Double deck layout heights

In the process of designing a new HO layout in a yet-to-be-acquired, ~6,000 sq ft building, I’m thinking that a double deck design with a double track main on the lower level and two single track branch lines on the upper level would best suit our club. I’m wondering though what the heights of the two levels ought to be.

Some considerations impacting those optimal heights:

  • The depth to backdrops of the lower level will be 30" or less with an upper level depth of 18" or less.
  • Club members’ ages range from young teens to very well seasoned citizens (80+) with heights that are probably very average. Steps at some strategic points on the branch line(s) might be acceptable to accommodate members at the ends of that range of ages.
  • This is a club layout with weekly operating sessions. Non-members are invited to many additional operating sessions.
  • The public is invited to visit the layout at several open house events (OK, recruiting events) held year-round, but non-members frequently knock on the door and are always shown around the current layout.
  • Both the main and, after climbing a helix, the branch lines will have very gentle grades (less than 1%) for scenic effects, to emphasize naturally occurring low spots (like long bridges) and to avoid boredom.

What are your recommendations for the height above the floor for the lower and upper decks?

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I would do 24" lower level and 18" upper level for depth. 30" is tight especially in a corner (I learned that lesson on my current layout). As far as height, since I’m height challenged (5’6") I’m at 38" lower and 54" upper…

Neal

A 6,000 sq. ft. building?

Wow!

You will be the envy of the entire model railroad community.

Rich

6000 SF building? Double deck? Double envy.

But seriously . . . 30" is pretty deep for the lower level. Here’s a sketch to show the sight lines with an 18" vertical separation of the levels. You’d need a larger separation, or the viewers/operators will have to crouch down to see the back of a 30" deep scene.

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Yeah, I am 6’ tall and 30” is my reach-in limit.

Rich

For the new layout I just started working on the lower level is at 40" elevation and it has a max depth of 30". The middle level is at 60" and it has a max depth of 24" (but mostly 18"). The previous layout had the same max depths, but the lower level was at 42" and the middle level was at 62". I am 5’11" and the reach was not an issue. I cove all corners so even with a 30" depth the corners are not a problem.

That said, for a club layout I would be a lot more conservative on the height/reach for the benefit of short statured peeps.

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i seggest reading Koester’s Designing & Building a Multi-deck Layout

the 20 year old club at the Cumberland fairgrounds is primarily for open houses. It has two double track mainlines, B&O and Western Maryland, that 2-4 trains are run on during open houses. The layout models local towns and trackage.

Members don’t typically follow trains around once speeds are set. we recently added signals and a display board on the wall that helps members pace their trains.

we’ve recently tried operation

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My attempt at a double deck layout had some areas at 38" and 58" and other areas at 30" and 50".

But once partly built, I hated it. No double decks for me any more.

Sheldon

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while the two mainlines share a yard in Cumerland at one end of the layout, they climb to different heights at the end and hae separate reversing loops stacked over one another. The upper level has a small yard and engine terminal modeling Bowest in Connellsville, PA

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without a helix, the decks of a multideck layout gradually increase in height except at sidings and spurs where switching occurs and cars need to be spotted. Koester discusses the need to plan grades carefully

click the image for a pdf of all 3 levels
TheNickelPlatesThirdSub-1-scaled

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