I am embarking on a new train layout, any recommendations on the table height. Any suggestions would be great. I have buit several layouts and I always lean tword 32-34 inches, I was considering 26-28 Inches on this layout to allow for a further reach. Thanks
Hi and welcome
There are a few things to consider I think. Are you going to use the space under the layout for storage? If so are you going to use ready made storage units? Are small kids going to play with the layout? A lower layout allows small kids to see more. When working under the table do you want to be able to sit under it or be able to reach the underside decking while laying on your back or on a creeper. Are there windows that may be in the way if there is future expansion. My table height was determined by the height of a made bed with my test track on it. Can't remember the height right off hand but when I can measure it I will post the height.
Jim
Jim has some great points. Depending on your age, etc, you may want to have a higher layout to allow for ease of wiring, etc. Also, trains are often best viewed at close to eye level if you are going for a more "Hi-Rail" look. Depending on how you construct your layout and it's placement, you could have plenty of layout in arm's reach.
Regarding height, one way to see what looks right is to have a chair or stool that you plan to sit on for watching the trains. Then, get a favorite piece and place it on one of those adjustable book shelves. Place it at different levels to see what looks right. From what I have gathered from most, it seems that around 40" is most common.
With regard to construction, if you have a "around the wall" plan, you just need to keep it under 3' deep and you should be fine. If it is a stand alone layout, you can make it about 6' wide, so long as you can reach from the other side. The other way, and one I and many others have adopted is to have hatches that will allow you to get the reach you need to any place on the layout. The last, is to build it sturdy enough to be able to walk on it. This is probably the least favorite as it requires a very sturdy structure and any scenery is in danger of being walked on.
I picked up a copy of "Layout Bench work" form Kalmbach, the owners of this site. It gives great information on construction and planning.
Dennis
TCA#09-63805
Make it low for the kids is baloney. trust me they will see the trains. Make it high enough for you to be able to sit straight up under it. Trying to do wiring laying on your back is far from comfortable or enjoyable. I learn new words everytime I go under there.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
Hi! Mine, shown in today's "sunday photo fun", is 39" high. The "reach" is beyond the acceptable arm's length but I really don't have many instances where I must get to items in the center of the layout. (Then, I use one of those "grabby things". Works great.)
I have always lived in an apartment where space is at a premium so I must endorse the "storage" ideas and have "aches" & "pains" that make it necessary to have easy access to the wiring under the layout.
Also, if the real "young ones" come in, I have a little step stool.
I would stay with the 34" that you have had because (in my humble opinion) unless the accessories that you have require a constant 'hands-on', the difference in "reach" is really not significant. BUT, again, that's only my .
Good luck and keep us posted.
My layout from top to floor is 34 inches. The reason for that height is because where I teach they were doing a remodeling of the school and getting rid of all the cabinets. The scrounge that I am, I grabbed them and have them for storage and legs. They are 30 inches then I used 2x4s then homesote on the top, for sound deadening. That's how I got to that height,
laz57
Besides being able to see the trains making it Hands On may be a good thing, or a bad thing.
I have mine at around 32 inches. I have it so when I sit down in my chair its around eye level. As far as reach my layout is 5x11 and on wheels so I can move it from against the wall and walk around it. My son who is 3 sits in a hieght chair to watch and run his trains.(under dad's supervison he's a little throttle happy). I also have 3 steamer trunk that I store the trains in that are under the layout. I made it so they would also fit under.
Mine is an around-the-walls layout 45 inches high. That gives me enough room to fit a desk (30 inches high) and a workbench (26.5 inches high) halfway under my main yard, which is 32 inches wide, with enough clearance to make them fully useful. I also have various cabinets and bookshelves under the layout.
Bob Nelson
About 40 some inches. Enough room to easily slide my wife's rubbermaid tubs of decorations under the layout.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
Mine is fairly high - about 44 inches. Because of the concrete wall and rock-filled crawlspace it is built upon. I much much prefer this to my smaller layout that was the height of a standard card table. Hard on the back to bend over to work on it.
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
One thing that I am doing because I have young children is to have a lower level dedicated to them. I have my main pike about 41" off the floor, but I am building a simple loop with sidings at one end of the layout about 24" off the floor. This is where I will be placing my old Post War items like the gateman and the coaling station that are a bit out of place on a "planned HiRail" upper layout. At 24", the kids can play and be comfortable. Also, the inevitable launch to the floor is a lot less and less damage to the rolling stock.
My last three big layouts were 32-34" (partly to provide maximum shelf space) and that was fine for me, but this one is different in that it is a double decker ie. one complete layout on top of the other. They are folded dogbones. Lower level is at 12" for the little guy and upper is now 42" for me seems to be working for now
Dennis great names think alike. My litle guy is 3 now and 12" is working great for him and gives enough space between the layouts that he does not currently hit his head (I know that'll change). These layouts take up most of a 13X15 room in the basement
Mine is currently at @ 47" height with 44" space underneath - just perfect for an assorted mess of Sterilite tubs (the bottom ones with wheels) to fit/roll underneath. 3' width is as far as I can reach without big obstructions, stepstool makes it a more comfortable reach. A bar stool works for a seat (if needed). All the action is about mid-chest but below eye level, also a perfect level for engine/stock maintenance work and wiring.
After setting up and taking down too many times, I've decided to make my next one ~ 22" high and sectional. The idea is to keep it coffee table height to not overwhelm a room while being a total entertainment center.
One corner will have my TV as a drive in movie screen on a small hill. There is enough room underneath for my stereo / dvd player combo. Having it sectional allows me to expand or shrink depending on future space allotments.
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
IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.
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.
RockIsland52It 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
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....
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.
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