multi-level layouts

[rmathos]

I'm building a new HO layout with two levels in 2' wide modules, but haven't settled on the distance between the upper and lower. Since i'm using metal studs instead of wood, it's easy to make changes- right now the distance between the lower levels styrofoam surface and the bottom of the top levels supports is 13 1/2"- the actual area you can see as the layout. It is an additional 4 1/2" to the surface of the upper level. My problem is my railroad will have to climb a 2 1/2% grade a total of 18" "UP" from one level to the next. If my math is right, it will take almost 60' to make that climb. My question is, how much seperation do you 2 level folks use- it looks like i could narrow the distance several inches and not look crowded since the lower level is over 4' above the ground. Please don't suggest a helix- this is a railroad in the mountains of NE Arizona, and I like the climbing idea. I also have plenty of wall space [55' mobile home, just me and the RR will live in it]. I'd like some perspective from some of you who have 2 levels before I decide on a final seperation distance. Just 3" closer would save me 10' of climbing. Thanks for some feedback on this, Curt

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[Jerome Lutzenberger]

I have 17 inches of seperation between the lower deck top and the upper deck top. I have found this to be just about as tight as I want to go. Like you, by using 3 inch bracing on the top deck viewing area is cut down to 14 inches on the lower deck. The next consideration is depth of the bottom deck. In one place I made mine one foot from the outside edge to the back drop and in another I used two feet, with the outside edges being equal in both cases. The one foot width seems to work a lot better.

Good luck.

[rmathos]

Thanks Jerome: sounds like we're pretty close on this! Curt

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If you're not having fun model RRing, you're missing the point!