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<DIV><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4>When I built this last layout several
things became inportant.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4>1. Keep in mind that once O rail height
is established rail and scenery usually goes up from there.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4>2. One has to get under the layout to
wire and do other things, so height of working overhead is important, you will
spend time on your back!.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4>3. If possible suspend the layout with
a few legs as possible, if it is a shelf layout so much better</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4>4. Keep wiring in mind and design the
frame to accomodate it, drill holes in risers and cross members as they are
installed, it really helps.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4>5. Keep in mind viewing height, my wife
is 5'3" and she wants to see what is going on especially if she
participates. Height is important for visitors and the young ones, they want to
see.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4>6. Avoid if possible long reaches to
work areas. Access holes are ok, but one has to go under to get
up.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4>7. Modelers have a great tendancy to
shore materials and stuff under the layout so it is important that any rolling
cabinets or the like clear under the layout.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4>I hope these help, they did me. Cal
Reynolds.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=nw-modeling-list@nwhs.org href="mailto:nw-modeling-list@nwhs.org">NW
Modeling List</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=nw-modeling-list@nwhs.org
href="mailto:nw-modeling-list@nwhs.org">NW Modeling List</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:09
AM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: BENCHWORK HEIGHT</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I have seen Bob's layout, and can confirm what he
says about its relationship to the room. BTW, he is an architect, so he would
tend to be more aware of this than the average one of us; but it does give the
layout a very attractive appearance. Can't comment on the fun he had laying on
his back, but I do know that half-squatting under a higher layout can be
uncomfortable. His layout is one of the more attractive ones I have seen.
(Yes, he is my cousin). Jim Nichols</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=nw-modeling-list@nwhs.org
href="mailto:nw-modeling-list@nwhs.org">NW Modeling List</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=nw-modeling-list@nwhs.org
href="mailto:nw-modeling-list@nwhs.org">NW Modeling List</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Monday, March 09, 2009 8:32
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> Re: BENCHWORK HEIGHT</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Benchwork height - a VERY important decision -
and one like most things in Model Railroading, very personal.....and
whatever we want to do on our own RR is okay and is the right
thing to do, correct? </FONT><FONT face=Arial size=2>However, let me
suggest some considerations not acknowledged, at least as of yet, and I am a
lower rather than a higher benchwork guy - 35 inches to me is "about
perfect".- because:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>(1) Much better for grandchildren, which I do
do this partially for - if not grandchildren, it does seem to regularly draw
a lot of little people!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>(2) I was surprised how much time was
spent flat on my back doing wiring! This height was perfect for
laying on the floor reaching up to the work plane - just do not
sit up without a hard hat!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>(3) A casual walker (including myself)
entering into the room gets an excellent overview of the layout and its
terrain from their normal standing eye height - it makes me happy every
time!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>(4) I provide 24 to 26-inch standard
stools for those that like to sit and look at it closer to their
own eye level.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>(5) The earlier referenced standard 24 to
26-inch stool is also perfect for me to sit at the control desk, just
below bench level.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>(6) It looks in good scale to the room and
other furniture (My layout is in a rec room setting).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>At least that is the way I "see" it
(everyday)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Bob Nichols (HO)</FONT></DIV>
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