Layour Planning

[IRONROOSTER]

Welcome to the forum, Purdey.

Most recommendations for separation I have seen are for 18+". Depth of the upper level makes a difference - the deeper it is the more separation. The idea is to be able to see all of the lower level. The exception is if you are doing a bookshelf layout where the shelves are 12" deep, 3/4" thick and you plan to have 3 or 4 levels, then 12" separation.

Height is dependant on how tall you and others who regularly operate your layout are. It also depends on how you plan to operate. If you are doing walkaround, then you want to be able to see the lower level when standing in the aisle. This would mean something in the 36 - 42" and 54 - 60" ranges. If you operate from one or two stationary points where you can sit down, then the lower level could be 30" or lower and the upper 48".

Before committing, I would strongly suggest you visit some layouts with double deck or do a mockup to see what works for you.

6'6" headroom can work if you're comfoartable with it. Again depends on how tall you are. It sounds like you have a dirt floor, if so you might want to consider some flooring for it. Digging down 18" might help, but I don't know how that would affect your foundation, drainage, etc.; I would consult with a professional before doing it.
Enjoy
Paul

[lupo]

[#welcome] purdey,

there was some topics about double deck lay-outs in the past:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13987
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13897

hope it helps

[Anonymous]

What is the best height to have the bottom deck on a double deck layout? Then what is the best seperation distance between the two, when you have a headroom of only 6'6"? Dig the floor out?