Well here is a different wrinkle for you to consider...... What is the style of your layout? Is it just to watch the trains go around and around in more of a display setting. Or are you into operations with car cuts etc. If you are doing the operations it is better to have a lower bench height so you can see the trains backing in to pick up of drop off cars, navigate through yard ladders and throats, sidings etc. If is is more of a display layout, where you are just running trains not really thinking about car cuts etc, then a higher bench height would work just fine. I do the operations thing and I find it is easier to be above the layout to make sure I am getting to the right places; I do this standing. When the train is between stops running in the open country, I sit down and enjoy the view. My bench height is a compromise of 44 inches.
