I am in the final stages of designing my n-scale layout. The trains will be operated from inside a 14 ft by 11 ft encicling layout that is, in most areas, three feet wide, In several areas, I want to separate track that is in the outside loop from the inner loop/or yard areas. I plan to use some form of backdrop (either gatorboard or foam sheets) to accomplish this. Does anyone have any thoughts as to how high the separating boards should be? Since n-scale engines and cars are not that high and most of my buildings won’t exceed 6 inches, I thought that a height of 8-10 inches would be high enough to provide a feeling of separation between the two sides while not overpowering the overall layout. But I am looking for opinions and advice from people that have used something like this to separate sections of their layouts or have seen this on other layouts. Thanks, Jim Bryan
I’m using 16" from the base. Since I have some mountains, it might extend only 6 " above the top of the landscape.
The scene block shown in these construction pics is 8". It’s high enough to block, but I can stretch up and see what’s happening across the room if I have to.
http://www.ironpeng.com/nscalelayout/block.html
Mike Tennent
It depends on how much visual separation you want. For complete separation I’d suggest you use something whose top edge is several inches above your line of sight when you are standing in front of your layout. If you want or need to be able to see over the top of the divider, then something shorter should be sufficient, as described in one of the above posts. On my new N scale layout, I plan to use a scenery divider/backdrop whose top edge is 24" above the top of the bench work. This is a convenient height since I can produce the backdrop by simply ripping a 4’ x 8’ sheet of 1/8" thick hardboard down the middle. Also, at 6’4" tall, 24" will put the top edge of the backdrop well above my line of sight.
Hope this helps,
Bob
Thank you all for your inputs, I appreciate all of your comments and look forward to addtional ones. Bob, in reference to your input, I also understand the problem of cutting out the line of sight (I am just short of 6’3"). Because of my height and to help prevent back problems (both from leaning over the layout and working underneath) I am building my benchwork to a height of 40 inches (at “sea level”). Since you talk about a 24 inches above the benchwork, it would help to know what height you (and the other builders) are using. Again, thanks for all your help so far. Jim
I plan to build my new layout with the track level at least 54" off the floor and possibly up to 58"-60". The backdrop would then go 24" above the track level so the top of the backdrop would be 78"-84" off the floor and well above my line of sight. Since you are approximately6’3", I’d suggest you build your layout higher than your planned 40". The bottom of my “L” girder construction is at approximately 48" which gives me enough clearance under the layout for wiring and other maintenance work which I do while seated in a reclining desk chair. Working under the layout does not get easier with age.
Bob