After what seems like an eternity with deciding what I was going to build & how I was going to build (buying benchwork or homemade), I made the decision to make homemade. I got the lumber back in December, and it has been setting in the basement since then. Too many other events came up and did not free me up until this weekend. Starting yesterday, I proceeded to cut out the pieces that I will need for the main benchwork. I have not started to cut out the legs yet.
I did make one full bench with legs as a sample to see what it would look like. How I am going to build is much like what the commercial benchwork looks. Manageable sizes. My largest will be 24" x 48". The sample I made looks good. However I have a question.
What height would you make the benchwork? Right now my sample finished height would be 50". I was thinking maybe 48" would be better, or perhaps 45". What would you recommend?
Thanks
Jim
You will find benchwork set at many heights. Some depends on your height. Often it is said that the "best" viewing angle is about chest level. However, other things come into play in your decisiion. The depth of the layout, so that you can reach the back where all the problems will occur. If you are tall and going to have others in to view it, may want to bring it down to a more "average" height. If you have children or grandchildren that will want to view, something at a height where they can see, maybe with the aid of a stool or other lifting method. If you plan a "show" layout, they usually seem to be lower, so as to encourage childern to see the whole layout. One club at the shows I attend, have a set of two steps, a rail at the top so the childern can step up and get a better view, but are kept back a safe distance from the layout.
Many seem to be set between 42" and 52". Though my ideal viewing height is about 50", I prefer my layout down closer to 42" to 45", so that I can get a better overview. A little like looking at the scene from a hilltop. Also, I have stools that I can sit on to operate. This lowers my body so that I get the "ideal" viewing angle, but if I need to work on the layout, I can stand up and easily reach in to make the adjustments.
Just try a few heights and see what is comfortable for you to work on and at a height you feel gives you the view you want. Remember, it's your layout.
Have fun,
Richard
I had one layout at 58", great for viewing and the duckunder. But I needed a step stool to work on it. And I could only see the first train. My next one was 50". I liked that height. Tried 46", found that a little low. So my current layout is 50" easier to work on, high enough for viewing, low enough to see over the train.
Good luck
Paul.
Jim,
As has been said, there are layouts of every different level.
My old layout which has been dismantled over the last couple of weekends was set at 36".
The new one will have 40" benchwork, I am using Mianne benchwork, add 1/2 plywood, and the elevated sections are going to be 5 inches above that. I haven't decided yet if I am also going to add 1"foam as well.
I am about 5'11" and my reach at the 40-45 inch height is better than at the 36. I think it will also improve the viewing at that height.
Good luck with the project, and send us some pictures when you can.
Aflyer
Do you have a shelf around the house that is about the proposed height of your layout? Place a loco, few cars and a small building on the shelf and see how it looks to you. Place the train on boxes of various heights until you find what looks best.
I like higher layouts (I'm 6'1") but it makes construction a little more difficult. After the work is done, it looks great though.
FWIW: FreeMo uses 50" as their default layout height.
http://delray1967.shutterfly.com/pictures/5
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