I am interested in any wisdom on the topic of separation distance between benchwork levels on a double deck N-scale layout. I am interested in both the distance between the upper and lower deck, and also the “rail- to- rail” distance from one deck to the other.
As a starting thought, I am considering an 18" distance from track to track, which would leave approximately 12-13" between the benchwork decks.
Any comments or real life experiences out there?
I know the trains are small, but that seems like a bit of a squeeze. How deep is the benchwork you are planning? Keep in mind that you will need to work on things on both levels. Then there are things like lighting to think about.
Actually, I’m in HO, and would LOVE to have 18" between my levels. Mine squeeze down to 8" in a couple of pinch points, with a maximum of 16". Most of my clearances average about 14".
WHartman,
The more space you have between levels, the more climb your trains will have to have. Helixes are a PITA to build and maintain, and having trains in them for a long period of time is a boring way to play trains. And if you have a lot of seperation between levels, the chances are good that one or both levels will end up at a less than optimal height. I’ve found that the “best” deck heights for me are at about elbow and shoulder height. That’s about 13" of seperation, which is more than enough for an N scale layout.
Very easy to check. Get a couple of pieces of cardboard about the width you want to use. Suspend them from the ceiling with a few pieces of string at the heights you want to use. If you make them level enough, you can even set a couple pieces of equipment on them to see how it works. And if adjustment is needed, easy to do and try again.
clinchvalley’s idea ia a good one. It is always better to do some sort of mock up as it usually ends up being much better or much worse than a paper design. Just don’t forget when hanging the cardboard to mock up the thickness of the bench work of the upper deck! Also, don’t forget lighting. Deep areas with little verticle separation might make for unacceptably dark areas on the lower deck.
Consider having the lower level best viewed/accessed from a wheeled chair or stool, and the upper level standing up.
It is such a variable. You need to take into consideration your height, visitors height, any children involed? Also the depth of the various levels must be accessible to re-rail or work on scenery. Check out Joe Fugate’s Siskiyou Lines description of viewing heights and relation to your height, and also the depth variance of scenes.
Thanks for some good considerations. In answer to several of the comments: Upper deck is 12 " deep, lower is 24" deep. An around the walls type layout with a single penisula, and a 6 revolution helix at one end. No kids. I am 6"2" tall and the ceiling restriction over most of the 11’ x 24’ are aintended for the layout is 6’-8" tall.
If the top level is 12" deep, you won’t have a problem with only 12" or so of vertical separation.