reference thread “10x12 layout” lower on this page for pictures and such of my layout:
So, the typical consensus on this site seems to be a higher table top is a good thing. However I completed the legs on the first modular section today (40 inch legs+ 1/2" plywood+ 4 inches of foamular= right around 44.5 inches vertical height), and I’ve got to say… even ~45 inches is way too high.
Perhaps it’s because I’m a pilot that I like a good birds eye view of things while maintaining the option of eye level while seated, but other than from a duck under consideration, all things considered i’m about to whack off 4 inches from all the legs. I’m glad I left myself the budgetary option of having the longer legs, however after surveying… that bad boy has got to come down.
As far as things considered: duck under height, ease of construction, viewing (throughout all of the grade changes- at least 4 inches in elevation change), and again… viewing.
As far as I can tell, the only drawback to dropping the bench height will be the duck under.
Anyways… what is the justification for such high benchwork heights? (I’m 5’9")
To quote your own post: “duck under height, ease of construction and maintenance, viewing and again … viewing”
A general rule of the thumb is that a layout surface level probably should be somewhere between waist and chin level height, perhaps centered roughly around chest level, to give you you a good viewing angle with still reasonable reach from the position you want to operate the layout (sitting or standing).
I am about 6 feet tall, and wanted to operate my layout while standing up, and be able to view it at eye level when seated, so I chose to put my main track level at about 52" (about 75% of my height).That way it is at about mid-chest level when standing, and at eye level when sitting.
But it is a subjective feature and a compromise (e.g if you have several levels) - find something you feel comfortable with, and be more concerned with how tall the layout is relative to your height (and the height of other operators) than about having it at a specific number of inches off the floor.
Every model railroader has their own preference on the height of their layout. Most like a eye level layout because that’s the level they’re use to seeing trains from. You however have had a view most of us refer to as a giants eye view of the world. Some like their layout at eye level and use a step stool of some sort to work on their layout. While others like setting at their layout while running trains or keeping the layout low to let children view it. I have seen one layout so high the man needed a step latter just to reach it and used remote cameras to view it. In short its your layout make it as tall or short as you like.
there might be more to consider. A lift out can ease ducking under, so does building in sections with constructing.
The very sharp radii are less visible when looked at from eye-level. The transition to the back drop is way more obscured and scenes are looking deeper and more natural. Yes viewing and viewing…
Yup, the viewing angle is the most important factor in determining the layout height. A bird´s eye view makes things look a lot smaller and does not give me the feeling of the real thing. The smaller the scale, the more important it is to raise the layout at close to eye level.
There are plenty of justifications for any layout height one desires. The point is to pick the layout height that supports one’s prsonal desires and reasons.
Many-to-most tend to favor something closer to eye level because they feel that view is more realistic. Even though I spent many years as a pilot, the last thing I want to do is feel like I’m back in a cockpit peering out over a maze of lights and controls to watch the train I’m controlling. Too much temptation to go to IFR-like operation, with everything done remotely.
My preferred operational role is the combination of engineer in the cab and conductor in the caboose, combining to get the day’s work of the train done. To meet this preference, walk-around control with the train close to eye level is very effective. Again - personal preference. If you choose a different operations role or scheme, by all means built it to suit your preference.
My train “room” has to be multi-purpose, with computer work stations (2), my modeling desk, and a recumbent exercise bicycle shari
You will spend more time than you expect underneath your layout. Wiring is time-consuming, detailed work, often involving soldering connections. You’ll be doing this looking up, with the wires over your head. If you make the layout too low, you will not be able to sit comfortably in any position and still work. You won’t be able to lie on your back and do it either, so how will you do your wiring?
Climb under your dining room table with some wires and pliers, and try to strip wires and do a splice. Your wife will think you’re crazy, but, well, she’d might as well get used to it. This exercise will teach you that the height of a dining room table is really, really awkward for wiring a layout. And the height you’re proposing is even worse.
I’m 5’10" and I built my layout too low. Other than the wiring issue, it’s not a problem, but that one thing makes a lot of difference.
The smartest thing I did was When I built my layout, I wanted table height to be at a comfortable level for me to work/play on without bending all the time to play/work on it and stressing my back any. SO I picked a fairly high level for my short height.
That was BEFORE my back really started giving me problems, and BEFORE I had two benign tumors removed from my lumbar back, BEFORE I started needing a cane to get around, BEFORE I got handicapped plates for my vehicle because I can’t walk that far anymore.
Since each person is of differing height, then they should build the basic layout at a comfortable level for them to work on without: bending over all the time; reaching too far to get to scenery or equipment; or squating to much to get work done on the layout. A little planning ahead can avoid stressful or painful times later leading towards animosty and disinterest in a layout later.
Easy duckunders - when I built an 11x18 layout at 58" high, the duckunder into the room was easy to negotiate.
Storage - shelves,rolling dollies with boxes or footlockers, etc. The higher the benchwork the more that will fit.
Work area - tables, roll top desks, etc fit nicely under the layout. My current layout of 50" high will allow a desk underneath that I can use for working on models.
Really high benchwork (58") give you a nice closeup side view of the trains.
If you want to do your wiring under the layout, then a higher layout makes it easier. Personally I do my track connections on top and the rest of the wiring while sitting in the aisles, so this is a non issue for me.
Some disadvantages:
Really high benchwork needs a stool to work on - one of the reasons I went from 58" to 50".
Really high benchwork tends to limit your view to only what’s in front - another reason I went from 58" to 50".
Reach is limited.
Seated operation, if desired, can be a problem.
Having tried benchwork at various heights from 30" to 58", I have decided that for me 50" is the optimum compromise for a walk around layout.
I have my layout at 33" from the bottom of the layout. There are several reasons I did this, plus at this height it was easy to do the wiring under the layout. I bought a mechanic’s creeper and laid on my back and rolled around under the layout, the 6" of height from the creeper and the 33" height makes it easy to do the wiring without taxing your arms. But for the reasons for the height 1) it’s easier for kids to come over and watch the trains without having to find things for them to stand on plus they can follow the trains much easier and you don’t have to try and hold them or have them slip off whatever they are standing on and damage the layout. 2) I have several tall mountains on my layout it makes it easier to build the mountains without having to worry about height issues. My drop ceiling is at 9’ so I have about 6’ of space to build scenery in. I have a shortline that works the mountains so they have to climb and sometimes do switch backs in order to get up the hill to reach their customers. I have one mountain that takes up alot of layout space but my trains climb 3 ’ through winding tracks and switch backs to get to where they need to go. I assume your layout is one that you stand in the middle to operate from they way you mentioned your problem. Perhaps you can pick a spot and make it a removeable section for you to walk through rather than chopping all the legs down. Just an idea.
I seldom have to work under my layout. I built it in 8 foot segments and do the majority of the wiring under it upside down on saw horses before I put the legs on it. I use QC terminal strips so that future connections can just be pushed on, then I put all the electronics on swing down boards at the leading edge.
They are hinged at the top and swing up out of the way.
I was on a trip (passed through seattle- now that is a serious operation up there… and got to see the 787. talk about awesomness overload), and I was unable to respond b/c this website is flash based thanks to my iPad.
Anyhoo, the viewing was the most critical, as well being low enough to be able to reach… so I went ahead and went for the 4 inch drop down. I tried it at 45, 43, and 41 inches…and 41 was optimum. I have to be able to stand to get a good overview as well as sit and get a good “on the deck” view… behold the compromise. The duck under is of course lower, but after experimenting it isn’t a factor.
All the legs should be installed now within the week…
