Double deck layout

[Anonymous]

Is there a report between the space of the two levels and the deep of the two benchworks? What is the best average?
Happy Thanksgiving.

[eastcoast]

In my opinion, depending on the scale you are working with,
(HO for example) one foot betwwen decks is plenty to work
comfortably without damages. I would also have no more than
3/4 the length of your arm for the shelf depth. See if that may
work for you and report back.

[ndbprr]

This is definitely not one size fits all to my way of thinking. How tall are you? Where is the limit of your comfort zone both high and low? Once you have established that you can decide how much room you want between levels. I had a guy 5'8" visit my layout as a guest of a guest who said not knowing I was the host, " What kind of an A**H*** would build a layout that high?" Since I am 6'5" and was standing next to him I told him I did and showed him the door. The distance between levels is going to be more of how tall the scenery will be on the lower one also. The other major consideration is don't put major switching areas or yards above each other or evrybody will be in each others way.

[tutaenui]

The important factor here is that the whole of the scene modelled on the lower deck should be visible from your normal viewing position without any significant bending or crouching.
The main factor here is the width of the upper deck. Other lesser factors are the scale modelled and the nature of the scene modelled on the lower deck.
I model in On2 and my upper deck is 30#8221; wide. The separation from the bottom of the upper deck to the surface of the lower is 18#8221; and this works fine.
Some general rules for double deck layouts are:-
1) get the upper deck as high as possible Mine is just below the nose which means my eyes are about 6 scale feet above the modelled ground level
2) The upper deck should be as narrow as possible.
3) the upper deck baseboard should be as thin as possible.
4) Scene modelled on lower deck should be as flat as possible ie only low rise important features
5) consider lighting for lower deck

[Anonymous]

I am 5 foot 10 inches. My one deck is 57 and the lower 37; I would have preferred 58/38 but couldn't do it (window). If you have an area that has wide benchwork over and under, then you can get a tunnel effect.

What I suggest you do is have a friend hold some card board mock ups for you so you can get a sense of what you like. Make sure the cardboard is as wide as your widest area. You will learn more in 10 minutes doing this than any of our responses can help you with.

[pastorbob]

I have a three deck layout, 16 inch separation between middle and top, 14 inches between low and middle. Top deck is at 5' 9". Works fine for me, though I have the floor raised in a couple of places.

Bob