Layout Heights

[Anonymous]

You all have really helped me with information during the construction of my trian room....now its on to the actual building of my layout.....Any suggestions or comments as to the height of the layout?...I have been thinking that I will make it 42 to 44" high...Feedback please.....

[Anonymous]

Layout height is purely a personal choice.

Most people make them in the 48 - 65" height area, simply because it looks more realistic to be watching the train pass by at eye level. Some people build them lower so they're looking at eye level while they're sitting. Some have their layout stacked with 2 or even 3 layers. Get the idea?

The bottom of my layout is 48" off the floor. This puts the top of the layout at about 53". It's a duck-under around-the-room layout. Nice height for running, not too bad to duck under or work on the underside, yet low enough that I can stand on a 5 gallon bucket and get a really good reach over the layout for stuff. I'll eventually be building a plywood box to stand on when needed. My 8 year old will also use the box for normal operations.

The added benefit of building your layout higher is that it gives you more storage area under it.

Mark in Utah

[ndbprr]

Add to the mix your own height. If I were to make mine at eye level it would be 6'4". I don't think so! Basically you want operate without having to bend over.

[cnw4001]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ndbprr

Add to the mix your own height. If I were to make mine at eye level it would be 6'4". I don't think so! Basically you want operate without having to bend over.

As indicated you need to build to your needs but remember the higher you go the more difficult it will be when trying to get something off the layout, like a derailed car.

The variety of height is really worth the effort, our club layout ranges from "look down" to just above eye level. If you plan yards or any otther multiple track locations be sure they are "look down" or you'll be forever unhappy trying to reach stuff.

Finally, I realize you're discussing indoor operations but I would add a thought on garden railroading. I have seen some incredible operations with hundreds of feet to track going through huge areas. This was indeed impressive but not very interesting looking at the stuff running along the ground.

Dale

[Big_Boy_4005]

While high design is nice for viewing, I don't use it. I think low design is just fine, 36" to 42". It is easier to work on both from above and below. You can always adjust your viewing perspective by bending your knees. Operating is much easier on a lower layout.

[Anonymous]

There is no correct answer to layout height Unless you are fortunate to have a construction/operating crew, you are the one who will be doing most of the building and operating of the layout. Keep the measurement from the bottom of the lower deck to the floor high enough that you can "comfortably" work under the layout. This is particularly important if you are bulding a multi-deck layout with a duckunder. You may be physically fit and agile now, but keep in mind as you get older or have older visitors, you and they will appreciate minimum difficulty in getting under and up without causing a prototype 8.0 earthquake.

The other suggestion I have is to measure your reach from your side to your wrist. Why only to the wrist, because you will be bending the writst to work on or perform whatever task you are doing on the back of the deck. That dimension will be the maximum depth of the deck you should consider. The maximum height I am building my layout is mid-chest high. This gives the perspective of standing on an overpass looking down on the layout. It will give the railfan and operator visibility of all parts of the scene, but not from a bird's eye. It will allow me to reach the back of the deck without causing a prototype earthquake. Just my two cents.
Roger

[IRONROOSTER]

Some questions are:
Will you operate standing up or sitting down most of the time?
What are the heights of you and the other operators if any?
Do you have duckunders/access holes? Maintenance only? or to get into the train room/follow the train?

You might want to mock up a small layout and try it at different heights.

Enjoy
Paul