Layout height

A recent layout of mine was at 44inches.  When I redid it I dropped it to 38 inches. I like it much better at that height.  The height was chosen such that I could comfortably sit under neath to do the wiring. The lower height also had the advantage of maing it easier for my grandchildren to see and operate. But as you say you don't have a choice to lower so 50 inches is what it will have to be.

 

Al

A 50" height for your main level sounds fine to me.  I'm 6'2" tall and prefer something a bit higher than the "customary" 42".

Our lower level is 46 1/2" from the floor to the top of the rail. The main (middle) level is 55", and the highest point where the track goes up over the main level is about 64" from the floor.

The layout I'm building in the Attic is 32". With a tilt-back creeper, perfect height underneath for wiring. When seated or standing, for me it's a good height for viewing. Plus I can reach in further with a lower table height.

 

Just my $0.02. There's no perfect height. There is usually some overarching constraint.

 

Gilly

I have ordered an around the room framework from MIANNE. Their standard height is 40" which is what I ordered. With my 1/2" wood and 1" foam, my table top will be 41 1/2" high.

That fits me fine. I'm 5'9" , 75 yrs old and dont want to have to crawl under or on the table top.

My round-the-room 9x16 attic layout is 42" high overall leaving 13" of kneewall backdrop space reaching from benchwork up to where the rafter pitch begins. Working underneath at 80+ years is a chore but not because of the height. My druthers would be to have it at about 54" overall but that is not workable if one is to utilize their attic space efficiently.

 

Fortunately I did most of my wiring while standing prior to covering the framing grid, leaving only the need for Tortoise turnout motor and lighting connections to T-strips. If I have to crawl under for any length of time, I sit in a "Stadium Seat" and comfortably reach up to do whatever--usually changing something due to poor initial planning.

I think it depends on ceiling height. If there is less distance from track to ceiling than there is between track and floor, the layout looks crammed up against the ceiling IMO. This also limits scenery possibilities above mainline track level if you like mountainous scenery.

 

Another consideration is whether you usually operate standing or sitting. It may be nice to see trains at eye level when standing, but if you are watching them while perched on a stool as I often do, then lower is better.

 

I've adopted 40" as my favorite based on these factors.

 

Jim

Thanls everyone, I decided to go with only 1 level;  it will give me more option for the scenery. So it will be at 50 in for the main part of the layout, all true I have a section with a floor a little bit higher and it give me 42 in in that place. 

Jerry,

 

The main or first level of my layout is just a tad over 48”, which makes the clearance from the floor 43-1/2” after the QuietBrace, plywood, and 2x4” frame. The second level is 9” over that, so about 57” from the floor. The “L” train is about 8” higher, making it about 65” from the floor. Then I have a subway that is 2” lower than the main level, but it is only about 24 Sq-Ft.

 

I really like the clearance under the main level, and people don’t seem to mind the fact that everything appears ‘high’. I have several observation platforms that are 16” and 10” high so people can get a better look at the top levels. The “L” train looks real when you stand on the floor and look at it. My basement was a 9-ft pour, but I installed the suspended ceiling right at 8-ft.

 

Good luck!

 

Alex

We are building the layout for my grandson, his dad and I. mY GRANDSON IS ONLY 8and his dad and I are about 5' 8". We have 2 major levels, one at 40" and the other at 36", We have an elevated village level at 59" and grain silos at 59.54, and 44". Our Power Plant and Coal mine are at 54. Our auto plant is at 50". all of our Shops are AT 36"LEVEL. oUR REFINERY IS AT THE 40" LEVEL. Our mail Passenger terminal is at 49" but a smaller one is at 59". Our track levels vairy from 26"lower storage yard to 36", 40" and 50" with all being connected with incline track.

 

For the one main area that is at 40" we are building a 12" high walking platform until the grandson gets a little taller. All of this is being built under 9" ceilings. Good Luck on your selections.

In my opinion around the room narrow style layouts look better higher, wide tables that you have to look across look better at 36-40"

My main level is 48" and I think it could be a bit higher (I am 6'4") Your plan sounds in to me.