Layout heights

[p14shooter]

I thought i had posted this before, but can not find the question. So ill ask again.

I have finally come up with my 36x80 n scale track plan and have the bench work done except for permanently attaching the legs. Due to a slight miscalculation, the top of the layout is sitting at 39.75 inches. About 4 inches higher than what i had originally planned. An easy fix I know. However, what are preferences for height? I know it is also a personal preference, but I understand that 36-42in is optimal. I intend to operate from a sitting position. I have no scenery planned but I suspect that it will be relatively flat, maybe elevated farmland in the middle, and MAYBE just for variation on the far edge of the layout, a slight track elevation. I am able to reach the far edge of the track for derailments.

 

[migalyto]

, what are preferences for height?

I have mine at about 43" I chose that height for a couple of reasons:

1) with a depth of 33" wide it was a comfortable balance of leaning over and doing scenery and not being too stretched.

2) I use a drafting stool at my workbench so I wanted to be able to use it while doing scenery at the layout. Since its adjustable I can lower it to get a better viewing height and not have the bench work so tall.

 

[Selector]

I have had four layouts, all but one near 45", but with grades the mains sometimes get higher, closer to 51". My third layout was very low, and I loved looking down on it. It was about 27" high. It was in a loft under a hipped roof in an outbuilding on our property, and since I like 'around-the-room' layouts to maximize running distance on the main, I had to keep it that low. Again, loved it. The floor was G1S plywood heavily painted so that it was easy, if I kept it clean, to get onto my back and slide under each bench component to do wiring or whatever.

As Mike suggested earlier, a good compromise lets you enjoy the high-vantage point view, but it's also nice to be able to simulate being on a small hillock near your yard or tracks and to watch switching....from a comfy chair. So, we're talking between 36" and 46".

 

[jward]

Mine is a little different. I am building a two deck 5x10. My wife is wheelchair bound so I wanted the lower deck to be low enough for her to see the trains. I used the kitchen table height of 29" for this deck, and calculated that I could get the upper deck at 48" without resorting to either a helix or exceeding a 4% grade. 29" is great for running while seated in a standard chair, 48" requires a bar stool.

 

[RhB Michael]

My last two layouts were both at a base height of 48" at the first level. This is for material savings when using 8' lumber. Very little waste.

 

[logandsawman]

I went with 36" on my present layout, for 2 reasons. I like to sit in a kitchen chair and watch the train go, and it is easy to reach the back without a stool.

My previous layout was 48" because I had the duck under to get into the middle. That height helped but both me and wife scraped the back a few times. For the current layout I have a lift out, which I like.

Side note, I drove my bachmann 060 right off the end of my new layout, it hit the rug. No damage remarkably. The fireman was smart enough to jump out, and he is fine.

 

[kgstakes]

My current switching layout is at a height of 38" and I have two base cabinets under the layout for support. A normal desk chair is a bit low for my layout as it is all switching but a drafting chair works well with it.

Other layouts I've built were chest high around the room (I'm 5' 4") so approx. 50-56" was the track level.
It is up to you as to the height of your layout but like the others have said will you be sitting in a desk chair, bar stool, or drafting chair or are you going to be mostly standing and only sitting once in awhile.

 

[Snowman]

If it matters the standard layout heights for modular railroads like N-traK and Free-mo (and Free-moN)
are: 40" for N-trak (low so kids can see it) and 50" for Free-mo and Free-moN, so adults are more comfortable. FWIW, as a man who once stood well over six feet, the latter standards are a BIG part of the attraction.

With regard to Free-moN (n-scale) the standards also dictate a ruling grade of no more than 2.0%...and a maximum layout (rail) height of 62." This last bit is "right in my wheelhouse" as the old saying went.
I model steep mountain territory, and both the height and grade limits work well enough for me.

 

[Snowman]

I went with 36" on my present layout, for 2 reasons. I like to sit in a kitchen chair and watch the train go, and it is easy to reach the back without a stool.

My previous layout was 48" because I had the duck under to get into the middle. That height helped but both me and wife scraped the back a few times. For the current layout I have a lift out, which I like.

Side note, I drove my bachmann 060 right off the end of my new layout, it hit the rug. No damage remarkably. The fireman was smart enough to jump out, and he is fine.

So...no HO personal were injured during the incident?

 

[logandsawman]

So...no HO personal were injured during the incident?

I, myself, did sustain scraped skin; however the layout was entirely undamaged