I used to have a tall layout. It was fun as everything was at eye level for a standard adult. I purchased a small scaffold so the kids and I could sit on it while watching trains. Still the next layout I went 41". It is easy to work on when standing and the trains are at horizontal level when I am sitting. Also I store all the train boxes under the layout.
Jim H
I put mine at 45 inches, which is a little higher than I wanted, but allows me to tuck a workbench with an oscilloscope and a desk with a computer monitor on it partly under the layout. I also have bookshelves, cabinets, and an Elfa basket-drawer contraption under there.
My layout is 37" at track level with the plywood and homasote base. It does reach 51" at the top of my mountain. Being 5’9", this height works for me. It provides enough height for the adults to get a good look at all the various scenes.
I received a digital camera for the holidays and as soon as I can learn how to post some photos I will be including them with my posts.
Steve Tapper
Northern Central High Railers
Start with 32" to see if that is a comfortable reach.
Gradually try to get up to 48".
Andrew F.
Mine’s 42.5" high. 42" legs and 1/2" plywood top.
Everyone has layout height at a certain level depending on the needs they have. Some need to think about crawling under it to do wiring, others want it low to let the kids look in, some have to worry about age and ability to reach certain areas. While we all have to keep these ideas, and others, in mind, I saw a great trick in the Model Railroad Planning guide for '06. The guy gets one of the bookshelves that has adjustable shelves. then he takes one of his engines and puts it on shelves at different levels. He looks at it standing, then sitting, whatever. When you take into account all the issues that will affect your situation, and you see what the trains will look at at different positions, then you get a good idea of where to start. This is all timely as I begin benchwork.
Dennis
Height would depend on a few factors:
For these reasons I kept the 30" table top height I had as a kid. The added benefit is that wiring is eaiser to work on under the table from the creeper. It is also high enough for me to crawl under the table…
I would recommend 30" if you have some of these considerations… I recline my lazyboy and my eyes are at railhead level… I think it is perfect…
Once again, thanks to ALL for your input.
I run mine on the ground.
Dave that dog looks just like my old rabbit dog Fred who was a lady beagle/terrier! every time I see your dog it brings a lump to my throat, I wi***hey had longer lifespans.
Anyway, layout height. The way I did mine was so that I had enough height to be able to get under it without contortions because eye level is the way to go to view trains like the real thing but if the layout is really wide, you need to be higher than eye level or you wont see whats happening at the back.
So I set mine up to be eye level when seated at the control panel and used a bar stool as my seat to get the height to work on the underside and reach the pop up sections without having to crawl. I cant give the exact height though because it was thirty years ago when I last had a big fixed layout but I think it was about 50".
The eye level thing matters though. Now, playing on the floor, I find its better to lie down on my tummy like the kid I’m playing with and let her do the running back and forth to change stock and add loads and fix derails whilst I operate the controller. My Atlantic looks surprisingly heavy and massive from the chin on floor position and the oval of track looks a lot bigger too!
If the wife would let me I’d do an ‘Arthur’ and build a layout around the bed so I can go to sleep listening to that wonderfully soothing ‘clickety clack’ .
Whatever height you use, the important thing is to be sure the legs reach all the way to the floor…
You guys are too much! Many thanks.