BENCHWORK HEIGHT

[NW Modeling List]

If I may add to Ed's answer, I've had occasion to research and discuss this
in some layout planning seminars.  I hope this doesn't add more heat than
light.

My basic layout height is 55".  The current plan only goes up or down about
6" from that.  I'm only 5'10", but I like looking at the trains closer to
the same eye level I'd look at the prototype, it's easier to get under for
wiring, viewblocks only need to be a few inches high, return loops are less
obvious, and I can store more stuff under the layout.  But, my wife is
5' 2", she can't see the layout top, but she only comes down to the basement
once a year, and I have a good step stool.  Children and grandchildren are
not regular visitors, and, actually, visitors are rare.

What you need to do is a)visit a lot of layouts at different heights and see
what you are comfortable with, b)think about who else will be working on,
operating on, and visiting your layout.  You also have to analyze how far
you can reach for rerailing, coupling, turnouts, etc.  And then look at
wiring, other underlayout work, storage, duckunders (please avoid them if at
all possible--for most of us duckunders only get worse as we age)(at some
layout height a duckunder becomes a nodunder).

So the answer is the classic "it depends", and I don't find "blanket
recommendations" helpful.

Frank Bongiovanni





On Mon, Mar 9, 2009 at 8:46 AM, NW Modeling List
<nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org>wrote:


>  I built mine higher, to be closer to eye level.  I am pleased with the

> result.  The only downside that I feel is that I must stand on a stool to

> work on parts of it.  With a shelf layout, reaching over parts of it to work

> on an area behind should be less of a problem.  An advantage is easier work

> on the wiring and switch mechanisms under the layout.  Rail head is 48 to 53

> inches from the floor.

>

> Ed Sproles

>

>   ----- Original Message -----

> *From:* NW Modeling List <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org>

> *To:* NW Modeling <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org>

> *Sent:* Monday, March 09, 2009 7:09 AM

> *Subject:* BENCHWORK HEIGHT

>

> Hello All

>

> A topic sure to get a varied response (!); what do y'all feel is the

> optimal height for benchwork? Kalmbach book says 38".  Specific application

> is a (mostly) shelf layout.  Ceiling height is a bit limited, about 6'6"

> (remodeled basement).

>

> Any thoughts welcome!

>

> *Ed Svitil*

>

>

>  ------------------------------

>

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