BENCHWORK HEIGHT

[NW Modeling List]

I finally got back into model railway construction and operation beginning this past December thanks to successful recovery from back surgery!  The model railway is located in an 800 sq.ft. finished building I had constructed in my back yard (it matches my brick home, has a dedicated HVAC unit, and as well as HD Satellite TV and surround sound installed).  The model railway benchwork is single level with 170"+ of double and triple track mainline (minimum radius of 32.25").  The maximum distance the bottom of sub-roadbed extends above the top of the benchwork is 8" (with a maximum mainline grade of 1.25% ).  I have committed several sins in my design basically relating to wide benchwork and working access/reach difficulties. To address this I have a short step ladder with a support rail/frame that extends upward and outward that allows me to get up and lean out (safely) to reach areas.  I also have 3 access cut-outs located in the benchwork at strategic locations to give me access when needed.

My last 3 model railroads have had benchwork at this elevation, 48". (Just love those corporate moves that let me teardown and restart the building process all over again)  Despite some access/reach difficulties that I discussed earlier, I greatly prefer high benchwork for several reasons.


*         You are able to look at your operations more like we see real railroads,; "at ground level" (not like coming in to the airport looking down from an aircraft).

*         You can perform most of the work needed on top of the benchwork without lots of bending over and down.

*         The greater below clearance makes It easier to do wiring and other under the benchwork tasks.

*         Under the benchwork is a great storage area!  The greater the height the more you can store.

*         And lastly.......The higher the benchwork the more difficult for "children" to reach and wreck havoc on your railroad.

Ed Painter;  Narrows, VA currently Russellville, AR

From: nw-modeling-list-bounces at nwhs.org [mailto:nw-modeling-list-bounces at nwhs.org] On Behalf Of NW Modeling List
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 6:09 AM
To: NW Modeling
Subject: BENCHWORK HEIGHT

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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