optimal height for benchwork

I like the "armpit" approach, ie: benchtop as high as your armpit for a realistic viewing angle. This does limit your reach into the layout but I like the overall effect.

Rich

Mine is 44".  This gives plenty of room underneath to do the work as well as a nice reach on top.  Honestly though I wish it was higher.  The viewing angle is much better when I'm sitting down in my chair than standing but ease of working is important.  My layout is 10' deep.  With an access hatch in the middle I can reach everything. 

I have mine at 50", it is perfect for me. 

Dave

Mine is 41”

No particular reason. I used that height on my last three layouts and it works for me.

Richard

Hudson,

This is another consideration where you will get a variety of answers.  I think you need to take into consideration if only adults will be viewing and operating the layout or if children will be viewing it too.  I take it from your comment that 40" seems too low, that you either aren't planing it for small children, or children will be seated on stools.  My personal opinion is that 40 inches is too low for me.  I would be straining my back bending a bit all the time I am reaching onto the layout.  My last layout was 50 inches high, which gave a nice realistic viewing angle, but I am going with a little lower than 45 inches on this layout because I have a big window between my train room and the adjacent room which has a 45-inch high sill.  I want to be able to look into the room and not see the side of benchwork.  The trains will climb 5 inches to the benchwork on the other side of the room.

I don't like it too low either, because I have arthritis, which affects my hands, but now is attacking my knees.  I don't want to crawl under a low layout.  Others have said they want it at a height where they can lay on a roll around creeper and have the layout at a comfortable height for reaching up to do wiring.  

You will get a host of different opinions, which is great.  You will then be able to pick through them to see what best suits your needs.

Its all in the ergonomics of who is going to be working on it. How tall are you and your reach will dictate what height and viewing pleasure you prefer your layout to be.

Now "I went off the board for a 1000" by designing a double decker.... the lower level is great to work on via a rolling desk chair at 22 inches in height. And for the little ones to get close with the trains... This also allowed for my upper deck to be at 44 inches and the depth at a maximum of 24 inches for corner reach concerns...

I would work out your track plan and then look at the hard to reach areas first.

Here is a short video of the upper deck.

Thanks to all!!!

I went with 44" based on my HO days. If I did it again I'd go lower.....?The much required height between levels makes the 44" kinda tall......it can limit how many levels you may have. Maybe 37"?? 

Mine is between 48 and 52 inches depending on where measured on my layout. I'm 66 and this relatively high height puts less strain on my back when i need to go under the table; also good for photos and videos.

Prior layouts were lower because i had young kids.

definitely need to factor in if you are having multiple levels. I have two levels and they are 38" and 46" high. Next time I will go higher striving for a more eye level viewing

I have tried from 36" to my present 48", and everything in between. I settled on 48" as it gave me enough room to sit on this (below, green top) home made creeper and easily navigate under the layout without hitting my head. The frame is all 2" x 4"s, which greatly minimized the number of legs. The levels are 48", 57" and 66". The subway is 45", but it is only about 36" x 84", and I don't need to go under it.

Alex

My new layout under construction has (3) levels. The heights were decided by me for my benefit since 90% of the time I will be the only guy running trains. If guests are too short, I have a number of stools, etc to use for viewing.

Lower level = 39.5"

Middle level (main viewing level) = 49"

Upper level = 57"

I am around 6'-0" tall so these heights work well for me.

I am with Ingeniero, I also built a little stool to sit on and roll around under the lower level for wiring, etc.

Donald

HUDSON......   As Monty Python used to say.....    Now for something totally different!    My main layout table elevation is 26", and other mainlines are located 36" and 43" elevation from floor.   Reason why is for easy reach across the layout, though widest section is 6 ft.  My knees will not take the standing and supporting my reach while on a step ladder, etc.  Also, making use of a creeper under the table, in a lying down position, allows for easy reach to the bottom of layout without having to bend my neck back when looking up at wiring, etc.  I can maintain comfortable neck position and work longer periods without strain.  Also, my layout is multiple levels/elevations, and this table height it leaves plenty of room for the next main line and classification yard to be located on future upper level, approx. 50", depending upon grade of access when constructed.  As for your layout, as pointed out in prior posts, it all depends upon your situation and plans for access/viewing/guests.

Jesse     TCA  12-68275

The key measurement for me is - 2 tubs high - for storage tubs...at least that high!

Roving Sign posted:

The key measurement for me is - 2 tubs high - for storage tubs...at least that high!

There you go!!  Everyone has a different criteria for deciding on the height of the layout!!  

Our layout top is 42 inches and space under is 36 inches. I could go a bit higher on the table height but the kids have a hard enough time seeing it at 42 going 6 more and they'll need stilts

Matt Makens posted:

Our layout top is 42 inches and space under is 36 inches. I could go a bit higher on the table height but the kids have a hard enough time seeing it at 42 going 6 more and they'll need stilts

Same height here..

I've had 48" high but the present layout is 36" with maximum width of 36" (can't work on what you can't reach).

Get a sheet of plywood the width you want your layout to be and set it on something where you can vary the height, table, saw horse, books, whatever.  See what the best height is FOR YOU, not only to see but to work on, get under, etc.

I went with 36" because of the 36" high knee walls I have upstairs, but like it better than the 48".  Actually one side has knee walls of 36" the other side is 48", but at a 12-pitch roof I would have lost another foot in width had I gone 48" all around.

I can see things fine and can reach everything I need to reach.  I run battery-powered, remote-controlled engines so no need to get underneath for any wiring, but it's not that big of an issue (I did have the present layout wired initially) if I chose to do so.

I run trains by myself, when my grandkids come over I'll run them so they can watch, but they're too young to run them by themselves.  I wouldn't bother building a layout if it was only for showing trains to others.

I went with 48" high for viewing, and being able to work underneath the layout. The older one gets....the more difficult it is to crawl....bend....look up to solder...and run wires. Storage under the layout is an added benefit. 

I set the height at 40 inches, basement floor to top of plywood sheet.

it's all personal preference. I am 6' 7" and my work bench is at 48" so I don't break my back.

Let me throw in a little different perspective:

I have lots of Grand kids, Great Grand Kids, Visitors, Friends w/Kids, Many Tours from Schools, & Hold Many Tours for the Public!!! I build my Layouts 36" High!!!!  These "KIDS" can now see everything that's going on!!  This still gives me room to sit on a Foam Cushion and my Head Clears the Bottom of the Layout to do all the Wiring!!! Just for what it 's worth !!!

Regards,

Fred (Fredstrains)