I'm in the process of designing a new HO scale layout. I have the choice of two different rooms in my house. One is 10x17 & the other is 10x11. Due to the shape of the ceiling I can only have a layout height of 30 inches with the 10x17 room. The other room I can go up to a 46 inch layout height. The layout I'm wanting to build is a simple L-shaped industrial switching layout that doesn't take alot of money or time to build. I guess what I'm asking is which is more important for a shelf layout, size or height?
If you're standing up, then go with the 46, but if you don't mind sitting down on a chair with wheels, then I'd go with the bigger room, especially in HO. Although a bigger layout would cost more money.... Mike
If you were going to be just running trains / railfanning, and wanted to sit back with a beverage while doing so, the 30" might be OK, though working the underside would be tough. For a switching layout, I agree with HOExplorer, you'll be interacting with the layout a lot so sitting down isn't going to work very well. Given that you are also saying the layout will be relatively small and simple anyway, the extra WxL won't really help, so I would definitely go with the 10x11 room and get the 46" height. Can I assume you are familiar with Lance Mindheim's work? Given your plans there, you should be.
My N scale around the room layout (12'x21') is 52 inches high. The layout is "U" shaped. Have fun with it Shades
Thank you for the replies. I started getting the 10x11 room ready yesterday evening. Definitely familiar was his work. I'm planning on using a modified version one of his plans.
