"N" scale benchwork

[eddie_b]

Is there an ideal height for benchwork on an "N" scale model railroad?

[NeO6874]

it depends somewhat on your height...a 6'6" modeller might want a layout 48" high, byt for someone 5'5", 48" would probably be too high to comfortably reach over...

[pcarrell]

Most people put it at the middle of the chest or so. The thing is, when you view the trains from closer up and more eye level, they just look better. This is especially important for the smaller scales.

[Anonymous]

I have just started benchwork on my new N-Scale layout after many years of armchair modeling railroading so have read everything I could on this question. They way I saw it was that in general the closer to eye level the better (within reason) but the trade off was in more difficult access to the back of benchwork that only has access along one side i.e. up against a wall. I ended up using 48" which means I will probably have some trouble in working on the far back edge of the layount but these areas on my track plan happen to me mostly scenery or maybe track without swithches so I think I can just stand on a box or stepstool when I need to work back there. My track plan is around the wall (three sides) in a small bedroom. I decided to not use any "pop-up" access panels so how far I can comfortably reach is a major factor in several areas of my trackplan..

[Adelie]

Part of this is an "it depends." If you are using the cookie-cutter method and just have subroadbed under the tracks, spurs, towns, etc, higher still allows access to the back and corners if you get that work done before you fill in everything else. If you are using a solid table (plywood or foam), the question of access and reach is very important.

In general, higher is better for viewing. 48" is a decent compromise between reach and viewing. My exposed trackwork ranges from 48" to 56.5"

[tomikawaTT]

Since I've reached the age where sitting down is more comfortable than standing for extended periods, I am building my busiest trackwork at 42" (nice viewing height from a rollaround desk chair.) This turned out to have the additional advantage of making the rear of the scene much more accessible simply by standing up. 42" is also more 'kid friendly' than the usually-recommended heights if you might have juvenile visitors.

[eddie_b]

Thanks for all your helpful comments guys. After a lot of reading, comments on this forum, brainstorming and talking to some avid modelers, I have decided that 48" is the right height for me. Thankyou all for your comments and advice.

[Anonymous]

for me since I have limited space mine is set up so that my drafting table that i use for model building slides under it so mines about 44-44" not sure exacty

[Anonymous]

I have an HO layout but I also used 42" as my base height. I can operate while sitting and it 's a good height for kids. I also planned for a lower level at 22" (again office chair friendly) but use of this will be delayed for some time yet.