bench height

[Anonymous]

Just out of curiosity, what does everyone think about the height of the base height of a layout. I prefer mine at about chest level. This way, i can get somewhat of a 1st person view at things. Other opinions?

[Anonymous]

I built mine at 42" to 52" high. I had a reason for the heighth. I have to roll work benches under the tall tables. The shorter tables are just the right heighth for me to work comfortable w/out standing on a ladder.
It's all up to the layout builder. Everyone has his or her reasons for the heighth.
If you make it to tall, ladders & step stools are required or a ramp. Don't make it to deep either or you won't be able to reach the back of the layout w/out a swinging boom to hang onto.

Larry

[roadrat]

The layout I,m building is about 35" tall so that I can reach across the 3 foot wide shelfs to reach ground throws.

then again I,m only 5' 6"

Bill

[IRONROOSTER]

I built mine 58" high because I needed the storage space and a work bench underneath. But I find I like it because it gives me a terrific view of the trains and the duckunder into the room is easy to go under. Definitely need a step stool to work on the top side. Wriing underneath is easy.
Enjoy
Paul

[FThunder11]

Mines 24" off the ground

[Anonymous]

The N Scale layout I'm planning (model of Alaska RR) has a base of 46" at sea level and a summit of 55" in the mountains. No more than a 2.5% grade. In a 10'x13' bedroom-(use a one spiral helix).

Barry

[CBQ_Guy]

When I was a "lone wolf" modeler, which has been most of my life, I tended to build the layouts too low.

After meeting other modelers and seeing their layouts, I realized a higher level was more of the "standard" way of doing things. One layout I operated on was double deck, but I didn't appreciate having to climb up and down a stool to operate when I was switching a town! The layout owner must have been taller than me. I'm only 5' 6 1/2" tall.

After seeing a layout that was at about chest height, I decided that was the best height for viewing up closer AND operating, as I don't want to have a railfan, eye level view when I'm operating. However, due to an area in my basement which must be lower, and it's kinda the "ruling height" for the layout as it's in the area where staging goes, the base level for the railroad will only be about 42". I did a mock up once to find what seemed like the best height for me and came out somewhere around 48-50 inches.

[Anonymous]

Hi all,
will be starting to build a small 4X8 shortly. I am planning a height of 45". I think it will work fine for me.