BENCHWORK HEIGHT

[NW Modeling List]

My 2 cents worth:

My own benchwork is going in at 46 1/4".  That way I can deck directly 
over it and have staging yards at 47".  My main line will vary between 
48" and 52", made necessary by my desire to include a Free-Mo module 
(with a mandated 48" rail height).  While I do not have any track in at 
that elevation yet, the preliminary experiments show promise.  I had 
previously mounted a small switching layout at about 56", which I find 
too high, even though I'm 6'2" tall.  I found that I was looking out 
over the yard, which looked great, but it was difficult to see the 
switches and the card on the back tracks.  I think the slightly lower 
elevation will work out nicely, even though it won't look quite as 
impressive when you walk in.

38" sounds a bit low to me, but I guess it depends on how you're going 
to support your track and make scenery.  I'm giving myself 2"-6" above 
the benchwork for roadbed and scenery below the track level.  It's not 
enough for a mountainous layout, but it should work for my purposes.

Hope this helps,
Kenneth Rickman

NW Modeling List wrote:

> Hello All

>  

> A topic sure to get a varied response (!); what do y'all feel is the 

> optimal height for benchwork? Kalmbach book says 38".  Specific 

> application is a (mostly) shelf layout.  Ceiling height is a bit 

> limited, about 6'6" (remodeled basement).

>  

> Any thoughts welcome!

> 

> *Ed Svitil*

> 

> 

> 

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-- 
Kenneth Rickman - krickman1 at carolina.rr.com
Salisbury, NC

"Once admit that human life can be guided by reason, and all possibility 
of life is annihilated" - Leo Tolstoy