Layout Height

[rickb773]

You have probably dealt with this topic before my time but I am interested in input for shelf layout height. My current layout is 48" (standard lumber 1/2 8' piece) but I think it is too low and I plan to raise it (big job). I am 6'1" and was going to raise it to 60" which gives me a good eyelevel view and I can still throw the switches. Then it dawned on me that my wife's eye level is 61" (5'6") and although she is not a big fan of model trains, others that height are. So my questions for those with single deck layouts are:

     1) What height is your layout?
     2) If you could change it what would you change it to?

I have copied below the recommendations from "Shelf Layouts for Model Railroads by Iain Rice (I do think David Smith's layouts are much better).

[TiVoPrince]

17.5 inches  
and no vertical space to change even if I wanted to.

Artists concept:

Trains circle the big old school projection TV, just below the IR window in the front and just above the inputs in the back.  I get 'trains' but TiVoPrincesses Amtrak train (with all the cool lights and such) realistilly gets almost all of the running time.  The view from a recliner ten feet away is much like that shown the top shelf in your second graphic although you can still get the 'helicopter view when walking by.  The panorama does fill much of my field of vision so the result is quite pleasing.  It ain't much, and may not necessarily help you, but its what I have...

[Ian MacMillan]

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

I'm 5'8"

[M.C. Fujiwara]

Kent Williams' OWNRy layout is between 60"-64", and Kent's wife is as much vertically challenged as my own.
http://ownry.squarespace.com/
Also featured in Model Railroad Hobbyist http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/magazine/mrh-2011-10-oct/ownr

60"-64" is awesome for N scale: gives you an eye-level view of the trains, helps frame the scenes and you don't have to model as deep.
He's got some step platforms in some locations in case people need to reach a "far" car or if short.

Somewhere between 50" and 56" would probably be a good compromise.

[Blazeman]

Viewing is one thing, working/constructing is another.

Started my benchwork at 48" and then with the 2" foam, found it a bit difficult to work with given my 5'8" (lack of) height. Had to take legs off one at a time and take them down 3".

I'm not saying 45" and 48" are the magic numbers. Just keep the construction aspect in mind. You don't want to be working off stepups all the time while building.

[MichaelWinicki]

Bottom deck 48"
Top deck 62"

[Brakie]

1) What height is your layout?

While I don't have a layout I'll share my past layout heights.

I prefer my layouts to be mid chest level while seated(about 40")..I realize this is short for standing but,I like to sit while switching cars.I have also used 52" for a stand up layout-I like a "ground" view.
     




2) If you could change it what would you change it to?

I build to my current taste/style of operating so,no rebuilds necessary.

[chuck geiger]

58" for HCD, shelves should be higher...Blaze is right,
remember to take in account for your foam. I am 54 with
4 inches (two sections of 2" foam).

[wm3798]

As most of you know, my layout is in the attic, so the height is limited by the sloped ceiling. 


The main level on the left is at 42", the yard is at 38", and the Elkins shelf is at about 55".





The 42" section is here where lovely Carol Merrill is standing.  It's not too bad, and gives you a good height to reach in for manipulating the manual switch throws.


It works out pretty well.
Lee

[Pomperaugrr]

Mine is built so that the railhead is 53" from the floor.  This allows for other uses for the room below the layout.

http://www.nscale.org/photos/data/831/medium/First_Downloads_July_2009_272.jpg

http://www.nscale.org/photos/data/831/Oct-Nov_2010_323.jpg

Eric

[unittrain]

Mine is 53" to the top of the rail and this is pretty decent I would not want to go any lower.

[chuck geiger]

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

[Pomperaugrr]

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

Modeling the "Beer Line" next???   

Eric

[Chris333]

My whole layout is 59.5" high. It is just about perfect, but the ceiling is a little low so I do wish there was more room to fit lighting in. The low ceiling would be a problem no matter what height the layout was though.

I've had other layouts at 57" and always found myself squatting down a little to watch trains.

[DKS]

Mine was around 54 inches, which I felt after finishing the benchwork was just a little too low.