Layout Height

[central.vermont]

I have mine at 53". Perfect up close height, with still the ability to reach if I need to.

I'm 5'8"

Is that while wearing your stiletto's!!!!

Jon

[Catt]

Ny layout was 48" lowered it to 44" big mistake.If I ever build a new one it will be 48" or higher.

[PGE_Modeller]

PGE Squamish Sub, circa 1952

Lower deck : 43" - 47 1/2"

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/511/Squamish_Sub_lower_deck.jpg

Upper deck:   55" - 63"

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/511/Squamish_Sub_upper_deck.jpg

Greg Kennelly
Burnaby, BC

[davefoxx]

The Virginia Central was built with approximately 48" legs and 2" foam on a 1-3/8" HCD.  So, the railheads (code 55 on 1/8" cork roadbed) were around 51-1/2" off the deck (not counting the 1-2" leveling bolts in the bottom of each table leg), which made it comfortable to operate hand-thrown switches and to manually uncouple cars in the yard.  I used a stool to work on things on the layout that were away from the edge (I'm 5'9"), and I stooped slightly when I wanted a railfan's eye level view.  I will build the next layout to this same height.  It worked well for me.

DFF

[milw156]

I was considering this for a new layout as the proper height:
http://www.unfspinnaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/CoffeeTable_BeerBottles1_Ashley_WEB.jpg

Please promise that you will use REAL beer!!!!!!!!!!!
Rick

[John]

The M&O runs around 40-45 on the lower level .. 55-58 on the upper ..

[rogergperkins]

   I think that asking me about layout height is similar to asking me what size shoes you should buy.
First off, I am 72 years old, about 5'8" tall; the current layout is 43" above the floor, BUT that is not the correct height because I cannot reach all areas of the layout while standing on the floor.
After 35 years of home layouts, I am convinced that the height for a layout is that which allows the builder-owner easy working access.
I have an adjustable stool which I sit on to run the layout and give me a satisfactory view.

Season's Greetings to all!!

[mtntrainman]

No to be one to go against the grain...yea right...    

My single level benchwork is at 36 inches from the floor. I am disabled and cant stand for long periods. Sitting on an office chair gives me the perfect 'helicopter' view of the entire layout. I'm not one that just wants to see the front 6 inches of the layout standing or sitting. I am 6'6" tall. When I can stand and walk along with the trains...I love that 'helicopter' view. IRL all we get to see is the sides of rail cars as they go by. That's gets a little dull at times. Get the layout down and you can get a better over all view. JMO

[Ian MacMillan]

Is that while wearing your stiletto's!!!!

Jon

Only at your place!

[Brewmaster]

My new shelf is at 51" and I am 6'.  I may raise it up (gotta love shelf brackets!) to about 62 when I get further along with it.  One thing that I didn't realize with my first shelf layout is how important it is that there be enough room to fit your head between the lighting valence and the roadbed!

[robert3985]

My son and I spent a few days messing around with layout heights when attempting to decide on the railhead to floor height for my new modular standard modules and modular layout that I have been working on for the past several years.

We took an old 6' module whose railhead to floor height (RTFH) was 46" and finally settled on 52" as the new height after reaching across it and placing rolling stock and engines on the tracks.

After I ripped out all of the DC wiring and replaced it with new DCC busses and feeders, and constructed new folding legs for the four "old" modules, then setting them up and running them, I will say that the new height is excellent, allowing me to work on scenery and track from the front fascia to about 30" away.  Anything further than that requires me to use a step-stool, but the new view is GREAT and putting cars and engines on the track is much easier on my getting-old eyes! Also, working underneath is now MUCH easier.

Interestingly, I found out after we decided on 52" RTFH that several clubs and modular groups had also independently decided on that height, so there is something about the "low 50's" that a lot of people like.

I am 6' tall and my son is 5' 10" tall.

Bob Gilmore
Modeling the UP in 1951 between Ogden and Wahsatch

[dieselfan1]

  I think that asking me about layout height is similar to asking me what size shoes you should buy.
First off, I am 72 years old, about 5'8" tall; the current layout is 43" above the floor, BUT that is not the correct height because I cannot reach all areas of the layout while standing on the floor.
After 35 years of home layouts, I am convinced that the height for a layout is that which allows the builder-owner easy working access.
I have an adjustable stool which I sit on to run the layout and give me a satisfactory view.

Season's Greetings to all!!

I'm with you. Mine is 42-48 inches and I am 5'9'' . I want to be able to reach to work on it (I still need a small 1' tall step stool to reach the back areas)and anything taller would be too hard to reach. Also I want to sit and watch the trains run, not stand.