How high?

[g-pa1]

I am in the process of trying to find out the optimum height of the benchwork for a layout. I have gone to some club event/train shows and their benchwork is at around 5 feet off the floor with 5" of clear plexiglass separating people from the layout. I know some people subscribe to the 42" height as it keeps them from bending over so much. I just got a number of 2x2x32" legs for two 4'x4' tables. I know that most tables are approx. 30" and counter tops are 36" high. I think after I put the plywood and then the foam it will be up to about 35 or 36" esp. if I mount wheels on the bottom of the legs. Anyway what height does everyone else have their benchwork at. Gene

[untabubba]

Gene, Mine is a GHASTLY 32". Very low, but I like watching the action while seated....and sipping my wine!! :D 😄 😄 No-one is gonna come beat you up because of your layout height! Consider who is going to be "peeping" your trains.....little kids (Grandkids?) aren't very tall. Do you want to operate your trains while standing or sitting?? Marc

[trmwf]

Gene, This is really a personal preference. In the old days all layouts were pretty low, 36"-42" or somewhere there abouts. Then somebody figured the trains would look a little more realistic if you viewed them more from the side then from the top, then probably published an article in MR magazine or something like that and away they went all the way up to maybe even over 5 feet in some places. I had one that was around the three foot range and I could sit in a nice chair with wheels on it and really enjoy things. Then I thought I had better get up with the times and built my present layout about 50". Now I have to stand and admittedly do not enjoy it as much and probably do not mess with them as much as if I could be sitting. If I had to do it over again I would give serious consideration to going back down to the three foot level. I'll admit they do look a bit nicer when they are closer to eye level, especially for any visitors or operators you might have viewing your layout but then, how many times does that happen. Never at my place. I vote for ...... Mike Can I ask why two four foot square tables? Have you ever thought of maybe a 2 foot wide shelf type table in between the 4 footers that is say maybe 3 or 4 foot long or longer if you have the room. A nice way to add a little length and run time to your main line.

[g-pa1]

Marc, I am not the tallest person in the world and I like to sit and operate the trains so thus my rationale for 32". Your pictures look like your benchwork is higher than that. I guess pics can be misleading. Also 32" seems to make doing scenery easier especially at the back end of a 2x4 sheet of plywood. Hey good luck in school with the kids. I retired from teaching/learning after 34 years several years ago and now just teach the grandkids. I am LOVING retirement. One thing - 3:00 seems to come way to quickly now.I barely have time to look up lately and it is 3 already. And people ask what do you do in your retirement. Aren't you bored? No way no how. For instance I get the grand kids going in the am then I took my mother for cataract surgery then we went to lunch and then my better half and I went to the Kitchen store to finalize our new Kitchen then we went shopping for a new computer desk and work desk to put in the den and the kitchen then went out to dinner and then went home.In the mean time we finalized the faucets and the vanities in the new bahtrooms. Whew!!! Gene

[g-pa1]

Mike, I am trying to think ahead and plan that if I had to move the layout I could do it easier with two 4x4' tables. As it is I probably will end up with three 4x4 tables and have L shaped benchwork but a kind of free form (sort of like an artists pallette)table with the tracks (three N scale and a mine with a Z scale feeder train) running over around and through the scenery.I envision building a mountain with a tunnel that I can lift off in case of a derailment. somewhat similar to the picture I posted in Gene's Gems but a little more elaborate. I think I made the right decision on the 32" legs though as I do like to sit down and enjoy the trains. Gene

[trmwf]

Just a thought Gene. I am 6'4" with a long reach. I started with a 4 x 8 and it is really hard to reach back in to the corners of those 4 foot sections. Maybe not to just reach in a pick something up but when you have to lean over at the waist and hold that position while you are reaching back with both arms to lay track, build scenery, ballast the track, well you get my drift. You could keep your 4x4 tables, just build another moveable table that is 2x4. Mike

[untabubba]

I LOVE my chair with wheels!! That's why I'm at about 32". I can "zoom" to a different angle to appreciate the various views at "eye level" from the chair, yet when standing (6'0") I can reach the back areas to grab stuff. I have my benchwork just far enough from the wall to be able to walk ("scuttle"?) sideways all the way around. So I can physically go back there if I need to work; which, of course, I am still deeply immersed in. (Sorry Ez!) :8} :D Gene, WOW!! That's a nice career! What did you teach? Marc

[ginzokid]

