Toy train operating and collecting

This is an age old question and no single answer works for everyone. If you have kids/grandkids you may want it lower. If no kids come to see or play with the layout, build it higher. I have no kids and no grandkids and rarely do kids come to see the layout. 

I built my layout 52 inches above the floor and have built in storage along the walls (3 sides). I do have a duckunder to get access to the middle of the layout. All aisles are 32 inches or wider. Along the wall the benchwork is 30 inches wide. Benchwork that you can access from both sides are kept at 60inches. The higher benchwork allows for easier wiring. It is the getting down and back up that is becoming the problem.

I am 66 years old and 6 ft 2 inches tall. After 50 years I have found the standards work well for me. I do have several stools for the few times I do get kids over to see the layout.

It seems to me that there is no correct answer to this one because each height selection comes with its own set of drawbacks and/or compromises.

My first permanent layout constructed by my father (RIP) was 4' x 8' and fully sceniced.  Everything of significance was affixed to the board.  The layout was hinged along one length and affixed to the wall for fold down.  Access was restricted to the opposite length and from either end, not absolutely ideal because of the reach to some points on the layout.  The two outer corners had robust folding/lockable support legs.  But that put the layout height at 48".  I was a squirt, but I managed.  We didn't consider a popout, but that would have helped the "reach" issue.

The layout could be pivoted down against the wall for access to the furnace area or for additional basement storage if required.....without dismantling anything.  Plus it could be pivoted up at 45+ degrees for access to wiring (basement ceiling height restriction).        

Given the weight of the primary layout is not insignificant, I was wondering if anyone has toyed with the idea of adjustable height, either from an adjustable suspension approach (mounted to ceiling supports) or adjustable legs (free standing on the floor).  Anyone see a layout with either of these engineering solutions?

Jack

40 inches from bottom of benchwork to floor.  Has made a world of difference in crawling under for construction, and accessing pop-out.  I like sitting at eye level and watching my trains snake across my layout from one end to the other.  My taller friends have commented that the height was "comfortable" to them as well.

RockIsland52:

It seems to me that there is no correct answer to this one because each height selection comes with its own set of drawbacks and/or compromises....

...Given the weight of the primary layout is not insignificant, I was wondering if anyone has toyed with the idea of adjustable height, either from an adjustable suspension approach (mounted to ceiling supports) or adjustable legs (free standing on the floor).  Anyone see a layout with either of these engineering solutions?

Jack

Mine is sectional (several 3x4,3x6,3x8 tops) with 2x4 legs bolted on.  To drop it, I'd cut x" off each leg, to raise it I'd need fresh 2x4s.  Have seen a photo or few in the past of layouts suspended by cables that could be lowered/raised, such as in a garage used for more than a single purpose.