you deside on and reach in and around to see what works for you.
I have an HO scale double decked layout. I set the upper deck at "just below my armpit" height (54"). As much of the upper deck is 24" deep, I needed 18 inches of deck separation so that most operators could see at least the bottom of the lower deck backdrop when standing about 2 feet from the fascia. This worked out to a height of 36 inches for the lower deck which makes it easy to work on the lower level while seated in a rolling chair.
For N scale, I would still set the upper deck at "just below your armpit" height as this is only slightly below eye level while making it easy to reach into the layout without difficulty. You'll likely be able to set a higher lower level with N scale. Just remember to take into account how far into the lower level your operators will be able to see from the center of the aisle while standing upright.
Hornblower
Thanks Guys, now that I have an idea I can go about and build my upper level, also it will be a around the room type of set up, to get to the upper level I'm going to use Woodland Scenics risers, most likely 4%.
WHat you should do it take some carboard boxes and a tape measure and mock up various heights and see how well you can see trains on each deck, what gets blocked, etc. Or if you have an empty bookshelf with adjustable shelves. Testing is the best way to figure out what deck heights and depths work best for you.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Rrinker That's what I did, I took a tape measure and measured from the floor to the top of our kitchen cabinet, then from the cabinet to the dish cabinet, I wanted to have a third level, but I think I'll hold off right now.