Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
Layout Height
Paul asks:
“My HO layout is 44 inches high. People have to bend over to look at buildings etc. I’m currently raising it another 4 inches. I’m wondering what height do most of you use on your layouts?”
Add (or view) answers below.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
My 4×8 foot N scale layout is 36.5″ high. I’m the only operator and I sit most of the time.
Layout height is a matter of personal preference. I’m 5’9″. My first layout was 36″ and way too low making wiring horrible. My second was 54″, was great on wiring but not so on reach. Every layout since is 48″ and I can live with that.
My layout is about 36 inches high. I had to lower it as it is in a 5 volt crawl space a d I have an office chair to roll around the !ayout. To get at the wiring I have a creeper to roll under. My dog and I are usually the only ones down there.
That should be 5 foot crawl space
Mine is 1,5m, ideal for stepping under the duckunder. Also means action is closer to eye level. (N scale)
Our club modular layout that we take to local Greenberg and other shows follows the FreeMo national standards for height. The track is 50 inches high from the floor to the railhead so that every module is able to connect with any module in the country. The 50″ height is great for operating and viewing except for children. It’s a good height for us since we form a 15 ft. x 35 ft. oval and we need to get under it to get in and out so it’s a little easier on the back at 50 inches. We do get complaints from parents who bring kids to see the layout but we can’t change it and still operate it. My point is, there are pluses and minuses to whatever height of your layout is so choose what’s best for you and go with it.
Mine is also 36 inches high.
48 inches seems natural because an 8 foot 2×2 makes 2 legs. But I find 48 inches a little low, so I added a wood wrap at the bottom of the leg which allowed to raise the layout to 51 inches
Install adjustable levelers on the legs. They’re great for adjusting for not-quite-level flooring and generally have 1.5 to 2.5 inches of adjustability.