Hi guys, My benchwork goes from a low of 42" to a high of 51". Most of it hangs off the walls but some is in island form on legs. It would take a sledge hammer to move my benchwork. Definitely not mobile. At these heights I keep the benchwork from 16" to 24" deep as that is about all you can reach into. The island portion is 4' wide as access can be had from both sides. I walk into and around the layout so these heights are good for my 5'8" frame. When wiring underneath, I can sit in a chair and reach up a little bit or sit on the floor and reach a lot. This height also keeps little hands off the layout. The little monsters have to be hoisted up in someones arms to see everything and that gives perfect damage control. That said, layout height is a personl thing and there is no right or wrong. Just think of the wheel chair bound modelers who have layouts. Low benchwork without legs is required. It's all about personal comfort. Pete

[beastranger]

My layout is built on six 2x8ft tables arrainged into a 20x8ft oval with the possability of takedown in mind. The height is 40". I like a high workbench so that I don't have to bend over to much to save the old back. I'm 5'10'. I have a tall bar stool that is just the right height for when I want to sit and work on a section. The funny thing about this thread is finding out how tall everyone is. Kind of blows away preconcieved notions. :p Doug PS; for those who keep track, this is post 755

[janesew]

My table top is 1 metre from the ground (39 inches US) built on "L" girders. That height was more a product of obstacles on the wall I had to go under. I too like to sit in my CN "waiting room" chair to watch my trains. I'm 6' 1+1/2" Scorpio with Hazel eyes and like long walks on the beach, large radii, and anything steam powered. By the way... I'm back. Had a great trip to Mass and Maine. I couldn't stop on the way to see you Doug as the wife had to be back at work Sunday (and you were still in the midst of uncertainty when I shut down the ol' iMac.) but I did wave as we roared through Vermont. Didn't see too much of trains on this trip (lots of lobsters, a couple of whales and too many antique stores). Thanks for the tip on Battleship Cove. Spent a morning with a PT boat Vet who hasn't talked about his experiences in the war until his family paid for his visit to the museum that very day. I enjoyed a personal guided tour with all his anecdotes bursting out the dam of repressed memories! Also hooked up with a bunch of vets on the destroyer and spend a couple of hours on the bridge (closed to the public) listening to old stories. Fantastic day. There is a small RR museum next door where I spent the afternoon shooting the breeze. While I was there, no other customers came by. A little sad considering the stream of folks at the Battleship museum. I'm still a little knocked out from the drive home. I only had enough energy to guess at Pete's contest (I thought there were more ducks!) but now I'm back to normal verbose form. Fred - I can't believe that, with a subject tittle of "How High", no one has made any jokes about alcohol consumption!

[janesew]

Oh, by the way Gene, I'd like to recommend that, if you are putting wheels on your legs, you choose the locking kind and, if possible, find a way to mount them so you can adjust the height. Most floors are uneven, especially basements but even new upper floors will settle unevenly. Fred

[crazyd37]

Ok, now how are we going to handle the height issue? I am 5'4" and Ed is 6'1". Our small track is at a height of 38" with a 36 inch reach. Needless to say this is temporary and too high and too deep for me and just right for Ed. We sit on drafting stools with wheels for now and will have to remember the 9 inch height difference with the final layout for sure. I, too, like the ability to work seated, especially when it's for hours. A compromise in height and depth will have to be worked out for us! DZ

[jamajack]

I too am 6.0' and have a 41" height with two sections with a 36" reach. Even for my height I need assistance so I keep a plastic milk crate that I have cut down to approx 9" turned upside down and then can bend over the 36" section and it is fairly comforable to work the far areas. In fact I also have a small two step utility ladder I use if I have to get right into a far corner. Both of these store very nicely under the layout. Layout height is what you are comfortable with and how you want to eyeball the layout. Jack #92

[ginzokid]

Dot, Adjustable drafting stools! I know you have them. You raise yours and Ed lowers his. I still have my favorite adjustable height drafing chair on wheels that I sit at all day building my models. How about adjustable legs on the layout. Depending on who is working on it at the time you could raise or lower the whole thing.....nah! Too complicated. Nevermind. CodFadda

[nascarpetlover]

I too am short, only 5'8". But do have big feet, NOT. Anyway my height is going to be, or should I start a new contest. I think not, 36" for the lower section and a hopefully upper section at about 48" or so. With the room being about 10x20 should not need a helix to go from one level to the other. Will just have to plan this in as I build the lower section first. Lou still faceless and rebuilding the layout (again).