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Shelf layout height - what worked for you?

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  • Member since
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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Thursday, October 14, 2021 9:35 AM

I like scenery with depth, my upcoming layout will be 3'-4' deep in most places and as much as 7' or 8' in a few places (with access hatches and benchwork that you can climb on).

So I like the low flying bird view when standing and the trackside view when sitting. Trackage will be between 36" and 47" with most being in the 40"/44" range.

I have build shelf layouts, and was never happy with the scenery.

Sheldon

    

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Posted by richhotrain on Thursday, October 14, 2021 5:20 AM

I am 3' 36". Smile, Wink & Grin

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by tstage on Thursday, October 14, 2021 2:50 AM

selector
Working deep into them means that I, all 68" of me (is it snowing up there, Tom?)...

Yes...and my nose is cold, Crandell. Smile, Wink & Grin

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by selector on Thursday, October 14, 2021 2:40 AM

My last layout was at 27" high.  No, that's not an error...twenty-seven whole inches.  I loved it.  I liked the bird's-eye view, and of course it was a cinch to work on.  It was a bit tricky working under it, meaning on my back.  Luckily, the floor had a durable painted surface that was slippery enough to make getting under and back out again fairly easy.

All my other layouts, totalling three, have been in the 40-50" range.  Working deep into them means that I, all 68" of me (is it snowing up there, Tom?), have to hoist my carcass up onto a stool and provide a kneeler pad that keeps me safely out of the rails.  But, as others have pointed out, from there, the view can be enjoyed standing or perched on a chair/stool.

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Posted by tstage on Thursday, October 14, 2021 2:34 AM

maxman
tstage
I'm 5'-16"

??

Convert 16" to feet...add to the 5...Sigh

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Posted by gregc on Thursday, October 14, 2021 2:19 AM

i've been working on a layout that is high enough to sit on a chair to work on underneath.   i'd estimate chest height for someone 6'

greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading

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Posted by maxman on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 9:46 PM

tstage
I'm 5'-16"

??

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Posted by tstage on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 9:08 PM

Layout height can be contingent on a number of things.  I'm 5'-16" and the ceilings in my basement are only 4" higher than I am so I went with 42".  It made working on my layout more manageable.

Tom

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Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by cowman on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 8:16 PM

I like to sit on a tall stool while operating and plan to set my shelf at a prototype or maybe a low hill view point.  Makes it so when I stand I have a low flying birds-eye view and can reach over scenic items easily.

Have fun,

Richard

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Posted by cats think well of me on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 7:31 PM

I did about 54" at track height for my shelf layout and it's working well for me. I'm 5' 10" tall. 

Alvie

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Posted by davidmurray on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 1:49 PM

I'm in HO.  I went with 50" base height, with a switchback to a 54" mine.  I'm

6 foot, but friends taller and shorter all do fine.

 

David Murray from Oshawa, Ontario Canada
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Posted by kasskaboose on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 12:11 PM

I also went 48" for the benchwork and 2" pink foam.  That's plenty of height for me at 5'8".  The max reach is 24" but I use a step ladder to give me a bit more height for the peninsula.  The rest of the benchwork is very easy to reach.

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Posted by rrebell on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 10:49 AM

You have to decide how you like to veiw a layout. I picked around 36" as I like to look down on the layout but in my office chair (in the same room) I can veiw at much closer to eye level as at eye level you get less of a wide veiw.

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Posted by NorthBrit on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 10:08 AM

Like Ed I  am running OO/HO.  I also went for 48''  for easy access  and when sitting down  being at eye level.

Doing a small test section is a good idea.

 

David

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Posted by 7j43k on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 9:52 AM

I'm in HO.  I went with 48" for my shelf layout, and it's worked out fine.  For N, I might go with 50".  Or a snidge higher.

Typically, people like it high enough to "relate" to, rather than feeling they're flying overhead.

A reason not to make it TOO high is if you have to reach in or over.  So maybe eyelevel wouldn't be great.  Even for shelves.

 

You COULD make a test section and try different heights to see what YOU like.

 

Ed

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Shelf layout height - what worked for you?
Posted by Frisco-kid on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 9:25 AM

I'm planning an around-3-walls N Scale shelf layout, perhaps with peninsula. I'll be keeping the wall segments to approx 18" or less. I'm 5'10 - but seem to be shrinking every day. Surprise  

Seeking feedback / advice ... What layout height should I shoot for for "ground zero"?

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