IS there a standard height for benchwork? I was planning on 36", but if there is a standard height I want to be correct.
Welcome to the Trainboard. There is no real standard for benchwork height, unless you are part of club, such as N-track, One-Track, etc. If individual modules need to be connected, then you will have to follow the club's standards. For a home layout, anything goes. Just remember that as the benchwork height increases, the depth that you can reach into comfortably decreases. My current layout is a shelf layout in our bonus room. Since the room is to be used for computer, craft and other uses, I have the bottom of my benchwork at 53", with the railhead height at about 55"-56". I am 6'4", so that is not a problem for me. I do have to use a step stool to reach into corners, but for the most part, the 24" wide shelf is at a great height for me. I model in N scale, so I like the close up view. Look at the space you have available and how you want to operate. I like to walk around my layout and follow the train around, as the layout is a 13' x 21' x 13', around three walls. If you have a smaller layout, and plan to operate from a seated position, then 36" should be alright. Now, double deck layouts are a whole other story. Let us know how you make out and feel free to ask any and all questions. Eric
Welcome aboard! Set your benchwork height where you are most comfortable. Not only for access on top, but working on wiring, etc., underneath. I like to be able to sit without banging my head on framing. 36" may be a little low for that ability. Hope you'll share plans, and progress photos as you go along! Boxcab E50
36" will be too low unless you are sitting in a chair. Every time I rebuild mine I put the benchwork a little higher. My benchwork is at 52" now and the tracks are raised another 2" to 4". I think 48" is a good place to start You can get two legs from one 8' board. I think there is a better visual effect being at street level instead of looking at rooftops. Good luck with your layout. Steve
I set the legs of my layout at 48 inches because that is the length of an eight foot 2 x 2 sawed in half. In other words, it was a matter of economics. With my track in place, it is about 50 inches high.
My rails are 50" from the floor... Ni ce height to view them, but sucks for little kids when they visit.
The height of the track on the benchwork is 50 inches high. Most folks use 48" as a guideline. Thirty-six inches in height will give you a backache from the constant bending over. 50" is a great viewing height. Stay cool and run steam.....
I'm with him. Besides I'm below average in height as are the people likely to be viewing it, (women), so 48 works for me and I might drop that to 38 because I am considering at 2nd level at some point.
As long as we are on the subject... Bob Batson of the Texas Central RR showed me that putting a two inch wide strip along the edge of the layout allows some protection of the models and also a nice place to place your elbows when looking at the layout. It is about .75 inches above "ground" level of the layout on my 50 inch high table. In this picture you can see the strip running along the back sides of the scrap yard. Also, you can see it on the outside edge of the penisula across the aisle.
Funny you should ask. I just signed up for a Rail Images account. I have a few construction photos to add. At this point, it is a sea of blue foam. I am hopefully finalzing a track plan this weekend. I'll try to post some shots on Monday, in a separate thread. Eric
Not a bad idea. It should also add some strength to benchwork. As people do bump into things.... Boxcab E50
One experiment you might try is to try out different heights in your home using anything available. You will find that as the cars and engines get closer to eye level, they become more dynamic and enjoyable to view, especially in N scale. I have a double decker and the one height is 38 inches and the other 58 inches. The 58 inches is much better for viewing your rolling stock. When experimenting with height in the house or apartment anything to hold the engine will do; you're just getting a sense of height. So for example, you can use a shelf in the refrigerator, a counter top, the top of the TV, etc to get a feeling for height, don't forget bookcases. And your height will be a variable in the equation as well, are you 5' 2'' or are you 6' 8''? Welcome to trainboard.
