Layout height?

[rgeiter]

42” seemed to be the sweet spot for me. Now that might change when I start building my new railroad, which will be two levels.

 

[TLOC]

While I mentioned I have had 50” and 54” layout heights for single deck layouts I did operate on one Sunday at 56”. Surprising to me it was only 56” as it felt slightly uncomfortable and until I asked thought it was 60”. A great switching layout the biggest reach was 19” to any track accessible from both sides as it was a center of the room island layout, 41” x 25’. I still had a great time. The owner is 6’2 and maybe low 40’s, a perfect height for him. He has been told it may appear in the 2025 Model Railroad Planner annual Tony K does for Kalmbach

 

[Espeefan]

A rule of thumb is the older you are the higher it should be. Personally I always liked looking at my models at ground level. The upper level of a double deck layout was almost perfect. Plus, it makes under the layout easier to get to for aging spines!

 

[FeatherRiver]

Hey everyone! Thanks for your info and comments.
Keep it coming........

 

[MOWboss]

Thanks for the additional replies and giving me more food for thought. I am going to mock up a couple of different heights and experiment with an adjustable chair and stool.

per the video from GeoGeorge be sure to cantilever the legs out and back a few inches from the outside edge of your bench work. You won't believe how many times you knock knees gliding around on your chair with straight legs.
I think sitting down and operating is underrated.
Another consideration is to build micro operations with its own power supply and control panel. Example I have a car ferry at the waters edge and can sit there and load/offload hoppers for an hour.