John C. posted:Mark:
Carefully consider your height for the layout. You could sit in a rolling chair and roll under to access openings at the wide spots versus crawling. Maybe the lowest support could be 50 inches up? You would have to test yourself seated to see....easier for access and even work on wiring. A thought....
John, Yes height considerations for the new plan in the new room haven't been discussed much. As with any space, there is always some odd consideration it seems. in the first room, there was the big sliding glass door in the middle of one wall. This room, it is the bookcase for the full 12 foot wall and 8 feet of windows. The windows are on the south wall with no trees obstructing the sun. The trees are all on the west and south sides of the house. The top of the book case is at 42 inches above the carpeted floor. The top of the window sill is at 55 1/2 inches above the floor. At the grades assumed, there would be an 8 inch difference between the rail heads of each level. Support under the lower level equals just about the 13 1/2 difference.
While I don't like the windows with all that sun, because I have heard of various scenic items fading in color over time, I don't want to block the natural light, because the only other windows are on the back door almost 30 feet away.
My thought is that since the track is mostly around the outer edge of the loops, I will run my wire feeds near the edges, so I won't need in the middle. Once built, I will need access more for derailments or track cleaning and scenery additions on the top. That said, I agree totally that it is much better doing wiring or anything seated as opposed to kneeling, squatting, (both of which I can't do any more) or laying on an automotive creeper as some model railroaders do.
All that said, nothing is set in stone yet for sure. It is definitely something to think out. I won't get to building until fall or winter anyway. Thank you.
